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

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.