Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Review (The Phoblographer)

Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Review
Image: The Phoblographer

The Phoblographer reviewed the Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM. It’s nice to see that Sigma is delivering this lens with a padded lens case (a good one, with shoulder strap). From the review:

The Sigma 180mm is a highly impressive lens. Not only has Sigma added their 4-stop OS (Optical Stabilization) system to their existing 180mm macro, they managed to pry open to aperture to f/2.8 up from f/3.5 (where most 180mm macro lenses fall). They have also added 3 FLD elements (similar to Fluorite) to the lens to help combat Chromatic Aberrations (commonly referred to as: CA). All of this results in a lens that is exceptionally sharp, capable of true 1:1 macro magnification and able to be hand-held at speeds well below 1/200 (where one would normally have to shoot this focal length for an acceptably sharp exposure).

Pluses

  • Impressive sharpness
  • Accurate AF
  • Excellent macro capabilities
  • Accurate AF (wait didn’t I already say that? Yeah, it’s that important)
  • Very usable stabilization system

Minuses

  • Somewhat heavy
  • Somewhat specialized (potentially limited uses)
  • Quite expensive at $1699 (at time of this writing)

The Phoblographer’s review has sample images and more information about the Sigma Macro 180mm.

Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Review

Product description (B&H):

The Sigma 180mm f/2.8 APO Macro EX DG OS HSM Lens (for Canon) is a high-speed macro lens offering a magnification ratio of 1:1 and a focal length of 180mm. This lens is compatible with the Canon EF mount for use on full-frame and APS-C DSLRs.

This lens incorporates 3 FLD glass elements for color aberration corrections, as well as a floating inner focusing system to reduce other aberrations such as field curvature and distortion, resulting in accurate scene rendition from 1:1 magnification to infinity. A Super Multi-Layer coating helps to eliminate ghosting and flare as well as produce images with more contrast and sharpness. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm also provides an appealing bokeh, especially when photographing at the maximum aperture or at 1:1 magnification.

The integrated OS (Optical Stabilizer) system permits users to photograph handheld with shutter speeds up to 4 stops lower than usually possible. An HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) is also incorporated into the design, ensuring quiet and quick auto focusing and manual focus capabilities.

High-speed f/2.8 180mm macro lens provides 1:1 magnification ratio.

FLD glass elements and a floating inner focusing system help to correct for color aberration, field curvature, and image distortion.

Multi-layer coating reduces ghosting and flare and provides greater contrast and color fidelity.

Rounded 9 blade diaphragm produces an attractive out of focus quality.

Integrated Optical Stabilizer system permits users to photograph handheld with shutter speeds up to 4 stops lower than usually possible.

A Hyper Sonic Motor is incorporated into the lens design, ensuring quiet and quick auto focusing and manual focus capabilities.

 

DPreview’s Take On The Canon Powershot G15

DPreview's Take On The Canon Powershot G15

DPreview's review of the Canon PowerShot G15 is online. Generally very positive impressions. From the conclusion:

  • Good low-ISO image detail and reliable metering
  • Versatile, sharp and fast 28-140mm F1.8-2.8 lens
  • Good balance between noise reduction and detail retention at higher ISOs
  • Fast and responsive operation
  • Very pocketable format
  • Fast and reliable AF system
  • Very effective Image Stabilization system
  • Excellent 920k dot screen
  • Optical viewfinder useful in very bright light (but is relatively inaccurate, and has no shooting info)
  • Lots of external controls including two control dials and an exposure compensation dial
  • Customizable control dials and Shortcut-button
  • Excellent build quality and body materials
  • Decent battery life

There is (obviously) also a Cons section:

  • Exposure compensation dial does not work in video mode (but you can set exposure compensation using the AEL button when the mode dial is set to movie)
  • No swivel screen (vs predecessor and some competitors)
  • No automated panorama mode (only stitch-assist)
  • HDR mode only works well with the camera on a tripod
  • Auto ISO only uses up to ISO 1600
  • Matt surface a little prone to scratches

 

If you're in hurry, jump directly to the conclusion sections, to the sample images, or see the JPG and RAW comparisons.

Canon Powershot G15 price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

 

Black Friday Deals: Canon Powershot G12 At $299, S110 At $399 (and much more deals)

Black Friday Deals

B&H opened the Black Friday deals. Most of the deals will expire on Saturday 11:59 pm EST.

On top of the Canon deals is the Powershot G12 for just $299 (click here, also for specs), compared to $429. A steal.

The new Powershot S110 is also discounted and is sold for $399 (click here, also for specs), that’s $100 of the regular price. Cool bargain.

And there is more. Massive discounts on Sandisk, Lexar and Eye-Fi memory cards (click here).

 

To see ALL B&H Black Friday photographic deals click here.

Black Friday computer equipment deals click here.

Black Friday video and camcorder deals click here.

Black Friday printer and scanner deals click here

Black Friday pro audio deals click here

Black Friday Deals