Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Lens Review

For lovers of macro photos as well as of quality portraits, Sigma added a 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro to its pro (EX) line in 2006.

Let’s just see how this 70mm performs on our tests when compared to some of its direct competitors —specifically, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM and the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED. But first, let’s look the 70mm’s standalone DxOMark results.

Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro on a Nikon D7000 (APS-C)

Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro on a Canon (APS-C)

Strong points	Weak points
High resolution	Only so-so transmission
Zero distortion
Very weak vignetting
Controlled chromatic aberrations

Comparison

Now let’s compare the Sigma lens DxOMark results against the APS-C-format test results for two of its direct competitors.

Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro vs Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM vs Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Conclusion

The Sigma achieves very good results, putting it in second place ahead of Canon 60mm f2.8 Macro USM, which it beats in every category except for chromatic aberration. Its very-well-corrected vignetting is its principal strong point with respect to the Canon — and with respect to the Nikon as well. Globally, however, it stays below the somewhat more expensive Nikon 105mm, which has better resolution and better-controlled chromatic aberrations.

Comments

Added by whitenebula | March 13, 2012

Nikkor 60mm micro

I would like to see it compared to Nikon 60mm 2.8 micro. It makes more sense than comparing it to the 105mm.
Can we expect Nikon 60mm (2.8 micro) test results soon?

Reply | Read all replies for this comment

First replies for this comment

Added by mfli56 | April 26, 2012

Re: Nikkor 60mm micro

I've got the same question than you, about a macro lens topic (all brand) :
1-Why a legendary lens as the 60mm Nikkor or the 150mm Sigma are not tested?
2-Could be very comfortable to have a preselection of macro lenses to compare.
3-The various tables of results should be more thick colored & contrasted in performance with faded backviews on this site.