Personally, I'd choose the Sigma ... even though it's a Sigma <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
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Pros: very compact compared to 180mm macro lenses (only slightly longer than 105VR without hood, virtually identical with hood). Very fast AF, HSM, f/2.8. Doubles as a (long) portrait lens. Smooth bokeh (however, usually a non-issue with any macro lens, just as sharpness). Two-stage limiter switch (full, 0.52m to infinity, MFD to 0.52m). Better tripod collar, IMO. Additional, large grip tripod collar available (TS-41), but costs extra.
Cons: successor with OS already announced. Not completely free of LoCAs despite APO in its name (LoCAs very low, though). Mounts to Sigma 2x TC, however does NOT provide AF in this combination (same is true for the Sigma 180 HSM). Fully works with Sigma 1.4x TC, though. May AF with other 2x TCs, haven't tested this.
-- Markus
' />Pros: very compact compared to 180mm macro lenses (only slightly longer than 105VR without hood, virtually identical with hood). Very fast AF, HSM, f/2.8. Doubles as a (long) portrait lens. Smooth bokeh (however, usually a non-issue with any macro lens, just as sharpness). Two-stage limiter switch (full, 0.52m to infinity, MFD to 0.52m). Better tripod collar, IMO. Additional, large grip tripod collar available (TS-41), but costs extra.
Cons: successor with OS already announced. Not completely free of LoCAs despite APO in its name (LoCAs very low, though). Mounts to Sigma 2x TC, however does NOT provide AF in this combination (same is true for the Sigma 180 HSM). Fully works with Sigma 1.4x TC, though. May AF with other 2x TCs, haven't tested this.
-- Markus
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