Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

Jul 14, 2012 Comments Off by Raphaël Lessinger

This new macro lens unveiled today by Sigma is the world’s first ever optically stabilized macro lens + long focal length + f/2.8. This 180mm macro lens gets the Sigma OS that is claimed to help balancing 4EV. I would say 2.5-3EV in real life conditions. The fast aperture of f/2.8 and this image stabilization system will sure help increasing the % of sharp macro shots, which is not an easy thing when talking real macro photography.

Real macro photography, this is what you will be able to achieve with the Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM that offers a closest focusing distance of 47cm / 18.5″ (that is far from the subject but that can be precious if you can’t get closer / fear the thing you want to capture). At this distance, the lens offers a 1:1 magnification ratio. Real macro we said….

The Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens belongs to the Sigma “EX” lens range. Therefore, it gets high-end optical characteristics like 3 lenses made in FLD glass, a new type of glass launched by Sigma 2 years ago. It offers fluorite like qualities for a cost a fraction of its price. The lens receives a floating focusing lens group that will reduce astigmatism and distorsion for an optimized image quality at all focusing distances. To fight against flare, Sigma apply their Multi Layer Coating and delivers the lens with both a lens hood but also an adapter aimed at using the lens with an APS-C DSLR.

But that is not it ! It also gets the silent and fast HSM autofocus motorization, 9 circular aperture blades, a metal lens barrel, a chrome plated brass mount… The lens is pretty big, heavy and expensive. That is a pro lens ! It will be available later this month in Canon EF mount and in August in Nikon F mount for $1699 (USA) / €1799 (EU).

Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens main technical specifications

Focal length : 180mm
Max. aperture : f/2.8
Min. aperture : f/22
Angle of view : 13.7°
Autofocus motorization : HSM (ultrasonic drive)
3 FLD glass lenses
1 floating focusing lens group
Super Multi Layer coating
Diaphragm : 9 circular aperture blades
Closest focusing distance : 18.5″ / 47cm
Max. magnification ratio : 1:1
Filter diameter : 86mm
Lens barrel diameter : 95mm
Lens length : 203,9mm
Weight : 1,640 kg
Available mounts : Canon and Nikon

Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM : macro lens

Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens

Today’s macro lens at Sigma

Sigma has become on of the main specialist for macro lenses. They launched a lot of so-called ” macro” zoom lenses that they tag with a “macro” name as soon as it offers a pretty decent magnification ratio but they also offer a wide range of real macro photography lenses. Now, Sigma 1:1 macro lens range is made of :