Cameras-n- Stuff

Don’t you love macro photography? It is quite rewarding, and it gets your photography juices flowing. But you must have a great macro lens. Sigma Macro lenses are well worth your consideration when going for a new close-up lens.

Something happens when you use a macro lens on your digital SLR camera. You witness things you never suspected were in the photo when you were setting it up.

You have to really experience this to know the feeling, but when it happens, it’s very cool.

This article is about Canon EOS cameras using a Sigma macro lens, but if you are a Nikon or Pentax user, the same lenses are available to you.

Why would you use a Sigma macro lens? Wouldn’t it just be better to get a Canon macro lens? Another question, can’t you just use any lens for macro photography?

Good questions, indeed, and they have some very definitive answers.

First, about macro lenses. These are special lenses dedicated to close up photography. They are manufactured carefully for this purpose. The lens glass (actually the number of elements varies) is placed differently inside the lens barrel to get a macro image.

A macro lens gets these close up photos with much better quality than any “conventional” lens. Dedicated macro lenses have only one focal length, such as 105mm. Those lenses that actually include the word “macro” in their title, but they are zoom lenses, are not going to give you the high quality image you desire in your macro photography.

Next, consider using a Sigma macro lens versus a Canon macro lens. Some photo enthusiasts won’t even consider it. If you are one of these, you may as well move on. However, there may be a valid reason to think about it… dinero (money).

Usually Sigma Macro lenses for Canon digital SLRs are less money than Canon macro lenses. Photo quality is really good with either choice. Most likely, you can’t tell the difference in image quality between the two. It would take a forensic scientist to tell which is which.

Third party manufacturers like Sigma have made a commitment. They understand that if they don’t get the quality right in their macro lenses, they will not get any of the buyers. They put lots of time and research into getting it right. What they ended up with are great engineering and great lenses.

There are four dedicated macro lenses if you decide on Sigma. The focal lengths are 50mm, 70mm, 105mm, and 150mm. The 105mm macro lens is the lens of choice to start with.

There are two great reasons for this, and it is not because the others are not good. First, it is a true 1:1 macro lens, the right reason for buying macro in the first place. And the second is that it is an excellent portrait lens as well. Many portrait photographers use a 100mm lens for the lion’s share of their work, and this one will do the job.

Sigma macro ratings are very high. You actually should check ratings before buying any piece of camera equipment. In this case, you will discover that many consider Sigma an equal to Canon in the macro category.

Close up photography is really rewarding. The beauty and intricacies of nature make you realize that there is a Creator, and He did not hold back, even in the most minute details.

More about these great macro lenses at www.canoneoslenses.org/sigma-macro-for-canon/.

SIGMA APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

Currently, Sigma offers a 70-200 f/2.8 without Optical Stabilization at about $800. This new lens promises to rival the Canon version with the same specs. Users will have to decide.

This just in from Sigma:

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 EX DG OS HSM.
This large aperture telephoto zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s original Optical Stabilizer function. The lens covers focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm and has a large maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. Two FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberration. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range and an optimum optical power layout provides superior optical quality in all shooting ranges from close-up to infinity. The OS (Optical Stabilizer) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an image sensor shift anti-shake system. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement. Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghost. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), ensuring a quiet and high speed AF as well as full-time manual focus capability. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 140cm(55.1″) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:8. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus images. This lens is equipped with a Petal-type hood. For digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, a dedicated hood adapter, which expands the length of the lens hood, is supplied.

Specifications:

* Lens Construction 22 Elements in 17 Groups
* Maximum Magnification 1:8
* Angle of View 34.3-12.3 degrees
* Filter Size Diameter 77mm
* Number of blades 9pcs (Rounded diaphragm)
* Lens Hood Petal-type hood (LH850-02) supplied
* Minimum Aperture F22
* Dimensions f86.4mm×197.6mm / 3.4in. × 7.8in.
* Minimum Focusing Distance 140cm / 55.1in.
* Weight 1430g / 50.4oz

Price

About $ 1699

Canon is in the Digital SLR market in a huge way. Their commitment to quality has produced many fantastic photography products, including cameras and lenses. The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L lens may possibly be one of their highest quality products to date. This rather bold statement is based on the reception of this lens by the photographic community, including expert reviews and reviews by professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. They are practically unanimous in their praise.

This remark is typical of the users’ comments about the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 lens for Canon EOS cameras: “…since I got the 85 prime, I haven’t looked back. The 85 1.2L simply smokes the zoom..” The “zoom” he was referring to is the 70-200 f/2.8, which may be the most popular (at least in the top 2 or 3) Canon lens on the market.

When you first see this lens, especially if you are comparing it to a similar one of the same focal length, your first impression would definitely be “Wow”, this is quite a piece of equipment. It is massive and impressive at the same time. You can tell that you hold quality in your hand.

Then, after attaching it to your digital SLR, you will know that your first impression was an accurate one. It truly handles like a professional lens. Your other lenses will feel like toys by comparison.

So, what is it good for – what type of shots are best taken with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L?

Start with the most popular shots taken by all photographers – people. People in all settings. Family shots will turn out better than you could have imagined. Portraits will have the wow factor that you had always hoped for. Street photography or photojournalism will get better.

Weddings? A huge YES. Reports from wedding photographers have widely praised the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L lens for two reasons.

First, the sharp, high quality images are so much better than the ones from their other lenses. Second, the f/1.2 aperture allows shooting in low light settings better than nearly any other lens available on the market.

Video – Oh my, Yes. The video quality produced by this dynamic lens will give your video a new level of professional.

A Couple of Guys Opening Their New Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L Lens

But sports? Not so much. You will want to stick with a longer, quicker focusing lens for sports. Even though this lens has HSM, it is not quite fast enough to capture shots with the speed you need for sports.

This comment is really great: “I know it is crazy expensive. But go ahead and buy it, cry for 5 minutes, and don’t tell your wife the price. She will love the pictures at the end!!!”

Is it the best choice for every type of shot? Of course not. There is no one lens that can cover the entire gamut of picture taking scenarios.

And price may be an issue for you. But this is one lens that you might consider trading in your teenage son for. It’s that good.
Take a look at the ratings, specs, and a few sample pictures at www.canoneoslenses.org. I think you will agree with all the others who are so impressed with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L lens.

One more thing. It is compatible with all current Canon EOS digital SLR cameras, including Full Frame and APS-C formats. Just one more plus for this amazing lens.