Testing Sigma 105 f2.8 Macro DX Lens is it soft?

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

09/27/2006 10:33:28 PM · #1

Ok I apologize in advance for the my test method. Below are three shots from my Sigma 105 f2.8. It seems that my images are coming out just a bit out of focus at f2.8. What shutter speed do I need to shoot at hand held with this lens to get a tack sharp image at f2.8. My hope is that I can get a tack sharp image at that f stop. Then I did a test shot at f500 and it looked a but out of focus. Am I force to be on a tripod with the mirror up to get a really sharp shot (even at 1/500)?

Here is my first shot hand held 1/60 f 2.8

Here is where the lens has officially tested best from reviews 1/60 f8

Here is the image at 1/500 at f2.8

I know this is relative but in your opinion is the image at an acceptable sharpness at 1/500 f2.8? I figure it is quite likely (due to low lighting at times) to shoot at 1/500 f2.8.

I tried to crop at 100%. The focus point is on the lip of the can just above the H. I shot at 105 non macro mode.

Am I being too critical of this lens or should I consider and exchange.

P.S. - I know perhaps given my scores I should be focusing less on hardware on more on technique but I want to make sure I am not making a bad purchase.

Thank you in advance

Message edited by author 2006-09-27 22:35:36.

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

09/27/2006 10:40:11 PM · #2

1/500 f/2.8

1/60 f/8

1/60 f/2.8
1. Fixed those thumbs.
2. Try using a tripod. If you don't have a remote trigger, use the timer to eliminate shake and see what happens.

Message edited by author 2006-09-27 22:50:49.

breadfan35

Nikon D3

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

09/27/2006 10:48:30 PM · #3

I'm curious to see what others thoughts are too since I am considering this lens instead of saving for the Nikkor VR.

Message edited by author 2006-09-27 22:50:35.

kenskid

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/27/2006 11:12:30 PM · #4

Hello,

I would like to see a shot of something a little different. A coin maybe. It would give me an idea of "scale" and sharpness.

For example, take a shot of a penny and crop it at about 50% so I can see some detail. The pic you have of that can, or jar is not very good overall. It may not be that the lens is "soft".

Example from my shot:

09/27/2006 11:17:43 PM · #5

Originally posted by Elliottjms:

What shutter speed do I need to shoot at hand held with this lens to get a tack sharp image at f2.8.

I have this lense too and at 2.8 I wouldn't be holding out for razor sharp images. Stop down to F16 and use a tripod/mirror lockup/remote trigger as advised.

What do you mean by non-macro mode? You were shooting something some distance away? It's a great lense for macro work. If you want a 100mm telephoto then yeah, you are better of getting something else.

09/28/2006 12:05:55 AM · #6

Actually I do plan on using it for portaits as well. Got this nice one yesterday but it was a bit soft (I guess I should expect hand held at 1/60 f2.8.

hand held f2.8 1/60th but had to sharpen in photoshop.

So I took the coins and they look good.

1/125 f2.8

1/200 f2.8

1/500 f2.8 (Still can't tell if this is fuzzy am I dealing with DOF or softness this is non macro).

The lens is phenomenal at f8 macro or 105mm. I just want to make sure I did not get a dud. I would say based on the coins its pretty good and I should move on to composition and exposure.

Whats your thoughts on the sharpness of the coins?

Message edited by author 2006-09-28 01:12:58.

09/28/2006 08:29:14 AM · #7

Coins look fine. You will never shoot macros at 2.8. The DOF is simply too thin. Just by breathing in and out you will sway your camera in and out of the focus point for sure.

edit: early morning typos

Message edited by author 2006-09-28 08:29:36.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/28/2006 08:11:28 PM · #8

Yes took some more shots today and they turned out wonderful. Used a little flash but still shot at 1/60th f2.8. Came out very sharp. Thanks for the feedback. As I rebuild my lens collections I want to make sure I don't get taken.

Just sent in a ton of used equipment for and estimate to adorama, hopefully they will give me a good price. Will be getting a few more lenses at that point.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

09/28/2006 08:20:52 PM · #9

Originally posted by routerguy666:

You will never shoot macros at 2.8. The DOF is simply too thin.

Oh, I don't know about that...

09/28/2006 08:59:50 PM · #10

Ok. You'll never shoot macros at 2.8 because the DoF is too thin, unless of course that is the effect you are going for. :p

09/28/2006 09:07:32 PM · #11

I should say I know this lens takes great macros but my goal was to bring out the telephoto, have been going for the telephoto. So today I added a little flash and still shot at 1/60 f2.8.

Wonderful results wonderful lens.

09/28/2006 09:10:07 PM · #12

Rule of thumb for sharp pictures is shutter speed = 1/focal length, so at 105mm you'd aim for 1/125 shutter speed.

Message edited by author 2006-09-28 23:18:27.