Just got my 105mm macro.

[muttleymacclad]

Well i got my Sigma 105mm macro yesterday afternoon at about 3pm, so had little time to try it out but here are 3 shots straight from the camera as jpegs.

I think they need a little refinement (sharpening and clour boost) and a steady hand or tripod, I'm getting mine repaired today but I just thought I'd share them.


I think I'm really going to like this alot.

The eye.

Spoiler:

Moss and pond plant.

Spoiler:

In the eye of the frog.

Spoiler:

Some cropping would be useful too. I'm not sure whether I like my reflection in the eyes or not.

MML

[munkydust]

I don't like seeing your reflection in the eyes, not that I dislike you or anything . I don't know how you'd go about getting a straight shot onto an eye without getting you in the way though. On the bright side, they're cool pictures :-)

[sparkzz]

wow, i have been thinking about buying this lens, and seeing these photos has totally sold me.

After seeing bilbo's photos, and now these i have to get this!!

great photos!!.. love the frog one!!

[muttleymacclad]

I don't like seeing your reflection in the eyes, not that I dislike you or anything . I don't know how you'd go about getting a straight shot onto an eye without getting you in the way though. On the bright side, they're cool pictures :-)

Cheers. I guess a clever bit of photoshopping could do it. Don't know how good it would look though.

wow, i have been thinking about buying this lens, and seeing these photos has totally sold me.

After seeing bilbo's photos, and now these i have to get this!!

great photos!!.. love the frog one!!

Thanks. I got it because Bilbo and a few others have taken some great shots with it. You definitely need a tripod or some support though for the real close ups, otherwise camera shake is really noticeable. From my very limited use of it yesterday, focusing on exactly the right part of the shot is vital otherwise your shot doesn't look too great. eg the focus on this pond skater is sharp in the middle of its abdomen but the head is way out. Not a great pic

Spoiler:

I did take some of a small fly but the light was such that when the ISO was bumped up to 400, the noise when zoomed in full was quite noticeable.

MML

[Bilbo_baggin]

Yeah, the DoF is so minimal for the fast speeds often requred.

You sure have got the eye in m8, and with more use, you'll soon find you'll pull the stunners right out of the hat.

What you will find more than anything is an amzing world appearing right in front of you.... Fascinating.


Bilbo.

[peterc4]

spot on mate, the pond skater is best fo me, been on my list for a while now money a bit tight at the minute, hope to join you soon

[nok1]

lovely pics mate, like the frog best

[muttleymacclad]

Thanks everyone.

It's not cheap Peter you're right but i decided to go for this over a zoom because it's much cheaper than a decent zoom. I'd love to be able to take decent wildlife pics but those boys have huge expensive lenses, so i thought I'd get a lens that would allow me to get good shots without the expense.

I've tweaked the photos now in photoshop. Much happier now.
pond skater

Spoiler:

frog

Spoiler:

I do love this lens.

MML

[Bilbo_baggin]

Cooking on gas MML..

Bilbo.

[BertRoot]

Looking good mate. Nice effort. It is a lens I really fancy.

[slartibartfast]

Gotta love the Sigma.

A tripod is essential for pin sharp images. If it's live insects your taking though they're a bit impractical. Instead use a flash to keep things sharp while hand holding, preferably a separate flash unit, even better if it's off camera on a bracket.

[peterc4]

even better mate spot on.

[muttleymacclad]

Gotta love the Sigma.

A tripod is essential for pin sharp images. If it's live insects your taking though they're a bit impractical. Instead use a flash to keep things sharp while hand holding, preferably a separate flash unit, even better if it's off camera on a bracket.

I'm still getting used to the sigma and only used it for 20 mins on Sunday. Can you guys shed any light on a few issues I have below?

What's the deal with the limit and full focus switch? I get the idea it's used in AF mode, and it limits the lens from going too far out of focus. Is this right?

It has a manual and AF switch as well as Manual and AF on the focus ring? What would happen when the switch is set to AF and the ring to manual or vice versa?

And what's the deal with the bit in the "manual ()" about if it's left in Manual focus it can damage the camera motor if the camera is using AF?

I know I'll get these answers through using the lens but I can't use it today ! So any help in advance will keep me happier for the moment.

I want to get out and use it today. It's a fantastic sunny day with perfect light. Damn work !

MML

[ise438]

Great shots...love the frog...

[slartibartfast]

What's the deal with the limit and full focus switch? I get the idea it's used in AF mode, and it limits the lens from going too far out of focus. Is this right?

Yes, it limits how far the lens travels while trying to find focus and so saves time by stopping it racking all the way in and all the way back out again. If you're using it for macro, extend the lens fully then switch it to limit, the lens will only move in and out about half the normal distance. Same if you're using it at the other end of the focus range.

It has a manual and AF switch as well as Manual and AF on the focus ring? What would happen when the switch is set to AF and the ring to manual or vice versa?

If the switch is set to AF while the ring is set to manual then the focus ring will rotate while the lens is focusing. If the switch is set to manual while the focus ring is set to AF then the lens won't focus at all.

And what's the deal with the bit in the "manual ()" about if it's left in Manual focus it can damage the camera motor if the camera is using AF?

As above. If left in that setup the focus ring will move and place the motor under an increased load. It's an easy mistake to make though and I've done it a number of times. I think prolonged use would probably cause problems but the odd mistake now and again isn't going to cause too much harm. I wouldn't recommend doing it on purpose though.

Mine's pretty much in manual focus all the time anyway, I rarely use AF for macro shots.

[muttleymacclad]

What's the deal with the limit and full focus switch? I get the idea it's used in AF mode, and it limits the lens from going too far out of focus. Is this right?

Yes, it limits how far the lens travels while trying to find focus and so saves time by stopping it racking all the way in and all the way back out again. If you're using it for macro, extend the lens fully then switch it to limit, the lens will only move in and out about half the normal distance. Same if you're using it at the other end of the focus range.

It has a manual and AF switch as well as Manual and AF on the focus ring? What would happen when the switch is set to AF and the ring to manual or vice versa?

If the switch is set to AF while the ring is set to manual then the focus ring will rotate while the lens is focusing. If the switch is set to manual while the focus ring is set to AF then the lens won't focus at all.

And what's the deal with the bit in the "manual ()" about if it's left in Manual focus it can damage the camera motor if the camera is using AF?

As above. If left in that setup the focus ring will move and place the motor under an increased load. It's an easy mistake to make though and I've done it a number of times. I think prolonged use would probably cause problems but the odd mistake now and again isn't going to cause too much harm. I wouldn't recommend doing it on purpose though.

Mine's pretty much in manual focus all the time anyway, I rarely use AF for macro shots.

Thanks very much slarti, I really appreciate the help. I'm learning so much so quickly with the help from the members of DF.

I tried to give you some of the proper green stuff but i need to spread some more around in other areas apparently !

cheers

MML

[BiPolarShrew]

Thanks very much slarti, I really appreciate the help. I'm learning so much so quickly with the help from the members of DF.

I tried to give you some of the proper green stuff but i need to spread some more around in other areas apparently !

cheers

MML

i think you are helping other members a lot too lol, you are helping them learn