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A true macro lens has a magnification ratio of at least 1:1. This means that the size of an object in real life will create an impression the same size or greater on the camera’s sensor. A bee, for example, might be 2cm across, so on a 1:1 lens at the lens’ closest focus distance the bee would fill just over half of the width of a 3.5cm full-frame sensor, and therefore would fill most of the frame. This allows very small objects such as plants, insects and food to be captured in extreme detail.
Macro lenses also focus up to infinity just like any other lens, so are also ideal for portraits, street, weddings and landscapes.
Recommended by genre
A true macro lens has a magnification ratio of at least 1:1. This means that the size of an object in real life will create an impression the same size or greater on the camera’s sensor. A bee, for example, might be 2cm across, so on a 1:1 lens at the lens’ closest focus distance the bee would fill just over half of the width of a 3.5cm full-frame sensor, and therefore would fill most of the frame. This allows very small objects such as plants, insects and food to be captured in extreme detail.
Macro lenses also focus up to infinity just like any other lens, so are also ideal for portraits, street, weddings and landscapes.
Sigma has three dedicated macro lenses in its line-up, which you can learn more about below. Two of the lenses have a 105mm focal length, with third slightly shorter at 70mm. The magnification of 1:1 is the same on all three, but with the 70mm lens the camera will be closer to the subject in order to achieve this, and more of the background will be in shot as the angle-of-view is wider.
Some photographers prefer a longer focal length because with the lens further from the subject there’s less chance of casting an unwanted shadow. Other photographers prefer a shorter macro lens as its arguably more versatile when shooting non-macro subjects. All three macro optics in the range are relatively light, and their optical quality is excellent.
While dedicated macro lenses are primarily designed for shooting close-up images, they can also focus up to infinity just like any other lens. So despite often being seen as niche or specialist optics, they’re actually extremely versatile, and are ideal for portraits, weddings and even telephoto landscapes. The macro lenses in the Sigma range are 70mm and 105mm, which is perfect for head and shoulder portraits, especially when working wide open at F2.8.
There are also a number of other lenses in the range that aren’t true macro, but which do have very close-focusing ability, including the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | S, the 17mm F4 DG DN | C and the 24mm F3.5 DG DN | C. You can see the magnification ratio and minimum focusing distance of every lens in the specs panel at the bottom of each lens page.
70mm F2.8 Macro
Available for Canon DSLRs and L-Mount and Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, this compact but sharp short-telephoto macro produces pro-grade results with rich colours.
105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro
Designed for mirrorless cameras, this mid-telephoto 1:1 macro delivers razor-sharp optics, an aperture ring and a premium build. It is available for L-Mount and Sony E-mount cameras.
105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro
The this sharp, light and inexpensive 1:1 macro lens for DSLRs is one of the best-loved macro lenses of the digital age. It comes with Optical Stabilizer and a Focus Limiter function.
Mark is an abstract and contemporary landscape photographer specialising in coastal, abstract, botanical and macro images, and he’s also a SIGMA Ambassador. His aim is to create visually striking images, utilising the colours and elements of his subject to capture the energy and atmosphere of the environment around him. Mark has deep routed connection to Cornwall where he creates much of his work.
“As an abstract photographer, this lens opens up a whole new world of creative possibility, and allows me to capture botanical subjects in a unique style. The build quality is second to none, and I have no problems shooting in temperate, and humid botanical greenhouses.”
A dedicated macro lens can unlock a whole new world of photographic opportunity. Mark Cornick heads to the Dorset coast with the SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG DN | A to talk you through the basics of finding, composing and capturing successful macro images.
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