‘… not only is it one of the sharpest lenses on test, its consistency across the frame is just as impressive. Even when used at the widest aperture, it matches the mid-aperture performance of its rivals. The Sigma optic does a remarkable job to offer similar performance, recording high detail throughout its aperture range and keeping aberrations at bay, as well as providing the benefits of optical stabilisation and a near silent autofocus system.!’

‘Launched last year, the optically stabilised Sigma 105mm is a wishlist come true for macro photographers. The HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) autofocus is practically silent, very fast and extremely accurate. Manual focusing is wonderfully smooth and precise too. However, image quality is what matters most…the Sigma wins with class-leading sharpness at small apertures, ideal for macro shooting. It also has less colour fringing and distortion. Packed with advanced features, this is real heavyweight lens, with performance to match. Superb image quality is hallmark of this lens, and sharpness is unrivalled within the group at f/16. The optically stabilised Sigma 105mm is a wishlist come true for macro photographers…The HSM autofocus is practicallysilent, very fast and extremely accurate. The Sigma 105mm’s landing is supremely good, and optical stabiliser works well in general shooting… Sigma wins with class leading sharpness at small apertures ideal for macro shooting. It also has less colour fringing and distortion.’

‘Switches are easy, and the full-time manual override focusing is particularly positive and well weighted. Sigma has been catching a few headlines with some very high-spec lenses, and this macro is one of them. Optical performance is right up there, almost class-leading, and so too is image stabilization and overall build quality.’

‘The autofocus system is near silent, very fast and extremely accurate, and enables full-time manual focus…Focus ring offers excellent precision for manual focusing. The optical stabilizer works brilliantly…Supreme levels of sharpness and bags of contrast, even at the maximum aperture…the Sigma is a top buy. Superb image quality, effective stabilizer, excellent autofocus.’

‘The Sigma produces clear and crisp images… it is a solid lens with some high spec features. It provides the added bonus of being able to shoot at slightly shower shutter speeds than usual. Sigma is a very able performer – you wouldn’t be disappointed with the results. It’s a well-built optic with all the features you could ever need from a macro lens.’

‘Shot a wedding using only Sigma 28mm and sigma 105mm prime lenses. This worked out to be a great choice. It is packed full of the latest technologies. It has just the perfect degree of magnification when used with full-frame cameras. This is a wonderful lens for video work. If I could only ever have three lenses in bag, this would be one of them’

‘Although it’s the most expensive lens in our test, the Sigma 105mm macro proved worth its price-tag. The HyperSonic Motor provided the fastest and most accurate AF and the Optical Stabiliser was invaluable for handheld shots, but where the lens really excelled was in the image quality it produced. Chromatic aberration control was excellent, with next to no fringing apparent through the entire aperture range, and the optics also delivered the best results for both centre and edge sharpness. Overall though, the Sigma 105mm is the best here, and a worthy winner. ’

‘It’s well made, with easy switches including a three-stage AF limiter. Autofocus drive is Sigma’s ultrasonic HSM, and it’s very fast, recording under 0.4secs in the near-to-far speed test….Optical performance is stellar. All macros are very sharp, and the Sigma is certainly one of the best. Tested on full-frame, sharpness is never out of the Excellent zone at any aperture, at the centre or edges….This is one extremely sharp lens, well made, and very nice to use with fast AF, smooth manual focusing and a decent MWD (Minimum Working Distance).’

‘It’s well made, with easy switches including a three-stage AF limiter. Autofocus drive is Sigma’s ultrasonic HSM, and it’s very fast, recording under 0.4secs in the near-to-far speed test….Optical performance is stellar. All macros are very sharp, and the Sigma is certainly one of the best. Tested on full-frame, sharpness is never out of the Excellent zone at any aperture, at the centre or edges….This is one extremely sharp lens, well made, and very nice to use with fast AF, smooth manual focusing and a decent MWD (Minimum Working Distance).’