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Sigma 180mm F3.5 EX APO Macro IF HSM

Sigma 180mm F3.5 EX APO Macro IF HSM

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B&H $725.00
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Description This high performance telemacro lens can focus from infinity to full 1:1 Life-size reproduction without accessories. At 1:1 reproduction the distance from subject to film plane is 18.1 inches, making this lens convenient for photographing subjects which are not easily approached, such as small animals or insects, etc. The apochromatic design and two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, plus floating inner focus system effectively control Chromatic and Spherical Aberrations as well as Astigmatism, providing superb performance throughout the focusing range. The models for Sigma, Canon and Nikon AF cameras employ Sigma's HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) for quiet, responsive AF function plus "full time" manual focus. A Focus Limiter switch aids in faster AF for closer or more distant subject situations, by restiricting the movement of the focusing mechanism. The HSM model lenses can be used with Sigma's 1.4X EX teleconverter as a 252mm f/4.9 lens, with SIgma, Canon and Nikon AF cameras, providing AF function from infinity to about 47 inches. At closer distances, the lens automatically switches to manual focus. (The models for Minolta and Pentax cameras will be manual focus with the 1.4X EX teleconverter.) This lens can also be used with Sigma's 2X EX teleconverter as a 360mm f/7 lens, for manual focus in all cases.



Sigma 180mm F/3.5 EX APO Macro Photo Samples

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These are actual photos taken with Sigma 180mm F/3.5 EX APO Macro.
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Sigma 180mm F/3.5 EX APO Macro User Reviews

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5.0
Out of 5
This item is reviewed by 3 people so far.
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5
Out of 5
One of the best telephoto macro lenses in its class
- Reviewd on: 2005-07-23 By: John Kwok
I read an enthusiastic review of this lens in Shutterbug magazine about a year ago, in which its performance was compared favorably with similar lenses made by Canon and others. Without question, this lens has both the optical and mechanical performance one expects from first class premium lenses made by Canon and Nikon. I was especially impressed to see superb photographs taken by this lens for both closeup and nature photography. Unless one truly has a compelling reason for the Canon 180mm macro lens - and the only ones I can think of is that maybe its autofocusing is quieter with slightly better optical performance - then I suspect that the typical user of Canon 35mm autofocus SLRs will be quite satisfied with this lens. Without a doubt, this is one of the finest lenses being offered by a distinguished third party lens manufacturer.

5
Out of 5
Fantastic lens for all occassions
- Reviewd on: 2005-05-16 By: Gregory S. Combs
I've had this lens in my bag for almost five years and have used it countless times with my EOS 3. I use it both for macro and for normal photography due to its extreme clarity as well as it's fast focus motor. While in macro, depending on your composition, it may have do some motor searching in order to obtain focus, but outside of macro the focus is very fast. I often use it with the automatic eye focus on the EOS 3 and this lens performs beautifully. The *extra* 80mm gives you some valuable distance from potentially nasty subjects, (i.e. bees), and yields more camera position versatility over the Canon 100mm macro model, contradicting a previous reviewers post. The glass is very clear and sharp. If I have to pack light, this lens is the one lens going in my small shoulder bag. It's well worth the money, believe me.

5
Out of 5
Excellent lens, equivalent to Canon
- Reviewd on: 2005-03-03 By: Jurek R. Zarzycki
I hope no one takes John B. Stafford's word here. Research the web for reviews on this lens and see the samples of what it can deliver. Most pros agree that this lens is not only extremely well build but it delivers very sharp and contrasty images on par with anything that Canon lenses can do, if not better.