Sigma 105mm F2 8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Review | 54 Data compared

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens is a complete design overhaul of its predecessor, bringing major technical upgrades like optical stabilization (OS) and a near-silent Hypersonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system. Priced around $950, this full-frame lens delivers exceptional image quality, producing highly sharp results even wide open at f/2.8, with peak performance achieved when stopped down to f/5.6. Its optical performance is further elevated by outstanding control over aberrations, showcasing no meaningful distortion whatsoever and keeping chromatic aberration strictly in check with only very light magenta fringing in the corners of full-frame bodies. Built for true macro shooters, it offers a 1:1 reproduction ratio, a 31cm close-focusing distance, and a well-damped, rigid manual focus ring tailored for precision adjustments. Despite its strong optical profile, the lens carries a few specific drawbacks that users should consider. Its optical stabilization provides roughly 2 to 2.5 stops of performance but exhibits poor results and struggles specifically at a shutter speed of 1/60s, which can negatively impact image sharpness. While corner shading is non-existent on APS-C bodies, full-frame users will...

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens is a completely overhauled third-generation optic designed for both full-frame and APS-C DSLR sensors. The review highlights major design improvements over the 2004 version, most notably the addition of optical stabilization offering up to 4 stops of shake reduction, and an internal focusing system that prevents the lens barrel from expanding during close-up work. Optically, the lens delivers an exceptionally strong performance; it features 16 elements in 11 groups—including two Special Low Dispersion elements to fight aberrations—and produces crisp contrast with an extended "sweet spot" for sharpness that maintains high resolution all the way up to f/22. Additionally, it features a quiet Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) for autofocus, a 9-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh, and a helpful focus range limiter switch to minimize lens hunting. Despite earning a 5 out of 5 star rating, the review points out several distinct drawbacks. The premium additions of optical stabilization and internal focusing have made the lens significantly larger, heavier, and bulkier than its predecessor, causing it to feel unbalanced on entry-level camera bodies....

The Digital Picture review finds the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens is a versatile, high-performing 1:1 macro and portrait optic, delivering exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness and minimal aberrations even when used wide open. Key advantages include its effective Optical Stabilization (providing roughly 3 1/3 stops of assistance), a fixed physical length due to internal focusing, and a robust accessory package. Conversely, the review notes the autofocus system is slow, noisy, and produces a high rate of missed shots, hindering its effectiveness for general-purpose photography, though less critical for manual-focus macro work. Additionally, while offering a unique f/45 minimum aperture, severe diffraction-induced softness renders apertures smaller than f/22 practically unusable for sharp, deep-focus images.

The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens earns a 3.5 Good rating as a classic macro lens compatible with both full-frame and APS-C camera bodies. Measuring 5 by 3.1 inches and weighing 1.6 pounds, it features built-in optical stabilization, a focus limiter switch, and a manual/autofocus toggle. In laboratory testing using the Sigma SD1 Merrill, the lens showed minimal distortion at less than 0.01 percent. However, sharpness is somewhat lacking when shot wide open, registering only 1,708 lines at f/2.8, though image quality significantly improves to a crisp 1,992 lines at f/4 and peaks above 2,300 lines at f/5.6 and f/8. The core advantages of the lens include its true 1:1 magnification, minimal distortion, optical stabilization, and full-frame coverage. On the downside, the lens is soft wide open at f/2.8 and is considered expensive compared to native Canon and Nikon alternatives. Ultimately, while it serves well for dedicated macro work where the aperture is typically stopped down, it represents a weaker value proposition than native glass for standard telephoto use. The reviewer notes that shooters willing to...

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens is a medium telephoto lens that offers excellent value with a great price-to-performance ratio, competing closely with more expensive alternatives like the Canon EF 100mm L and Nikon 105mm VR. The review highlights several notable advantages, including outstanding overall image quality, excellent chromatic aberration (CA) correction, and superb corner sharpness, especially when compared to the heavy pink fringing seen in the Nikon 105mm VRStacking up detail and outperforming the older Nikon design on high-resolution sensors, the lens shows peak center and corner sharpness around f/4. Furthermore, its 105mm focal length provides a generous working distance that prevents the lens from blocking light on macro subjects. Despite its strong performance, the lens does have a few limitations worth noting. The reviewer points out a lack of a tripod collar as a minor inconvenience. While it lacks weather sealing and the author deems image stabilization unnecessary for macro photography, neither feature was missed during professional field use. Optically, the lens exhibits a surprising drop-off in corner sharpness when stopped down to f/8,...

