Question 1

How the image quality and over all experience of this lense compared to Canon 100 mm L F/2.8  IS Macro ?

Accepted Answer

I know this is an old question, but I would imagine this is going to be one of the most common comparisons so I want to get this out there.

To start, the Canon is better built overall.  Better casing, more durable design, and so on.  The Sigma is not bad, just the Canon has a better build is all.  Canon is a steel case with solid switches.  The Sigma is mostly plastic and the switches feel a little wonky, like they will eventually stop working (not had the issue yet, but that is how they feel).  The Sigma does come with a longer warranty though, 4 years, and for the price that is crazy good.  Also the AF of the Canon is going to be spot on by comparison

Next, for IQ, they are both very sharp lenses.  The Canon does have the edge in that it has better center to corner sharpness, but the Sigma is still very good here as well (I would say it is splitting hairs on all but the sharpest cameras, like the 5DsR).  The Sigma suffers from an increase in CA when shot at F2.8 vs the Canon, but I have only seen this in an extreme test that was intended to make this happen.  For practical use, I don't even use F2.8 at macro range, as it gives too shallow of a DOF.  At F8 I do not notice at macro range, and I shoot at F8 for macro a lot.  Nice sharp images with great color.

Last, price.  At the moment Sigma has an ongoing 400 dollar rebate on the 105mm F2.8, and I really don't think this will change anytime soon.  This makes it over 400 dollars cheaper than the Canon.  At times the Canon can be had for 700 USD, and even then is a more expensive lens.  If you are learned in macro shooting techniques you can save some money and go for the Sigma, and will be able to make some nice images.  IF you can afford the Canon, it does outperform the Sigma in all categories, save for the price.  If you will be using it as a portrait and macro lens, it might be a better idea to get the Canon, but the Sigma also does well for the reduced price.  Without the instant 400 dollar rebate, the Sigma is overpriced vs the Canon, and the Canon is the clear winner at that price range.  I have the Sigma and have not regretted getting it for the price I paid.

A note - The Sigma does have one pretty serious flaw.  It has a very noisy AF and OS motor.  Some people are put off by this.  I have not had a lot of issues from it, other than it is annoying at times.  I don't even use AF for macro though, so not a big deal.

If you would like more information about the Sigma 105mm F2.8 lens, then you should check out the review I have for it on my profile.  It covers the pros and cons, offers advice for how to use it, and also has sample images taken with the lens.  There are also some suggestions for other lenses that might work well for you and the reasons why.  Here is a link.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3VA2PKY5NQOWK?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

Question 2

Why is this so much cheaper here than anywhere else?

Accepted Answer

The one you are looking at is a private seller.  In spite of their name, they are not affiliated with Amazon.  They are also an international seller, which means if you are outside the region they are in you will not get a warranty on this lens (they are in the UK).  Also, I can not find any info as to if they are an authorized Sigma dealer.  Based on their storefront, I am guessing not, which also means the lens has no warranty.  I also can not see anything that say the lens is new, so it might also be used.  This doesn't mean that they are selling a bad lens or even if these other things are true or untrue, but they are likely, or at least some of them are.  You would be best contacting them directly and asking if the item is new, if they are an authorized dealer, and if it has the warranty.

If you are interested in some information about the 105mm lens, you should check out the review I have on my profile.  It covers the pros and cons, offers advice for how to use the lens, and also has suggestions for lenses that might be better for you.  There are also sample images taken with the lens.  Here is a link to the review.   https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3VA2PKY5NQOWK/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_btm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0058NYVXG#wasThisHelpful

Question 3

Is there a U.S. warranty with this?

Accepted Answer

I bought it from Best buy with receipt. I will send you a copy of it. The lens is new. I think you can get the warranty with the copy of bestbuy receipt

Question 4

Will this fit on Canol Rebel T8i ???

Accepted Answer

Yes, the lens is an EF mount, it will fit.

Brand	シグマ(Sigma)
Model Number	258101
Model Year	2012
Display Size	3.08 Inches
Shooting Speed	7
Optical Zoom Range	1 x
Zoom Range (including digital)	1
Lens Fixed Focal Length	105 Millimeters
Focal Length (wide)	105 Millimeters
Focal Length (tele)	105 Millimeters
Aperture (wide)	2.8 Millimeters
Min. Aperture (tele)	22
AF Points	Manual, Automatic
Lens type	Monofocal Lens
Type	telephoto lens, macro lens
Filter Size	62mm
Lens Configuration	16 sheets in 11 groups
Lens Mount	Canon EF
Image Stabilization	Yes
Included Components	Case, Hood (LH680-03), Hood Adapter (HA680-01)
Lens Motor Type	超音波モーター
Color	Black
Compatible Devices	Camera
Lens Diameter	62 Millimeters
Batteries Included	No
Manufacturer Warranty Description Labor	Included
Manufacturer Warranty Description Parts	Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
Product Dimensions	12.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 cm; 725 g

Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro

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