Coming in at $799, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art will launch in late October without a significant feature for macro photographers.
The Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art has had rumors around it for a while now. And guess what? It’s real! Sigma says that the bokeh is so delicious that each shot will be just like having a bite of ice cream. Well, they’re not really saying that. In fact, they’re not at all. But with a 1:1 macro focusing claim, you’re surely going to get lots of bokeh. Couple that with the durability of the Art series, and you’ve got a pretty nice lens. The cherry on top of the sundae is the $799 price point. And like ice cream, too much of a good thing isn’t the best. So, of course, there’s a caveat.
This lens lacks image stabilization. Sure, Sony and the L mount have cameras with it. But of any lens, this is the one that NEEDS it. Macro shooting otherwise really needs a tripod. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro lacks any sort of lens-based image stabilization. You’ll need to rely on your camera’s. Sony’s is okay at best. Panasonic’s is alright too, though we’ve run into problems with it. The image stabilization in the Leica SL2 is fantastic, though. Still, it’s not the worst thing in the world to need a tripod. But so many photographers these days try to not go for them unless they’re incredibly serious.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Tech Specs
● Life-sized magnification (1:1) short tele macro for full-frame mirrorless
● Dust and Splash-proof construction
● Completely new optical formula for exceptional sharpness and pleasing bokeh
● Hypersonic Motor optimized for both contrast and phase detection autofocus
● Clicked and de-clicked aperture ring with Aperture Ring Lock Switch
● Focus Limiter switch for macro, portrait, or full range autofocus
● Available in L-Mount and Sony E-Mount
● 5.5-inch close focusing
● 17 elements in 12 groups
● MSRP: $799
● Anticipated Shipping Date: Late October 2020
Personally speaking, I’m very excited about this lens. I know how to handhold a camera at slower shutter speeds, so I’ll get great photos with it. But I also know that it’s going to sell very well. The pandemic has created tons of new photographers. Lots are bored at home with nothing to do. So they’ve started to do macro projects at home. They’ll get this at an insanely affordable price. Then they’ll post the images in Facebook groups and on Instagram. Other folks will adore the photos. And more people will buy it. Indeed, this is probably going to be the best deal in macro lenses that you’ll get. However, I’m a bit concerned. The 85mm f1.4 Art had more distortion than we liked. If you’re shooting portraits, then it’s okay. But it becomes a problem for architecture and landscapes.
If you plan on buying the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art lens, then you need a tripod. And better yet, I really recommend a flash. A flash will give you the fullest levels of sharpness from a lens like this. It will create specular highlights. Specular highlights make any new lens or camera breathe with new life. And you’ll be delighted with the results you get. So basically, if you get this lens, you’ll probably end up spending another $400 to really make the most of it. Natural light is good. Constant light is good too. But there’s a science behind flash duration and what a flash does to really make your image pop.
We’re excited to test this for sure.