Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG HSM 

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Lenses Sigma
User rating
3.4
out of 5
Editor's rating
3.3
out of 5
Lens Summary

Overview

Macro Lens
180mm f/3.5 EX DG HSM

This telephoto macro lens provides life-size reproduction and it is optimized for digital cameras.

The new multi-layer lens Coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras. Two SLD (special low Dispersion) glass elements ensure high optical performance for film SLR cameras as well as digital SLR cameras.

- - - - -

Taking pictures of small animals and insects can be difficult, because they often run or fly away, or can be dangerous or become aggressive if you approach them. Therefore it is advantageous to have a greater Working distance between the camera and such subjects. Longer Focal length lens can provide this greater distance, but most long lens do not focus close enough to provide a large image of small subjects. The tele-macro type lens solves this problem by producing a large, high quality image, up to life-size, while maintaining a long working distance. This can enable you to capture on film the world of photomicrography, without disturbing the subjects. The 180mm F3.5 EX DG MACRO lens has a very narrow field of view, and can allow very narrow depth-of-field for selective focus and less distracting backgrounds. This lens is most desirable for photographers who are serious about producing high quality images both of macro subjects at life-size reproduction, as well as normal telephotography.

Floating Inner focusing System
The Floating Inner Focus System of the APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG HSM provides high quality optical performance and superior handling and stability. This system moves two lens groups within the lens, so the lens' physical length remains unchanged. This technique also maintains good correction for Spherical aberration and Astigmatism and provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro.

Full-time Manual Focus with HSM
Macro photography requires precise focus adjustment. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) feature is ideal for this purpose as it allows quick and precise manual focus, even in auto focus mode. Simply focus with HSM auto focus, then while partially depressing the shutter release, turn the manual focus ring until any desired focus adjustment is made. Then depress the shutter release fully to take the picture. It is not necessary to switch from AF to MF. When the shutter release is next depressed, the AF function will resume. Of course the AF function can be disabled altogether, and only MF used, if desired.

It is possible to use 1.4x or 2x Sigma Apo Tele Converters
Macro photography can be further enhanced by the 1.4x APO EX tele-converter, which allows the photographer to use the new SIGMA APO 180mm F3.5 MACRO lens as a 252mm F5 lens while maintaining auto focus function from infinity to 1.2m with Canon, Nikon and Sigma cameras. At distances closer than 1.2m the lens automatically switches to MF mode. When this lens and the 1.4x EX tele-converter are used with Minolta or Pentax cameras the lens must be focused manually. When used with the 2x EX tele-converter, the 180mm F3.5 lens becomes a 360mm F7 lens with manual focus function only, regardless of camera mount.

Use of SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass
Image quality depends in part on color Aberration, which occurs due to differences in the wavelength (color) of light, causing the different colors to focus at different planes. SLD glass in the front optical group helps compensate for this phenomenon, and enables the lens to deliver images of high optical quality, having outstanding crispness and sharpness.


Lens Construction
 
13 Elements in 10 Groups
 
13.7 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades
 
9 Blades
Minimum Aperture
 
F32
Minimum Focusing Distance
 
46cm
Maximum Magnification
 
1:1
Filter Size
 
72mm
Dimensions
 
Diameter 80mm X Length 182mm
Weight
 
965g
SRP
 
£649.99

180mm f/3.5 EX DG HSM
 
SIGMA
   
CANON
    NIKON (D)
    SONY
   
PENTAX

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications
Lens Type: Prime
Lens Special Features: Macro
IS / VR / OS: None
Min Focal Length (mm): 180
Max Focal Length (mm): 180
Number of Elements: 13
Element Groups: 10
Max Aperture: 3.5
Minimum Aperture: 32
Diaphragm Blades: 9
Closest Focus Distance (m): 0.46
Maximum Magnification: 1.1
Filter Diameter (mm): 72
Diameter at widest (mm): 80
Lens Length (mm): 182
Weight (g): 965

Details


 

 

 

 

180mm f/3.5 EX DG HSM
Lens Hood
Fitted Padded Case
Front and Rear Caps
Instruction Manual
1 Year Warranty Card
2 Year Extended UK Warranty Card

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Editor review : Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG HSM
Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
3.0
This is a hefty but solid made lens and beautifully finished. The supplied tripod colour does a great job of supporting the lens when tripod mounted. A three position focus limiter is provided. The first to positions restrict the focus to either side of the 0.61m mark, while the third allows the fall focus range. Autofocus is achieved by sigma's HSM motor. Not only is it near silent, is also surprisingly quick macro lens. This lens has an Internal Focusing system, and does not change length during the operation. The front element filter thread does not rotate. Wide-open, this lens shows a poor performance, which is improved little and so you get f/8. From that setting, optical performance does perk up slightly, but it has certainly needed to. Open aperture performance is disappointing. By f/16and edges show a degree of respectability - that setting is the lens's optimum aperture. Chromatic abrasion has also been well controlled, while distortion is also a insignificant and can only be determined by a computer.

Verdict
Wide open, this lens is not very impressive at all, especially for the asking price, even though it is less than half the price of its Canon and the Nikon rival. For many digital SLR users the 150 mm might be the better option .
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I used to own it • I have borrowed a friends
Where did you buy this item?: N/A
When did you buy this item?: N/A
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: No
Pros: Near-silent AF, excellent built
Cons: Not a top performer (wide open)

User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 3 user(s)

Overall rating (weighted)
3.4
Sharpness
3.7
Build Quality
3.3
AF Speed
3.3
Value for Money
3.3
 

Add new review


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Good value, Monday, 10 March 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
3.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
After a couple of weeks with this lens on my Canon 40D, I like it more all the time. I've found that the sweet spot on mine, aperture-wise, is about f/22. That gives me the most DOF and clarity combination for 1:1 macro shots. I would have loved to be able to use it at it's full f/32, but my test shots with it show that 1:1 shots at that aperture lack the clarity I'm trying to achieve in my macros.

Extra light is a must if you want any DOF to speak of, so if you don't have a ring light or other ways to deal with it yet, you'll want to keep in mind that there's a cost associated with that aspect of this as well.

As a 180mm prime lens, it performs well outside of the macro range too. I'm getting good, crisp shots throughout, and the AF works pretty fast.

It must be compared to the Canon 180mm macro lens, as that's really what it replaces. For that, all I can do is point to the many reviews on the net, as I don't have the Canon. I bought this after slogging through those reviews and finding most all of them favorable towards this lens as a great alternative to save money and still get a great shot - Maybe not as great as the Canon, but not generally enough difference to matter.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

lee
Could never quite get it to work., Wednesday, 01 August 2007


Overall rating (weighted)
2.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
3.0
I could not quite get this lens to work well, sometimes it would perform well and other is seemed to hunt to focus. I tried it on my S3 Pro and my D70 as well as my D200. All had the same issue. When it worked it did just what it was meant to, but other times it was a real pain to use. I brought it for those insects that you just cant get close enough to. The 180mm was just right. If you like your macro work really close then this is not the lens for you. Sold it when I sold me D200 and have not really missed it.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it
Where did you buy this item?: Ebay
Price paid: 300
When did you buy this item?: May 06
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided
Pros: Cheap for a 180mm Prime Macro
Cons: Not a Nikon (the only thing I could think of)
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Highly recommended, Sunday, 25 February 2007


Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
3.0
I've only had this lens for a few days, but I am happy with it so far. Could even capture two ants attached to the wing of a butterfly. Getting close, as in the 18" minimum distance, works as described. Auto-focus does hunt a little when close to object, had to manual focus. Great lens for the money.
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