Nikon 105mm Macro vs. Sigma 105mm DG?

I'm putting together my christmas list and rather than hijack the last thread, I'll ask the same question about the Nikon mount.

How about the Sigma 105mm vs the Nikon 105mm. I know that the Nikon 105mm macro is a very well respected lens, but I've never seen a comparison between the Sigma and the Nikon so far.

Some points going for the Sigma:

1) Neither the Nikon or the Sigma has built-in motors (silent wave motors USM etc.)

2) I think that (from the specs) the Sigma will be short enough to fit in my Ikelite flat port for the 60mm nikon (need to try it).

3) The sigma has a M/A mode (I think) where the Nikon does not so I should be able to switch between manual and autofocus using the zoom clamp in the Ikelite port (again, need to try it).

4) The Sigma is about $200 cheaper than the Nikon ~$350 vs $550 but maybe you get what you pay for?

Has anyone heard any "rumors" that Nikon would update the two macro lenses to AF-S?

Thanks,

2)... also the Nikon has a M/A mode.

4)... I have not tested or seen the Sigma but the Nikon 105 is an awsome lens

and you definitely get it's price worth,

Then why buy it new, get a used one from H&B or ebay, I got most of my lenses like this and they all are in great shape.

Or wait for your Birthday 8)

Again my 0.02$

thomhard

The Sigma is substantially longer than the Nikon when extended fully. I thought the same as you, and bought the Sigma, only to have to sell it to get it to fit in my housing. Contact Ikelite to be sure. The Nikon 105 is awesome, however: I don't even use the 60 much any more.

Cheers,

Marli

also the Nikon has a M/A mode

Really? I thought it was either M or A with a switch on the lens like my Nikon 60mm.

M/A mode means that you can switch to manual focus just by turning the focus ring. The focus ring does not move while autofocusing. Does the Nikon 105mm do this?

The Sigma is substantially longer than the Nikon when extended fully

Ok I see... The sigma won't fit when extended. For some reason I thought it had internal focusing.

Sigma: Dimensions (Dia x Length)3.1 x 3.7 in

Full Extended Length 5.9 in

Nikon Dimensions (diameter x length - in.): 3.0 x 4.1 inches

Does the Nikon 105mm extend or does it have internal focusing?

If so it still might fit?

#5505...... Lens length less than 4.5"

Why then does Ike recommend the

#5505.5 .. Lens length less than 5.5" (14cm)

Maybe it does extend?

Also noticed a few changes on the Ikelite site:

The 60mm macro used to be recommended in the 5505 port now its the #5502.41. There used to not be a manual focus option for the 60mm, now there is: #5506. There used to not be any mention of the Sigma 105 and now the reccomended port is: #5505.58

i switched to the nikon 60mm from the nikon 105 when i started using an s2 with an ikelite housing... i haven't used it in a while, but i'm pretty sure the 105 doesn't fit with the standard ikelite flat port and that is the main reason i switched to the 60.

i can check it out when i get home.

also, the nikon 105 does have the ring for switching from manual to auto focus... it worked great with my old sea&sea housing.

Really? I thought it was either M or A with a switch on the lens like my Nikon 60mm.

This is correct...either A or M, but you can change it underwater

Does the Nikon 105mm extend or does it have internal focusing?

Yes, the 105 does extend during focus

Karl

Hi Guys, I'm offshore but can still help out.

The M/A switch that the original poster is referring to is something that is only found on AFS lenses. It has two positions: M/A - which is the autofocus mode with full-time manual override, or M with is Manual focus only.

Older D type lenses have an A-M Shift collar. This collar requires a silver button to be pushed in order to rotate the collar to change from A to M mode. In A mode, there is NO way to manually focus without stripping the gears in the lens.

Some housings and ports have an elaborate system to hold down the silver button allowing the user to shift the collar from A to M mode. Ike has a new port that is nice for this, but it's a special flat port with focus and is not a "standard" port.

In any case, it is NOT true that the Nikkor 105 has an M/A mode - just wanted to clear that up. I wish I had more information on the Sigma lens, but I haven't used it.

Cheers

James

All my answers...

but about Ike, I hav no idea.

But if 60mm or 105mm I own both of them and it definitely depends on the condition you dive in or what subject you are looking for

you can get pretty similar results if the subject lets get a bit closer for the 60mm

(the image is a bit out of Focus it just sits here for comparison reasons)

Also you get a diver onto the picture with the 105mm if the water conditions allow it, mine didn't in that case

If I'd had to decide, tough one, most likely the 60mm since you can use it more flexible, but I would not want to miss on the 105mm eighter... :wink:

Ok so I went to the camera store and checked out the Nikon 105mm. Of course its a sweet lens.

Yes it only does manual or auto focus but not both at the same time like the Sigma should from my reading of the specs. (Still can't find anyone locally that has them in stock).

Yes it extends quite a bit while focusing but appearently not as much as the Sigma. So in either case I will need a new port.

But hey, what about the new Sigma 150mm? This one seems to have everything:

1. Internal focusing so the barrel does not extend

2. M/A mode so you can manual focus on the fly and the focus ring does not move when autofocusing.

3. USM so the focusing should be very fast. If the Nikon had AF-S I would get it in a heartbeat.

4. The tripod ring comes off so it should fit in the Ikelite port. It's 5.4" long by 3.1" wide. Maybe it needs a special zoom clamp to work the focus through the zoom gear. The Nikon 12-24mm is 3.2" so it should be something lke that a bit thicker.

5. It does 1:1 from 15" vs 1:1 from 12" in the 105s does this matter?

6. $599 so it's price competitive with the Nikon 105mm.

For me the big deal is the addition of USM. But will this be sharp enough? The Nikon 105 seems to be a known quantity and it seems to be great already. Maybe I'll be the ginea pig?

Since I can't get our 105mm away from Kimberly, I've been looking at this lens also so I can do macro

Please let me know what you find out and which Ike port you use

Karl

5. It does 1:1 from 15" vs 1:1 from 12" in the 105s does this matter?

In all but the clearest water, I would hate to give up 3 inches. The existing range of the Nikon 105 can even be a bit far in marginal water. It does however work out very well for giving you just enough distance to light the small stuff "better".

The Sigma 150mm isn't available yet but I've got one on order. It's awfully long for a general macro lens and a DX sensor camera. I think it's too much lens except when you are deliberately shooting something small or using a full framer where it's like the 105mm in perspective.

Agreed. It's a very long lens, but excellent for a FF camera if you are used to shooting a 105 on a cropped sensor camera.

Cheers

James