Sigma’s 105mm ƒ/2.8 macro lens is quite similar to Nikon’s own 105mm ƒ/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 ƒ/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.
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- 1:1 Magnification
- Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- OS Image Stabilization
Most of the time, I use Nikon’s 105mm ƒ/2.8, and I’ve used the past two generations of that lens. But I’ve recently been shooting with Sigma’s 105mm ƒ/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 ƒ/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:
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- 1:1 Magnification
- Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- OS Image Stabilization
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.
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Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-09-26 at 12:03. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
