My lens came very well packed in it's own padded lens carry case. Its a large case with a strap for holding it and a loop for fastening to a belt. I was impressed that the lens includes two hoods, one for full frame and the other for the APC sensor cameras (which is a smaller frame chip). This means the lens suits both full frame camera's and APC sensor types. My primary camera is a full frame Nikon D610 but my backup camera is also a Nikon and with a APC sensor. So I can use the lens on both bodies simply by fitting the correct hood. I have trialed the similar Nikon 105mm Macro and it was very nice to use. But around twice the price of the SIGMA. I have read very good reviews of the SIGMA 105mm Macro and already own the second generation SIGMA 12-24mm ultra wide zoom which is fantastic. My first goes with the SIGMA 105mm were a little clumsy as I tried to hand hold the camera and shoot various objects around the garden. I found the autofocus went off into infinity and eventually back as it searched for the correct sharpness. I later realized I can set the distance the autofocus will go with a slide switch on the side. So selecting the shortest focusing distance was best for Macro rather than short to infinity. My first results were really good but I realized looking at the images that the depth of field is very shallow and it is easy when hand holding to accidently focus on something slight in front or behind the important detail and end up with a second rate image. So, that means for Macro I will be committed to using a tripod and experimenting with f stops and associated depth of field. Particularly where flowers are concerned. I have read that you can fit the camera to a sliding indexed scale and take a series of images with the focus gradually shifted from the foreground of the image to the rear then stack it all in software which bends the sharp images together quite advanced sounding but I'm keen to investigate that once I master using the lens as is. It would have been nice to have the brand name lens to suit my camera but I am not a professional and other reviews I have read of the SIGMA convinced my to buy one, although its early yet I do not regret my purchase. I think I will as I get more used to using it in various setups get more than my moneys worth. If you are interested in Macro photography with a DSLR either full frame of APC sensor seriously consider the SIGMA 105mm Macro.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This lens has a very shallow depth of field, which means you get a bit more blur on anything not in that shallow field. Which is good if you don’t need detail outside that area. Not so good if you want that detail. Depends on what you are shooting , but for me I find it difficult to actually see what I’m capturing. The field is so shallow. Makes it hard work for me . Only tried it out a few times though, so far. And only used it on macro, not portraits. The Nikon 60mm macro seems to have a slightly deeper field , I feel.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Superb lens. Crystal clear images Arguably best macro lens available. Auto focus motor is a tad noisy but otherwise no complaints. Best macro lens I have used.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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