Macro Photography Tips: Here’s a detailed comparison of three popular macro lenses: the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro, the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro D Macro, and the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. Each lens offers unique features catering to different photography needs
Comparing macro lens image stabilization systems
| Feature | Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM | Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO D | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 105mm | 100mm | 100mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (Optical Stabilizer) | No | Yes (Hybrid IS) |
| Autofocus Motor | HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) | AF Motor | Ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 31.2 cm (12.3 in) | 30 cm (11.8 in) | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 55mm | 67mm |
| Weight | 725g | 515g | 625g |
| Mount Compatibility | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA | Canon EF, Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Weather Sealing | No | No | Yes |
| Best For | Macro, portraits, handheld work | Budget macro, portraits | Professional macro, handheld, portraits |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Budget | Premium |
Macro Photography Tips – Ideal Use Cases & Practical Tips
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM: Ideal for photographers seeking a versatile macro lens with image stabilization, suitable for both macro and portrait photography.
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO D: A budget-friendly option for those entering macro photography, offering sharp images and an actual 1:1 magnification ratio.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: Designed for professionals requiring high-quality macro capabilities, featuring hybrid image stabilization and weather sealing for various shooting conditions.
Practical Tips
Stabilization: If you frequently shoot handheld, lenses with image stabilization (such as those from Sigma and Canon) can help reduce camera shake, especially at close distances.
Autofocus: For fast and quiet autofocus, the Canon’s Ring USM provides superior performance, beneficial for both macro and portrait photography.
Budget Considerations: The Tokina lens offers excellent macro capabilities at a lower price point, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those on a budget.
Build Quality: The Canon L-series lens includes weather sealing, providing durability in various environmental conditions.
Sports Photography Considerations
Autofocus Performance:
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: Features a fast and quiet Ring USM autofocus system, making it more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects compared to the other two lenses.
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM: Equipped with a Hyper Sonic Motor, offering moderate autofocus speed, which may suffice for some sports scenarios.
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO D: Lacks a high-speed autofocus motor, resulting in slower focus acquisition, which can be a limitation in fast-paced sports photography.
Image Stabilization:
Canon: Incorporates Hybrid IS, which is beneficial for handheld shooting and reduces motion blur.
Sigma: Features Optical Stabilizer, aiding in handheld scenarios.
Tokina: Does not include image stabilization, making it less ideal for handheld sports photography.
Focal Length:
All three lenses have focal lengths around 100mm, which may be limiting for sports photography, as it typically requires longer lenses (200mm and above) to capture distant action.
✅ Recommendations
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: Offers the best autofocus performance among the three, making it the most suitable for sports photography, especially in scenarios where you can be close to the action.
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM: A viable option for sports photography if budget constraints exist, but be prepared for moderate autofocus performance.
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO D: Best reserved for macro and portrait photography due to its slower autofocus and lack of image stabilization.
📸 Tips for Using Macro Lenses in Sports Photography
Pre-Focus: Anticipate the action and pre-focus on a specific area where the subject is expected to move.
Use High Shutter Speeds: To freeze motion, use shutter speeds of 1/1000s or faster.
Stabilization: Use monopods or tripods to reduce camera shake, especially with lenses that lack image stabilization.
Consider Teleconverters: For lenses like the Sigma, using teleconverters can effectively extend the focal length, providing better reach in sports scenarios.
For dedicated sports photography, lenses with longer focal lengths and faster autofocus systems are generally preferred. However, if you already own any of these macro lenses, they can still be utilized effectively in certain sports situations with the proper techniques.
Sigma 105mm Macro vs Tamron 90mm Macro – Which is Better for Close-Up Photography?
Tamron 90mm (especially VC version) has Vibration Compensation – great for handheld macro.
Sigma 105mm offers slightly longer working distance – helpful with insects.
Both deliver excellent sharpness at f/5.6–f/8.
Tamron is lighter and more compact; Sigma feels more robust in build.
Tamron’s autofocus can be slightly faster in some scenarios.
Is the Sigma 105mm Better Than the Canon 100mm L Macro?
The Canon 100mm L Macro features Hybrid IS, a significant benefit for handheld macro photography.
Canon is slightly sharper across the frame, especially at wide apertures.
Sigma is more affordable but lacks stabilization, unless you opt for the OS version.
Canon’s build is weather-sealed, and Sigma’s is sturdy but not fully sealed.
Best Macro Lens for Insect Photography in 2025
Look for a working distance range of 90mm to 150mm for the ideal setting.
Sigma 105mm, Canon 100mm L, Tamron 90mm VC, and Laowa 100mm 2:1 are top options.
A tripod or monopod helps with stabilization (Macro Photography Tips).
Use manual focus, focus peaking (if available), or live view magnification to achieve precise focus.
Consider a ring flash or twin macro flash for consistent lighting.
How to Use Nikon Lens on Canon DSLR (Nikon to Canon Lens Adapter Guide)
The Canon EF mount features a shorter flange distance, enabling compatibility with Nikon-to-Canon adapters.
Use F-mount to EF adapter (e.g., Fotodiox, K&F Concept).
Autofocus won’t work; focus and aperture must be adjusted manually.
No electrical contacts are required, except when using a chipped adapter for focus confirmation.
Best suited for macro or manual focus scenarios, not for action or sports photography.
