Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX Review

According provided by Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX for Nikon lens thanks a lot to Pavel Gridnev.

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX Review

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX Review


The lens exists in several versions: Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX (from this review), Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8 DG Macro D EX, Sigma AF MACRO 1: 2.8 f = 50mm Multi-Coated and Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8 DG Macro EX. Prefix DG in newer versions means that the lens is specially designed for use on digital SLR cameras, while the first version, '1: 2.8D Macro 'was originally intended for film cameras.

The versions differ in the focusing ring and small differences in the body ('DG' -schemes have no notches on the body, and the white focusing distance mark is shorter). I believe that optically these versions are very close to each other, and the lenses received a new name only due to the fact that Sigma slightly changed the coating to work with digital cameras. And on top of that, the Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX has another clone - Quantaray 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro.

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX

For Nikon cameras, the Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX lens is an analog FX, AF, D lens. The 'EX' prefix in the lens name stands for 'Excellence' - that is, 'Excellence', which is the abbreviation for Sigma's premium lenses. The lens barrel is made of a rough material similar to the old Nikon line. The lens itself is made in Japan, and the build quality is very good, even the very lengthening trunk does not have any backlashes.

Such lenses are most often called “macro fifty dollars”. On the one hand, the lens can serve as a standard high-aperture “fifty kopeck piece”, and on the other, it allows you to get excellent macro shots with a magnification of 1: 1.

In addition, on cropped APS-C Nikon DX cameras, the lens can be used as a portrait lens (EGF is 75 mm). I have long ceased to be afraid of 'excessive' sharpness in portrait photography with macro lenses. Usually, amateur photographers joke that portraits from a macro lens can be sent to dermatologists for examination :)

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX when focusing on MDF

The lens has aperture control ring (in the photo, the ring is easy to recognize by two rows of numbers: from F / 2.8 to F / 32). To control the value aperture of any modern TsKK Nikonneed to install ring aperture to F / 32 and fix it with a special button. If this is not done, the camera will display a 'FEE' error. This ring is needed to control the aperture on old film cameras, this is described in more detail in the section Non-G Nikon Lenses.

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX

Enlightenment of the front lens Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX

It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:

Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.

You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.

I want to note that, as with any lens without a focus motor, the camera with the Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX is noticeable noise at work due to focus motor and gears.

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX

Enlightenment of the rear lens Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX

The lens has a 'Full / Limit' focusing limiter. In the 'Limit' position, the autofocus speed is medium, the focusing ring rotates 90 degrees, forcing the lens to focus from infinity to 25cm and still obtain a macro 1: 3. In the 'Full' position, autofocus is slow, the focus ring rotates 180 degrees, forcing the lens to focus from infinity to 18,8cm MDF. At this focusing distance, you can shoot 1: 1 macro.

Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX does not change the F value at different focusing distances. On F / 2.8, you can shoot on MDF and at infinity. Usually macro lenses, for example Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8D, change the aperture value when focusing. True, I believe that the real number F on MDF is still less, and the difference is not noticeable, since the measurement system exposure easier to carry out the compensation :)

The focusing ring is rubberized, the front lens does not rotate when focusing. As with a macro lens, the focus ring is too slow. The depth of field scale is indicated for the F / 32 value only. The scale with the magnification factor is indicated on the lens trunk, which extends when focusing towards the MDF. The Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX uses a 7-blade rounded aperture. The diameter of the front filter is small - only 55 mm.

A minimum focusing distance of approximately 19 cm indicates that when shooting at a maximum magnification of 1: 1, the lens will almost touch the subject. The focusing distance is indicated from the subject to the focal plane (to the camera’s matrix). This may interfere with the shooting of any small living creatures, which will simply scatter from the view of the approaching front lens of the lens :)

ZK Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX view

ZK Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX view

Here link to the archive with the originals - 232 MB, the parameters of the photo in the archive and gallery are indicated here, shooting was made using protective filter Crystal-Optics 55mm UV Japan.

The lens is very, very sharp, especially in the center of the frame and even at f / 2.8. I was pleased with the very low level of chromatic aberration and zero distortion. True, at F / 32 the image begins to 'crumble' due to the strong influence of diffraction.

Zigzag Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX, rear view

Zigzag Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX, rear view

Catalog of modern Sigma lenses can look at this link.

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Results

The Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX is simply a great lens: reliable, sharp, fast, and captures “real” macro at 1: 1 magnification. True, Nikon non-motorized users will have to look elsewhere.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Sergey Sulzhenko

 

 

Comments: 52, on the topic: Review Sigma 50mm 1: 2.8D Macro EX

  • Andrei

    I purchased this lens secondhand for subject macro photography. On MDF, excellent sharpness is only at open apertures, from 4,8 to 10, then it rapidly drops. Is this the norm for this lens?

    • B. R. P.

      Yes, this is the norm) if from 4,8 to 10 is open for you. Diffraction? no, we haven't heard.

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