When you think of macro photography, you probably think of tiny subjects that are life-size. Essentially it is photographing something smaller than your camera's sensor and making it fill the frame. With gas prices rising and the extra expense of travel, I thought I would invest in a good macro lens that I could use here at home. For me, it opens a whole new arena of photography. Recently I picked up the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens for Nikon F from B&H Photography, and I caught it on sale (saved $300). Sigma makes some of my favorite lenses and makes up the majority of lenses I use with my Nikon Cameras.
I have been using this new lens for over a month now, and I have to say, it is a fantastic lens. I try to take it out with me when I go walking in the evening at my local park and on my landscape adventures; it also seems like I find something new every time I go out. Whenever you add something new, it boosts creativity and helps keep it from getting mundane; at least for me, it does. I like adding something new so that I can push my photography skills to a new level. You should constantly keep growing.
I think of myself as a photographer that photographs everything, instead of a specialized subject like a "Landscape Photographer." I like having a variety and not being committed to one single subject, and in doing so, I feel it has made me a better photographer. Every subject has its own various challenges, and with these challenges, you help grow and expand your working knowledge, which can bleed over to other areas. If you truly want to master something, you should look at every aspect.
One of the most challenging parts of macro photography for me has been photographing a subject with its eye in focus. For example, most insects tend to move rather quickly, making it hard to focus sometimes, so I take more photos than I need to make sure I capture them with sharp eyes. This can be incredibly challenging when insects have tiny eyes, as most spiders do. All in all, I would give this lens a 4 out 5 stars. For your money, it is hard to beat.
My one complaint with this lens is how slow the motor is; if the motor in the lens could focus a little faster, it would help drastically with focusing. With that being said, I am extremely happy with the quality the lens puts out. Macro photography has allowed me to add a new aspect to my diverse portfolio while staying close to home. Check out this gallery of images I have captured over the past month, and if you get a chance, check out this video on my YouTube channel on my macro photography.
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2I7nFkBLt0