Sigma 180 f3.5 macro

I'm thinking of purchasing one of these and retiring my Canon 100mm macro - wondered if anyone was using this and what they thought. The reviews here and there appear to be very good on this compared to the Canon offering. Thanks!

I'm guessing you mean '180' f3.5? If so, just curious why you're looking to go to a longer lens.

Can't comment on the 180. I have their 105 f2.8 and it's terrific. AF is slow, even with the focus limiter turned on but the quality of the photos is excellent. Build quality is solid.

You are right - I fixed that...

I need a little more distance at times with my work. In many instances, as in the case of the flowers, photographers are forbidden from setting up in the rows of dahlia fields, due to tripods and footsteps compacting the earth around the plants. This focal length would have gained me several images I could otherwise not be able to obtain with the trusty 100....

Got it. Figured it was probably something like that.

Hi Ned - I have been researching this lens recently and almost all of the reviews I have seen are very positive. I do not own it, but have added it to my list of things I would like to purchase. There are also snippets about the lens in a variety of different NPN threads. If you search "Sigma 180" a bunch of helpful stuff comes up, if you want to do a little digging.

Thank you Robert and Sarah.. yes, it appears by the amount of good press on this lens that it seems a great value for the money.. I think I will put it on my short list of things to buy...

I have been using Sigma 180 F3.5 for the past year and half and it is an excellent lens on my Pentax digital camera. The build quality is excellent. The large focus ring turns 180 degrees and allows you to do precise manual focusing required for macro photography. The images are very sharp, as is expected of a prime lens. If there is any shortcoming, it is the weight. I found that it was impractical to shoot any macro hand-held with this lens. But then, I shoot all my macros using tripod only and hence I have not felt this as a limitation. The additional working distance I got had been very helpful in taking pictures of insects sensitive to close ups, e.g. Butterflies.

I've been shooting this lens for about 5 years, first on a Pentax MZ-S and now on my new k20d. It's a great lens, tack sharp and with beautiful colors. As noted, it is a bit heavy but it really isn't the kind of lens you would usually want to use for hand-holding. If you haven't visited B&H to look at the reviews, pls do so (my review is there, I'm "Coloradoblue"). Also, B&H has an instant rebate on right now, so you could save a few $.

Appreciate the additional feedback everyone...

I have this lens and it's very well built. The autofocus is slow, but I only use manual focus for macro so it's a non issue for me.