Sigma’s 105mm f/2.8 macro lens is quite similar to Nikon’s own 105mm f/2.8 macro lens (or micro lens, as Nikon calls them). But it’s priced significantly lower, especially when you can get a good deal on it. It’s a 105mm prime, has autofocus, as well as built-in lens optical stabilization.
The 105mm focal length is my favorite macro length for the simple reason that I find it the most versatile for my needs. From product photography to close-ups of flowers, I find the 1:1 magnification it offers to be something I reach for often.
But one of the things I like about these lenses is that they’re not just macro lenses. I find them surprisingly versatile for general-purpose and even portrait photography (although other specialized lenses like Nikon’s 105mm f/1.4 is even better for that, it’s also much more expensive). It wouldn’t necessarily displace something like a 28-70mm or 70-200mm in my travel photo kit, but it can nevertheless come in handy.
So I’ve included in the sample images below a mix of traditional macro shots as well as more general-purpose travel style photos.
Most of the time, I use Nikon’s 105mm f/2.8, and I’ve used the past two generations of that lens. But I’ve recently been shooting with Sigma’s 105mm f/2.8. Or, more technically, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens.
There are versions for Nikon and Canon; I’ve been using the Nikon version. These were all taken with a Nikon D810 and processed in Lightroom. I’ve not applied any of Lightroom’s lens corrections, such as chromatic aberration or lens profiles, to these.
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM macro lens sample images
You can click on each image to open a full-size version if you’d like a closer look.
Price & availability of the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM macro lens
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens is available with Nikon F and Canon EF mounts. There is a very similar model, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens, which is available in Sigma’s I-Series for mirrorless Sony E and Leica L mounts.
Sigma has set the MSRP for the lens at $969.
Buy new
Check current price and availability at:
Buy used
If you’re in the market for a used copy, these places are worth a look:
Other alternatives
If you’re shooting on a Nikon DSLR, Nikon has, which is also a great lens (and my regular 105mm macro). You can find some photos I’ve taken with that lens here.
Accessories for the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM macro lens
Filters. It takes standard 62mm screw-in filters: Polarizer | UV/Haze | ND.
Thanks! After a lot of research, I bought this lens to you already use it for portraits. It is incredibly sharp and I’m very happy with the purchase.
Thank you for the informative articles, reviews and sample photos. They are awesome!