Sigma 15 vs. Nikkor 10.5 + TC

I went through some older treads about wide angle macro shots and it got me wondering.

Is Nikkor 10.5 + 1.5x TC more or less the same as sigma 15?

There will be a one stop difference, but other than that is it the same?

I went through some older treads about wide angle macro shots and it got me wondering.

Is Nikkor 10.5 + 1.5x TC more or less the same as sigma 15?

There will be a one stop difference, but other than that is it the same?

I guess it'll be more or less the same, but i think you'll have to extend your domeport. BTW, i sold my 10.5 mm and bought the Tokina 10-17 mm FE, you've got both options in one lens (also at the expense of one stop) and some additional CA for free...

cheers, Udo

A. Mustard wrote an article about this in UWP mag, but I don’t remember which issue... anyway I believe is not the same, but he may be the one to answer this...

i'd opt for the sigma 15mm FE which i traded my nikon 16mm for. its sharper than the 10.5 w/ TC and will AF better in tough close focus situations. both will focus virtually on the dome port, though the 10.5 + TC can focus inside it i think. the cost of a TC + extension may be close to the sigma. The tokina 10-17 gives good cf performance too and may be a good versatile option. Cheers,

Chris

The main advantage of the 10.5m + TC is that the lens sticks out further from the camera, which makes lighting close to the dome much easier. The main problem with using any wide lens for macro is actually making use of its close focus - and properly lighting the subject. 10.5mm + TC, 10-17mm and Sig 15mm all focus very close - but I have only been able to achieve the same really close macro shots with the 10.5mm + TC.

Here is an example:

Of course as soon as you are slightly further away all three are pretty much identical - with the 15mm having the best AF over the slower 10-17mm and 10.5 + TC.

Alex

Thank you for your responses.

Alex, do you mean magnification ratio of 10.5+TC is better than sigma at close focus? Or is it just an issue with how you can physicaly manouver the camera close to your subject.

I mean you use D2x which is quite substantial below lens port. I understand that longer port would help to get closer.

I though about using it behind Ikelite 6" port on D70 housing. So I should be able to get similar macro with Sigma, right?