Question 1

Is the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro OS HSM sharp wide open at f/2.8?

Accepted Answer

Yes — sharpness at f/2.8 is one of the most consistently praised traits of this lens. Unlike many lenses that need stopping down to perform, the Sigma 105mm delivers corner-to-corner sharpness on full-frame bodies even at its maximum aperture. That matters in macro work, where depth of field is already razor-thin, and in portrait shooting where you'll often want to shoot wide open.

Question 2

Does the Sigma 105mm 2.8 work for portraits, or is it only a macro lens?

Accepted Answer

It's genuinely dual-purpose. The 105mm focal length gives you a flattering compression for head-and-shoulders portraits, and the f/2.8 aperture with 9 rounded aperture blades produces smooth background separation. The minimum focus distance of 0.31 m is a bonus — you can switch from a tight portrait to a detail shot of a wedding ring without changing lenses.

Question 3

What does the OS system actually do on this lens, and does it help in macro shooting?

Accepted Answer

OS stands for Optical Stabilizer — Sigma's in-lens image stabilisation. It compensates for camera shake during handheld shooting, which helps most at slower shutter speeds. In macro photography, subject movement and mirror vibration matter more than hand shake, so OS is less transformative at 1:1 magnification than it is when shooting portraits or details at mid-range distances. For handheld macro in natural light, it's still a genuine advantage over non-stabilised alternatives.

Question 4

How does the Sigma 105mm macro compare to the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro for Nikon F?

Accepted Answer

The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro is lighter and typically costs less, with image quality that reviewers describe as nearly on par with Nikon's own 105mm offering. The Sigma 105mm gives you a slightly longer working distance — useful when photographing skittish insects — and includes OS stabilisation. If you regularly shoot handheld in variable light, the OS on the Sigma is a practical edge the Tamron doesn't always match.

Question 5

Is buying a used Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro a safe choice?

Accepted Answer

It's a well-built lens from Sigma's EX professional line, so it holds up to years of regular use. When buying used, the key things to verify are the condition of the front element (check for fungus or scratches), smooth autofocus operation, and that the OS engages correctly. On Camera-tweedehands.nl every used lens is professionally inspected and individually photographed, and comes with a minimum 12 months warranty — so you're not buying blind.

Question 6

What filter size does the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro OS HSM use?

Accepted Answer

The filter thread is 62 mm. That's a fairly standard size, so circular polarisers and ND filters are easy to find and reasonably priced. Note that the front element does not rotate during autofocus, which makes it straightforward to use polarising filters without having to re-adjust them after focus locks.

Mount	Nikon F
Focal range	Short Telephoto, Macro
Prime / Zoom	Prime
Focal length (min)	105 mm
Focal length (max)	105 mm
Max. aperture	f/2.8
Stabilisation
Weight (Grams)	725
Year of release	2011
Auto Focus

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Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro OS HSM - Nikon F

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About the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro OS HSM - Nikon F

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Buying a used Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro OS HSM

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