Macro lenses: Sigma 105 vs Pentax 100?

Hi,

Had a very unfortunate accident with my Sigma 105 Macro lens yesterday which saw it tumbling from a great height onto concrete and ending up in a bit of a mess. Anyway, after a sleepless night caused by the frustration, I need to buy another and was wondering what people thought of the Sigma 105 compared to the Pentax 100 Macro?

I have been very happy with the Sigma, the only problem being that the lens hood can be a bit of a pain.

Any guidance appreciated!

Thanks,

Annette

Sorry to hear of your misfortune.

I have owned both lenses at some time or another. I ended up selling the Sigma and keeping the Pentax. Optically they are both very good, the reason I kept the Pentax was because of its lighter weight and its quick shift ability.

I just found the Pentax easier to use. Good luck with your decision.

I own the Sigma 105 and love it.

I like the size, weight and build of it. I like my lenses heavy so am glad I do not have the Pentax version as Clarky above states that the Pentax is lighter.

I guess you have the lens insured, why not replace it like for like?

Paul

I too have the Sigma 105 and love it but as I have no experience of the Pentax I can't offer any real opinion. Perhaps a supplier will let you try both and then you can make up your mind. Mind you I think if you were happy with the Sigma then perhaps you should stick with that, you know, better the devil you know

I have the older Pentax FA 100mm Macro, and that thing is built like a tank, and wouldn't surprise me if it could have withstood that drop (probably not, but it feels like it could!).

It may be worth considering, but it would be 2nd hand only. If you wanted to have a look / play with one, you're close enough to us to pop round and have a play if you like.

Indeed what misfortune, you only had that lens a week I believe or not?

I also bought the DFA100 over the Sigma and Tamron for the reasons Clarky stated, lighter weight and its quick shift ability.

Also take a look at the Tamron 90mm f/2.8, it's a very loved lens on the Dutch forum so it must be doing something good.

I have the Sigma 105 EX DG F2.8. Why is the lens hood a pain? Its not needed! But it does come in very handy on my SMC 55mm F1.8 and Helios 44M and........
bb2

When I got my 150-500, I had a spot of bother with the hood until I started gripping it with my fingers evenly spaced around it. No further problems.

Hi All

I've been playing with the idea of a macro lens too. After reading various threads and reviews there really doesn't seem much in it between the Sigma 105, Tamron 90 and Pentax 100. Probably the most frustrating decision i've ever had to make. On one hand the focus limiter on the Tamron will be useful for portrait work - but on the other the quick shift focus on the Pentax would be useful for Macro work. Then there's the metal body of the Sigma?

I've read plenty of contradictory views regarding the image quality. Some say the Sigma's bokeh is horribly distracting, others tend to think it has the edge on the Tamron. All three seem to have their fans - making it difficult to choose!

If anyone can add anything to this debate - it would be more than welcome!
I think at the moment i'm leaning towards the Tamron - but i'm easily swayed to either the Pentax or Sigma after reading yet more comments!

Cheers
Owen

Don't forget that lenses have a colour balance as well, so if you stick to Pentax lenses all your images will have consistent colour. Looking at your lens list I see you have various makes already - have you looked closely at the colour match between them?

I quite agree John, even my 16-45mm DA and my 55-300mm DA, not expensive lenses but the colour produced is superb.

I have both the Pentax and the Tamron!.....I prefer the Tamron.....Ken

That's fine ken, but can you be a bit more specific as to why?

Sorry for being a little short in my answer John, but I was rushing out!.....I find my Tamron gives a much crisper image than the Pentax and I find manual focussing much more precise with the Tamron than the Pentax. The Tamron is heavier ,but better balanced than the Pentax, alot more comfortable in the hand,if you get what I mean!......

"After reading various threads and reviews there really doesn't seem much in it between the Sigma 105, Tamron 90 and Pentax 100"
I suspect that sums it up very well!
bb2