I need a macro lens - advice please

[Mike-Photos]

Hi
My KM 100mm macro is giving me trouble -it's not always auto focusing.
I can get it repaired, but it would probably cost a fair proportion of the purchase price of a new lens. Since I use a macro very often, I could live with having two macros. I used to have two, but I sold one a few years ago, which I shouldn't have done.
Right now I can get a new Sony 100mm macro for C$569, about US$580. I could also go for a Tamron 90mm macro.
My question is whether there is a new version of the Sony 100mm macro on the horizon. From what I understand, it's the same as the KM 100mm, and is a bit long in the tooth design-wise. A new SAM or SSM version that will auto focus on the NEX would be really nice, but is such an animal likely?

[Javelin]

I doubt they will update the 100mm considering it's still the best 100mm there is. Macro leses always have a hard time in AF. I rarely use af shooting macro as I set the magnification I want ahead of time

[KevinBarrett]

I've hunted for a macro lens for quite some time and very recently ended my search. Of the lenses I considered, Tamron 60/2, Sigma 70/2.8, Tamron 90/2.8, and Sony 100/2.8, I chose the Sigma. Of the current macro lenses in the range from 30mm to 200mm, the Sigma 70mm is rated most favorably on Dyxum. If you expand the search to all-time, only the Minolta 200/4 matches its rating of 4.94 out of 5.

If you don't put too much stock in Dyxum's ratings, that's okay--SLRGear.com delivers a glowing report for the Sigma, too. Though it was tested on an older Canon 20D, so were their other third-party macro lenses, so their tests aren't completely invalid. Reviews for the Sigma 70/2.8, Tamron 90/2.8, and Sony 100/2.8 can be found there.

The Sony 100/2.8 shows marginally better marks than the Sigma for CA, and it has a longer working distance, but it would be too long (for me) to double as a portrait lens. Both lenses have nine-bladed apertures, as does the 90mm Tamron. The 60mm Tamron would have been a lot more tempting, but it's seven-bladed aperture and smaller image circle were a turn-off to me.

This is not to say that you should get the Sigma 70mm. I just wanted to offer the results of my own search. Lots of lenses have a longer working distance and stop down further than the Sigma, points that will be more practical for a serious macro shooter. I'll be happy to share my thoughts on the lens when I receive it next week.

[Mike-Photos]

I doubt they will update the 100mm considering it's still the best 100mm there is. Macro leses always have a hard time in AF. I rarely use af shooting macro as I set the magnification I want ahead of time

Thanks!

[Mike-Photos]

I've hunted for a macro lens for quite some time and very recently ended my search. Of the lenses I considered, Tamron 60/2, Sigma 70/2.8, Tamron 90/2.8, and Sony 100/2.8, I chose the Sigma. Of the current macro lenses in the range from 30mm to 200mm, the Sigma 70mm is rated most favorably on Dyxum. If you expand the search to all-time, only the Minolta 200/4 matches its rating of 4.94 out of 5.

If you don't put too much stock in Dyxum's ratings, that's okay--SLRGear.com delivers a glowing report for the Sigma, too. Though it was tested on an older Canon 20D, so were their other third-party macro lenses, so their tests aren't completely invalid. Reviews for the Sigma 70/2.8, Tamron 90/2.8, and Sony 100/2.8 can be found there.

The Sony 100/2.8 shows marginally better marks than the Sigma for CA, and it has a longer working distance, but it would be too long (for me) to double as a portrait lens. Both lenses have nine-bladed apertures, as does the 90mm Tamron. The 60mm Tamron would have been a lot more tempting, but it's seven-bladed aperture and smaller image circle were a turn-off to me.

This is not to say that you should get the Sigma 70mm. I just wanted to offer the results of my own search. Lots of lenses have a longer working distance and stop down further than the Sigma, points that will be more practical for a serious macro shooter. I'll be happy to share my thoughts on the lens when I receive it next week.

Hi Kevin
Thanks for the detailed response.
I should have mentioned that I use an A900, and there are not that many reviews of the Sigma for FF. Also, the SLRGear review was on an APS-C camera. On the A900, the 100mm working distance is fine for me.
I also should have thought a bit more before sending my post. I use DXO for my processing, and it does wonders on supported lenses. the Sony/Minolta lens is supported, so I will stick with it.