All these lenses focus to directly to 1:1, meaning that the image on the sensor is the same size as the subject. A relatively wide f/2.8 aperture allows action stopping / handholdable shutter speeds at lower light levels. Next down on the list is the Tokina 100mm f/2.8. While it doesn’t have image stabilization, it does at least offer autofocus when used with a DSLR that has a built-in focusing motor. On cameras like the Nikon D3X00 series, D5X00 series, and Z-series cameras, it’s manual-focus only. Also, unlike the Sigma, Nikon, and Tamron, the Tokina lens isn’t internal focus; as you focus closer, the front barrel of the lens extends significantly, which harms water and dust resistance. However, with macro photography, when you are so close to the action, the slightest movement can throw your image out of focus. Since Sigma reverse engineers (vs. licenses) manufacturer AF routines, there is always the possibility that a new body might not support an older third party lens.

And because the 58mm threads are no longer available, the lens cap no longer fits - the hood must be removed to install the cap or a 58mm filter. Even thought they are all 1:1 macro lenses, these lenses have different minimum working distances (MWD) at their 1:1 settings. Not really a macro lens, but focuses so close at 400mm it generally replaces the need for separate macro lens for most users. Good choice for macro on any Pentax camera 35mm or digital—but a 180mm or 200mm lens is much better for practical and perspective reasons. Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM – a mirrorless macro lens for Canon cameras, the F2 aperture makes it perfect for portraiture and close up photography.In the forward AF position, the focus ring turns freely but does nothing and AF does not cause the ring to turn. Of course, choosing a non-moving subject to begin with is probably wise! As you get more confident, you can try photographing insects and other small animals. You may also be shooting at very high apertures to capture maximum detail across the frame, meaning if you put your shutter speed up along with a high aperture, you may have to compensate by putting up your ISO. Even with noise reduction in editing, high ISO can lead to degradation in image quality. You may be thinking that the image from the Tokina is slightly out of focus, since it has some visible purple fringing / longitudinal chromatic aberration. However, when I focused slightly closer to minimize the purple aberration, the sharpness decreased substantially. So, I went with the focus point that maximized sharpness, even at the expense of some aberrations. The same is true for the Nikon, although its color fringing wasn’t nearly as strong. Note: The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens has been replaced by the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens.

I use mine daily. It's ultra-sharp at every distance, has no distortion, it's super-tough, half the barrel is the manual focus ring I use constantly, and it has plenty of working distance between me and my subject. For instance, the Nikon 55mm f/2.8 (both auto and manual focus versions) is arguably the sharpest lens in photography, but it's a poor choice serious macro use because it's too short and you have to get uncomfortably close. I’m also a big fan of the control ring. This separate ring around the lens allows you to change settings such as ISO or aperture! It also has a super-quiet STM AF motor. The Sports line delivers high speed AF in compact telephoto zooms, which are perfect for fast-paced sports, action and wildlife photography.

You can buy ring lights that fit on the end of your lens, and they provide a continuous light source. A ring light won’t give you powerful lighting as a flash will, but it can be very effective. The Sigma and Tamron macro lenses' objective elements are deeply recessed (better-protected, harder to clean) while the Canon's is not.

I can often live with slow and noisy, but I find a high percentage of AF shots from this lens to be at least slightly out of focus To me, Canon's USM autofocus system is easily worth the price differential alone (even including the optional lens hood). These are all great macro lenses, but most of them aren't great for serious macro photography. What? What can also be seen in the above photo are magnification markings on the extended portion of the lens barrel. Opening the box and removing/opening the nice, well padded lens case reveals a very- nice-to-use sized, well-built lens.The Canon, even though it has a slightly shorter focal length, has a longer working distance (6"/150mm) than the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens (4.8"/122mm). Center, maximum aperture, close focus: Tamron 90mm f/2.8 VC Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2× Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Nikon F 105mm f/2.8 VR Sigma 105mm f/2.8 OS Irix 150mm f/2.8 Optical highlights include two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements to improve sharpness and contrast, while reducing colour fringing, and Sigma’s proprietary Multi-Layer Coatings to minimize ghosting and flare. Typical of Sigma lenses, it’ supplied complete with a hood. More unusually, a hood converter is also supplied for optimising performance when using an APS-C format rather than full-frame camera.