The Sigma 105 mm/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro review highlights it as a highly capable and affordable option, particularly well-suited for Canon APS-C cameras. A major upgrade in this model is its built-in optical image stabilization, which offers an impressive gain of approximately 3.5 stops for normal shooting distances, though its effectiveness drops to about 1 stop at its minimum macro focusing distance of 33 cm. Optically, the lens delivers stellar performance, boasting high peak resolution with minimal variance between the center and corners of the image. It is also praised for having exceptionally beautiful, "woolly" bokeh, alongside virtually non-existent distortion (-0.12%) and very low vignetting across all apertures. However, the review points out a few specific drawbacks to consider before buying. The autofocus system, driven by a USM motor, can be slow and prone to "hunting" or seeking behavior when attempting to lock onto low-contrast subjects. The physical mechanics can also be slightly noisy, as both the autofocus and the image stabilization make noticeable grinding or grunting sounds during and after operation. Additionally, while the lens handles backlight...

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens is an optically excellent macro lens that delivers sharp images and creamy bokeh, making it highly effective for product photography, close-ups, and portraits. Key advantages of this updated version include a fast Hyper-sonic motor (HSM) for rapid autofocus, internally shifting elements that prevent the lens from physically expanding during focusing, and a helpful three-way focus distance limiter switch. Additionally, it includes a functional optical stabilizer (OS) and comes at a lower price point than its direct Nikon competitor, providing an attractive value proposition for budget-conscious photographers. However, the lens does come with several distinct drawbacks and physical limitations. The polycarbonate barrel feels somewhat plasticky to the touch and easily picks up fingerprint smudges. Optically, while it matches competing lenses when stopped down between f/8 and f/22, it is not quite as sharp as native Nikon alternatives when shot wide open at f/2.8. The manual focus ring has a very short focus throw, which makes precise adjustments highly challenging for advanced techniques like focus stacking. Furthermore, the autofocus mechanism takes longer...

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro is highlighted as an exceptionally sharp, high-performance, and cost-effective lens well-suited for handheld macro work and event photography. The reviewer praises its outstanding center sharpness at full aperture, smooth bokeh, neutral color rendering, and well-controlled chromatic aberration. Its excellent field flatness and virtually absent distortion make it an ideal choice for the precise demands of film scanning and artwork reproductions. Additionally, the built-in optical stabilization and Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) effectively counteract minor user movements, especially when used on modern mirrorless bodies via an adapter. However, the review and broader user feedback point out several notable drawbacks. The autofocus system can be slow and prone to hunting, and the optical stabilization mechanism operates with a distinct, audible clicking or rattling noise. While the lens features a lightweight and sturdy build, it completely lacks weather-sealing gaskets, meaning users must exercise caution in dusty or damp outdoor environments. Additionally, it lacks a dedicated tripod collar, which can complicate heavily controlled or balanced tripod setups.

The LensTip.com review concludes that the Sigma 105 mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro is an outstanding optical instrument capable of competing directly with top-tier brand-name rivals. The lens delivers excellent image quality at the centre of the frame and remains very sharp at the edges on both APS-C and full-frame sensors. Mechanically, it features a solid, high-quality casing alongside a quiet, accurate Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system and reliable built-in optical image stabilisation. Optically, the lens excels with sensational chromatic aberration correction, near-zero distortion, a well-corrected coma, and minimal astigmatism. It also ships with a rich bundle of standard accessories and an extensive warranty. Despite its stellar performance, the reviewer highlights a few distinct drawbacks. The lens performs poorly against bright light, making it prone to ghosting and flares when shooting toward a direct light source. Additionally, it suffers from pronounced vignetting when paired with a full-frame sensor. At launch, the initial steep price tag sparked controversy by exceeding the cost of native Nikon and Canon counterparts, though its exceptional optical results ultimately justified the premium. LensTip.com

📸 An Insider's Look at the Sigma 105mm Macro 🔍 The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro delivers top-tier optical brilliance, especially when paired with the high-resolution sensor of the Sigma SD1 Merrill camera. Designed for full-frame cameras, this 105mm telephoto beast provides a "woolly", beautiful background blur and a highly compressed 160mm equivalent viewing angle on APS-C sensors, keeping wildlife comfortably at ease. Testing confirms the lens reaches peak center-to-corner sharpness at f/8, completely neutralizing barrel distortion and keeping chromatic aberration or vignetting practically non-existent for flawless reproduction work. Built structurally tough with a smooth focus ring, its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) guarantees quiet, fluid autofocus, while a built-in focus range limiter successfully prevents annoying lens hunting in dim lighting conditions. ✨ The Final Scorecard: Highlights & Hiccups ✨ The Pros 👍 Jaw-dropping, uniform resolution from edge to corner. Virtually zero distortion, perfect for art replication. Striking, ultra-smooth out-of-focus background bokeh. Helpful optical stabilization offering up to 3.5 stops of hand-held stability. Quick, near-silent HSM autofocus with range-limiting capabilities. The Cons 👎 Premium, wallet-heavy price tag for...

