Is a non-IS macro lens a waste of money?

[An Marcach]

I can get my hands on a second hand Sigma 150mm 2.8 APO macro DG lens for handy money.

It doesn't have IS on it.

It's available for half the price of a new 105mm Sigma.

Is this a complete waste of money or with a punt?

I will be using it hand-held rather than on a tripod / monopod so I'm a bit concerned about the lack of IS plus I can't find any reviews online on any of the other reputable sites so I said I'd ask the question on here

So ...... ??????

[jimmy156]

Don't worry about the lack of IS, amazing photos were taken before the invention of IS! I have no IS on my macro lens (although it has a shorter focal length) and i don't miss it.

I don't know anything about that specific lens though, maybe someone can be along to advise.

[RobDickinson]

The sigma is a stunner. Tbh with macro you need flash anyhow so is isn't such a big deal.

[Simpo Two]

150mm macro is a lot of magnification. You can use flash or a tripod or thump the ISO up, but if you really want to use handheld without flash then IS would be useful tool to have in the box IMHO.

I'd say try it, and if you can't cope with it sell it and get the IS one.

[RobDickinson]

Simpo Two said:

150mm macro is a lot of magnification.

Its 1:1 magnification , the same magnification as any other macro, what changes is the working distance (which is longer) so you can shoot from further away. This also affects the depth of field (less) and obviously your hand holding minimum shutter speeds.

[DibblyDobbler]

As above - wouldn't worry about it. If you are shooting something that is likely to move (eg bugs) then you'll want a decent shutter speed and probably a flash.

[RobDickinson]

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-1...

[Kermit power]

My Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro doesn't have IS on it either. It's still a cracking lens though!

As others have said, flash makes a big difference. If you're interested in shots of insects and the like, then you're pretty much going to need a ring flash though, as when you get that close up, you can't use a normal hotshoe flash because the lens itself gets in the way of the light from the flash and casts a shadow over the subject.

[RobDickinson]

The 150mm actually has an interesting option for that!

It has a tripod collar mount, many people actually turn that around to the side and mount a flashgun on it, works fine as you have a decent working distance from the subject.

[silobass]

RobDickinson said:

The 150mm actually has an interesting option for that!

It has a tripod collar mount, many people actually turn that around to the side and mount a flashgun on it, works fine as you have a decent working distance from the subject.

Never even thought of that, thank you, good idea!

It's a great lens OP, buy it and enjoy.

[Simpo Two]

RobDickinson said:

Simpo Two said:

150mm macro is a lot of magnification.

Its 1:1 magnification , the same magnification as any other macro, what changes is the working distance (which is longer) so you can shoot from further away. This also affects the depth of field (less) and obviously your hand holding minimum shutter speeds.

I didn't explain myself very well. I meant that a 150mm lens is going to wobble more than, say, a 60mm macro, so the job of getting a non-blurred image is harder (as per your last point).