Nikkor 105 vs Sigma 105

[harrysixtie7]

Having fallen in love with my 50mm I am looking to add a another prime to my collection. Currently I am considering this Sigma 105 2.8 or an older used AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D . Primarily I will be using these to photograph live performances, but will also be used on the side for macro work. I am a big fan of Nikkor glass, and would like to know if anyone has used the Sigma 105. It would be nice to have a brand new lens, but sticking with native glass is my personal preference.

[Canon Bob]

I can't compare the Sigma 105 to Nikon's version but I do have both the Canon EF100 macro and the Sigma 105.
I'm a little bit of a lens nerd and simply got the Sigma to perform tests against the EF100 which is a highly regarded macro lens by the masses that use it. The final image quality of the two lenses are pretty much inseperable and my only criticism of the Sigma would be that the extension occurs externally whilst Canon's offering performs the operation internally...not sure about the Nikon. Once that small difference has been discounted then it makes the Sigma a better value for money purchase given Canon's 30-35% price premium.

Bob

[Chewys Dad]

I Own the Sigma 105 f/2.8 Macro len and I love it. I'm not familar with the Nikor lenes, but I've taken some great shots with my little 105, you do have to manipulate the lens from manual to auto, but most of the time I shoot in Manual anyway for Macro. You can see some of the shots I've taken with the Sigma here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stone-i...7617529688464/
Chewys Dad.

[Sodaman420]

Hi,
I have owned the 105 Nikkor (second lens i purchased, after buying a D80 with the 18-70mm by nikon) for about 2.5 years. It has been great to me the whole time.
I use it for macro shots and it is superb (http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=macro&w=42911857%40N00)

I also use it for live performances and find it useful for getting stuff from far away/cross stage or hitting up the drummer (everyone seems to forget).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scis/2449202235/

The VR is very useful for dark situations like concerts, where the lights dont always play in your favor. http://www.flickr.com/photos/scis/2554633715/meta/

it's also good for doing headshot types of shots (if you do that, with actors, models, etc)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scis/36...57619229489125
Highly recommend it!

[velvet4269]

I absolutely LOVE my Sigma 105mm ex dg I was debating between it and the Olympus 50mm, and was very happy I got the 105mm. You can find my pix through my flickr link in my signature - there's an entire set devoted to my sigma lens.

[harrysixtie7]

Well I bought the Nikon 105mm f2.8 AF-D. Its an amazing lens and does everything I want it to. The focus hunts a lot, but once I got used to it I found ways to compensate for its weakness in that area. I am still considering selling it and buying the sigma, I have a fetish for new, straight out of the box things, and I know I can sell the Nikon and still have a few dollars to play with after buying the sig. Thanks for the responses and pictures.

I've used both and the Sigma won me over every time... every single time. The Nikon IS NOT A CONSTAT APERTURE!!!!

LEARN THIS PEOPLE!!!

This means that at 1:1 the aperture is 5.6!!!! The sigma at 1:1.... is..... amazingly.... 2.8!!! That's like 1.4 million times more light!

~Eric

[harrysixtie7]

Max you are absolutely right, and it makes a huge difference. I was unaware of this until I began using the lens. Once focus has left infinity the aperture decreases all the way through the focus range. I had been curious if the sigma was constant. As of now I am strongly considering picking up the Sigma.