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro HSM is a highly versatile and affordable telephoto prime lens praised for its exceptional sharpness, optical quality, and low chromatic aberration, making it excellent for both 1:1 macro photography and portraiture. It features an internal focusing system that operates quietly when Optical Stabilization (OS) is disabled, a smooth manual focus ring for micro-adjustments, and a 62mm filter thread that keeps filter costs low. The lens package also offers great value by including a carrying case and two distinct lens hoods designed for full-frame and cropped sensor bodies. However, the lens has several notable drawbacks, particularly regarding its optical stabilization mechanism, which is quite noisy, creates a noticeable rattle when stopping, and makes the inner elements feel like they are floating loosely when unmounted. Users have also reported that the autofocus can struggle or fall apart in low-light and backlit scenarios. Additionally, the external plastic build quality feels somewhat cheap, the exterior coating scratches easily to create shiny patches, the selection switches are overly stiff to operate, and the lens exhibits noticeable vignetting...

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro is a ruggedly constructed, full-frame medium telephoto prime lens praised for its faultless sharpness, excellent contrast, and near-perfect distortion control. Testing revealed an imperceptible 0.03% barrel distortion in both macro and standard shooting ranges, alongside quick light-falloff clearance by f/3.5. Notable pros include a non-rotating barrel that easily accommodates lens-mounted ringlights, a generous 160-degree manual focus ring, and an effective optical stabilization system that delivers 2 stops of extra shake control specifically in the macro range—matching the performance of its Canon equivalent and beating the Nikon rival. However, the lens has several distinct drawbacks, particularly regarding its competitive standing and price. At a street price of $970, it breaks third-party tradition by costing $70 more than the comparable Nikon lens and $480 more than the significantly sharper, albeit unstabilised, Tokina 100mm macro. Additional cons include its heavier build compared to Canon and Nikon alternatives, a dark-red subject distance scale that is difficult to read even in bright light, and disappointing standard-range stabilization (1 to 2 stops) compared to Nikon’s 3 to...

The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM macro lens delivers impressive image quality, earning a DxOMark score of 24 on the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III and 23 on the Nikon D3x. The Canon variant provides a slight brightness advantage over the Nikon version with a T-stop of 3.0 compared to 3.2. While its optical improvements over the 2004 non-stabilized predecessor are modest, the addition of optical stabilization offers a highly valuable feature for macro shooters without adding extra weight to the lens structure. Ultimately, it ranks third overall for Canon mounts and Nikon mounts within its category, cementing its place as a competitive, high-quality alternative to first-party options. The lens presents clear optical trade-offs, highlighted by distinct strong and weak attributes during technical evaluations. On the positive side, it boasts excellent sharpness, completely lacks distortion, and features well-corrected chromatic aberrations, all while maintaining a reasonable physical weight. Conversely, its primary drawbacks include strong vignetting with a notable loss of 1.5EV in the last third of the field at f/2.8, which is actually worse than the older non-stabilized model....

This review of the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens highlights its outstanding optical performance when tested on the APS-C sensor of a Nikon D3200 camera. Originally designed for full-frame sensors, the lens delivers a 160mm equivalent focal length that provides a comfortable working distance for macro subjects like flowers and insects. It exhibits a variable brightness that shifts from f/2.8 to f/3.8 at a 1:1 reproduction ratio, which is typical for macro lenses. Optically, it excels with a flat front lens design that ensures exceptional sharpness matching from the center all the way to the extreme edges at all apertures, making it highly effective for reproduction work. Additionally, distortion and chromatic aberration are virtually nonexistent, vignetting is negligible on the cropped sensor, and the 9-blade diaphragm yields a "woolly," beautiful background bokeh. The lens's physical build is solid, featuring high-quality plastic construction, a metal mount, and a smooth focus ring alongside useful switches for focus range limiting and a quiet Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system. A standout feature is its built-in optical image stabilization (OS),...

The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro is a highly sharp prime lens primarily designed for full-frame cameras, though it also functions excellently as a medium telephoto lens on DX format bodies via a 1.5x crop factor. Priced around £360–£400, it offers outstanding, professional-tier image quality and low-light performance thanks to its f/2.8 aperture, making it highly versatile across multiple photography niches. The author rates it a 4.5 out of 5 stars overall, highlighting its exceptional capability in macro, portrait, and low-light event photography. However, the lens does have a few distinct performance drawbacks. Its autofocus can be slow, occasionally failing to lock onto subjects under low-light conditions. Additionally, the optical stabilizer (OS) leaves room for improvement, as it makes a strange clicking sound during focusing, and the reviewer noticed no actual difference between its two specialized stabilization modes. Minor chromatic aberration can also appear in certain lighting situations, though it is easily fixed in post-processing.