Most manufacturers of lenses today have an 180mm lens of some sort, but only one maker has created one with a fast f/2.8 aperture, 1:1 macro capabilities, AND image stabilization, that lens-maker is Sigma. I’ve been eager to try out this lens ever since it was first heard about it in January of this year. I’ve been using this lens over the last week, and will continue to do so over the next few weeks. Read on to see my first impression of this beast of a lens.
Specs
Taken from B&H Photo
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | Front: 86 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.74 x 8.03″ (95 x 203.9 mm) |
| Weight | 3.6 lb (1.63 kg) |
First Impressions
Upon receiving the box from Sigma I was rather surprised at just how large the lens is in person, at 3.6lbs it certainly isn’t a featherweight either. That being said, I don’t find it to be an issue though in all reality. So far I have only been using the lens hand held, but with OS Mode 1 enabled it delivers 3 full stops of extra hand-holdability, I will be fully testing this out in the coming weeks, but I can say that it is quite effective, particularly when shooting near the Minimum Focus Distance of 18.5″.
Overall I find the lens to be well balanced and relatively easy to hand-hold despite its weight. As I mentioned, I have been using the lens with OS mode 1 ( for normal handholding and steadies up and down movement) but there is also a mode 2 (for panning for shots such as birds in flight and some motorsports etc.) , I have not had a chance to test out mode 2, but I aim to do so with some “non-macro” imagery.
I am quite impressed so far with the image sharpness and overall quality this lens is capable of producing, I will leave you with a few more images and 100% crops, and look forward to my full review in the coming weeks.
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