Macro Capabilities for the Sigma 18-200mm OS? This lens obviously has great long-range capabilities (according to most of the reviews I have read), but how good is it in taking macro pictures?
154902
It should be pretty good. It has a specified magnification of 1:3.9, so if you have a normal Canon with a 15x22mm sensor then smallest object you can photo is 22mm*3.9x = 8.6 cm ~= 3.3 in for it to be full screen. The PopPhoto review said it can do 1:3 mag so 22mm*3 = 6.6 cm or 2.6 in to be full frame. Your Canon Kit lens is listed at 1:3.5, so 7.7 cm is the best. Macro is a function of the highest zoom and shortest focus distance. Anyway look for the "Macro Magnification Ratio" in the spec and it'll let you know.
372804
Yes, I would think it's the main reason to have this lens. Some say the lens gets too close to the subject when used for macro work, I have not found that to be a problem. I find the lens very useful especially all around, but would probably not own it if not for its macro capability.
604836
My advice is to go to DPReview, which is an excellent resource for looking at digital cameras. That is where I get my info. My lens will focus only to ~ 8", so I'm guessing that the macro lens can get closer. Enjoy - it's an awesome camera!
2096571
It is hard to say.... I am very satisfied with the 18-200mm. The quality is impressive and i don't mind the weight of the camera. It is the only lens I use. If I need additional detail, I can use the available computer software to provide additional zoom. Overall, I am very happy with the camera and lens.
501122
Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting the Canon 17-55/2.8IS. It was more expensive, but I had come across some extra money. I've had that lens for several month now and it's awesome. The zoom range is excellent, it's great having f2.8 through the whole range, and the IS adds probably at least 3 stops. It's very sharp when I do my part, especially when it's stopped down a couple clicks. I would still love to get a lens like I described in my OP, but I'm looking at a wide angle zoom and a better telephoto lens before that one.
75252
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question, I ended up buying the Sigma lens and I agree with you when you say that is a great value for the price.So far I'm very happy with this lens, I have used it in both daylight and night time (with external flash) and the results have been excellent with my D5000, the OS is great and focusing is very fast indeed.Again, thank's !George
583899
I love this lens, the quality is tremendous and it is very versatile. Excellent lens for just walking around. Color rendition and sharpness make if fine for landscape if the focal length is what you want for your shot. For macro, it is pretty specialized, not so good for tiny subjects since at 35 mm you have to get very close to be 1:1. One of the all time best lenses ever made for flower photography.
1770836
I have not taken any macro photos with this lens. For me, it is basically a zoom telephoto lens and will not focus well on close-up items. When I have attempted to use it for close-ups, it continues to cycle and will not focus properly. As a telephoto zoom, it is great for sports photos and brings in long distance subjects clearly. I am sure there are other lenses that are better designed for macro use. John Craighill
1359667
I have this problem But I don't understand your solution, Bruce. Could you or someone explain it again please?You appear to be saying that if the camera is at something like a standard focal length you can choose both Macro and MF. But you can't - not on mine anyway!In my experience, the camera will not focus below 1ft. The image stays blurred and often the yellow central focus frame will display a question mark.Auto-focus does not work in Macro either - so to all practical purposes the camera has no Macro mode. If someone has a fix for this I'd be very interested.
1239593
The focal length being 105mm will give you a sharp picture through the entire range. It's not the most durable lens since it has a plastic mount. The 18 200mm has a metal mount. It's probably a better all around lens but it does get soft in places. For me it seems to be around 135mm but it seems to help if you get the shutter speed around 1/500. I had the 18 105mm for two years and the mount broke on me after dropping from a 2 1/2 foot speaker onto carpet. Cost $65 to fix.
136114
There is a 65mm MACRO lens that apparently lets you get to millimeters close. The two Panny lenes I have -- the 20 and the 12.5 both let you get quite close, but they aren't macro lenses. Check on the Olympus site. There are a couple of specifically macro lenses. That's my next lens. I love macro shooting. But those tow panny lenses aren't bad at all. Adorama has (I believe ALL of the lenses, both Panasonic and Olympus) for 4/3 format, so it's another place to look. Read the specs and see what they tell you. I do know the 65mm macro gets very good reviews from users.
67327
The one that includes "Macro" in the name is the newest version: "Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM". It is smaller, lighter, and has improved close-up capability; hence the inclusion of the "Macro" monniker. The older lens is still available on Amazon for $329 versus $399 for the new one. Hope this helps!
138089
Yes, it is very good for macro close-ups, blurring the background beautifully! A very versatile lens. You can't go wrong! Very sharp photos.
916596
I attached my macro lens to my Nikon kit 18-55mm lens. Just be sure to remove any filters you have on the lens first, otherwise the macro won't be able to attach. I think this is why the lenses are so cheap. You're getting the heavy duty lens functions (like autofocus, etc) from your primary lens, then the macro is just a fun add-on. If you only want a macro without having to attach it to another lens, you have to pay a lot more. I'm sure you also get more quality out of it, but given the price of this lens, you can still get some amazing pictures out of it.
1756270
No personal experience with the Tamron, but sure it is excellent as well. I really like my Sigma and have no issues with it at all. Look up Matt Granger on YouTube for an excellent comparison on Nikon, Sigma and Tamron versions of this lens.
1160044
I have the same lens bro and it went well.But you'll have to use the lens on its longest zoom (135mm) to get the macro effect.It's not a macro lens, but it's quite handy if you need to shoot a big closeup.
160523
I wasn't aware Sigma made this same lens in a "macro" version? Becarefull believing the discriptions as some "used" products are misrepresented. Any how, macro will allow for a shorter minimum focus distance. Good luck