Nikon 105mm or Sigma 105mm

Hi,

Owned a Subal housing for NIKON 801 SLR Camera. Recently just bought dome port for 105 mm lens. Which one would you prefer using the Nikon 105mm macro 1:1 or Sigma 105mm 1:1? What are the pros & cons of the individual lens apart from the price which is obviously the Nikon will cost more than Sigma.

How 'bout using the Vivitar 100mm macro with adaptor ring 1:1?

Please advise accordingly...

Singapore

Diver@68

Hi, I personally use Nikon Lenses. I have the 105mm lens, and I believe it is worth the extra money over the Sigma. One thing to note though, you say you have a DOME port for the 105. The 105 needs to sit behind a flat port, NOT a dome !!

Good luck in making your choice

Subal build a manual or autofocus port for the Nikon lens - if you ever want this option in the future it will not be available for the Sigma as far as I am aware. I'd go for the Nikon.

Hi

I've got both lenses and I truly believe that the Nikon is not worth the extra money over the Sigma.

In my opinion, Sigma's optical quality is as good as Nikon's, if not better. True, Nikon is more solid built, but for underwater use this is not important (always my opinion)...

I've not found any noticeable difference in autofocus speed...

But, you should take in consideration:

-At 1:1 position, Sigma is longer than Nikon

-Sigma is noisier than Nikon (and that can be a problem with skittisk animals)...

Both are very reliable.... And I've also tried the Tamron 90mm and is also very, very good....

Hope it helps

Cheers

Matetes

Nikon manufacturers their own glass to control quality as part of their operations. They have the finest optics available in my opinion. I'd go with Nikon, although Sigma is a good product as well.

Joe

Thanks to all for the vital informations. Another option I'm thinking is to get the Nikon macro 60mm with extension tube - will it works & is it more easy to take underwater?

Somebody just offer me Vivitar 100mm macro with 1:1 adaptor.. will it take good pictures as compare with the Nikon or Sigma 105mm?

I'm really lost, please help...

Most modern macro lenses will produce excellent results! What you need to consider is; will the lens fit behind the port that you own (including fully extended) and is it possible to get an aperture gear to use on the lens? Subal primarily supported Nikon lenses with many Sigmas being catered for too. BUT the Sigma lenses have changed more often and tracking down an aperture ring may be tricky (I've got loads but its a matter of trying them on each lens, as some lenses changed in their aperture ring size as they were upgraded). If you already have a Nikon aperture ring then I would say that your choice really does narrow down to Nikon and since you say that you have a 105mm port, I would stick to that lens. Any other lens may give you problems either in fitting it into the port or you may be unable to get an aperture gear for it. As macro shots are usually taken at f/16 or close to it, an aperture gear is not absolutely essential providing that you preset this aperture, but is still highly useful and you would find not having one very limiting.

Also bear in mind that a Nikon lens will probably cost little more to repair (should it ever need repairing) and will retain its value better than the others. You do not need a 'D' (later) lens for the F801 and you should be able to find an older and cheaper non-'D' AF lens to use quite easily.

Great points and well said. The biggest hassle is to get excited about a lens and then hire a private detective to hunt down a gear.

Joe

Many thanks to Paul for the details explaination, it's really helps me alot in undertanding the topic. Now, scout around locally & around the net for the NIKON 105mm macro. Any websites you will recommend besides ebay & BHPhoto..

Thanks to all for the vital informations.  Another option I'm thinking is to get the Nikon macro 60mm with extension tube - will it works & is it more easy to take underwater?

I'm using the 60mm with a Kenko MC7 2x lens (which can be used in the 105 flat port) : it works fine regarding quality and you can take 2:1 pictures which is great. The problem: it slow down the AF.

Claude

Nikon has the best lensperiod. As far as the ex tubes they work but slow the af . Hoe about a 200mm lens instead. Mark