Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART)

Photo: Editor AL with the NEW Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART)  

 
10th June 2018, Singapore – Sigma’s latest addition to their ART series lens comes in the form of – 70mm MACRO! While many of us had waited long enough for a Macro lens to join the ARTS line, the new Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro ART is finally here. Designed for high resolution close-ups and a newly designed lens from ground-up, Sigma is hoping to duplicate the past success of its super-sharp Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro.

Before we proceed, and as usual we would like to disclaim that we are reviewing based on user experience rather than a technical review which you can easily find on Sigma’s website. We are really more interested in what this lens can do and image quality etc. If you are cool, read on.

Photo: Without Hood.
Left-Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
Right-NEW Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART)

Photo: With Hood.
Left-Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
Right-NEW Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART)

On first look, the new Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART) has slimmed down but had grow a little taller. (70.8mm x 105.8mm) Weight wise, it’s pretty close to the previous version at 515gm. As expected from an ART series lens from Sigma, the lens construction features the proven TSC compound on its barrel and the design cues from the new Sigma Global Vision are prominently exhibited. Like every ART series lens, the focusing ring is creamy smooth and handling this lens is a breeze with its thoughtful buttons layout that are ergonomically designed for macro work.

The front of the lens has shrink to accept 49mm filter with a reverse thread for mounting the macro flash adapter. (the adapter was not available at time of review).

Photo: Lens Front – NEW Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART)   

Internally, Sigma had the lens grouped into 13 elements in 10 group – including 02 x FLD glass, 02 x SLD glass & an Aspherical element for all possible optical corrections and the end results is a super sharp lens with zero CA, zero distortions, super color reproduction and of course, the amount of details that this lens can captured is amazing!

Aperture blades are rounded (09 blades) for that nice creamy bokeh (at F2.8 to F5.6) just in case you will be shooting portraits with this lens and aperture goes all the way to F22 for all your close-up and infinity focus needs. Minimum Focusing Distance is at 25.8cm which is reasonably good and pretty versatile for various use.

Photo: NEW Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART)  

The focusing motor is on a focus-by-wire system powered by a coreless DC motor that is smooth and for precise focusing and focusing accuracy is also greatly enhanced with this newly designed macro lens. I had tried manual focusing during the review and found it to be pleasing and easy to use too. Before you head out to buy this lens, I am sorry to break the news that Sigma had only produced the new Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART) in Sigma SD Mount, Canon EF Mount & Sony FE Mount. (Sorry Nikon & MFT Users….)

While I was expecting myself to be doing the review at some regular parks, in the end I decided to do the review at Wildlife Reserve Singapore aka Singapore Zoological Gardens. I paired the new 70mm Macro onto a Canon DSLR and off I went to the zoo.

Here comes the photos! Most of the insects images are shot at F10 to F16 while the larger reptiles/ animals are shot between F2.8 to F8.

I hope you enjoyed viewing the photos that was shot with the new Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro (ART). (More images of the same series will be posted on my Facebook Album on a later date.)

My verdict: The New Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro ART definitely impressed me. As a photographer who owns every past Sigma Macro lenses (yes, I have them all), the 70mm ART is a long-awaited update. The lens performance is definitely ART-Series level and you guys know what? This lens will be retailing less than SGD $900.00.

OK Guys, Buy your NEW Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro | ART here!   

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