A Look at The State of Camera Lenses In 2012

For Closer Encounters

One of several new macros: Sigma 150mm f/2.8 OS

We’ve seen a steady stream of impressive new macro introductions, from the economical ($275, street) 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor for Nikon APS-C bodies to the pricey ($1,100, street) tank-tough 150mm f/2.8 Sigma EX APO DG OS Macro for full-frame and smaller formats, pictured above. Most recent introductions in this category, like this Sigma, have featured image stabilization, a boon for handheld closeups as well as general shooting.

A great thing about today’s dedicated macro lenses is that you don’t have to be dedicated to macro. In former times, macro lenses were optimized for close-ups at the expense of optical performance at normal distances. Happily, those days are gone. Both aforementioned lenses—typical examples—displayed Excellent-range SQF scores in our tests at normal distances, as well as exceptional light falloff and distortion scores. The Micro-Nikkor, scaling up to a 60mm full-frame equivalent, could double as a long normal or half-height portrait lens. The Sigma would be a fine long portrait tele on full-frame bodies. On APS-C bodies, with the field of view of a 240mm lens (Canon) or 225mm (all others), it could serve for medium-distance sports or nature shooting.

Tech Talk: The closeup ability of macros is best measured by magnification, usually expressed as a fraction or ratio. Longer macro lenses can get to 1:1 (lifesize) at farther focusing distances than shorter lenses, a boon for shooting skittish subjects or with artificial light. Regardless of focal length, increased magnification can amplify the effects of hand shake. So with image-stabilized macro lenses, don’t expect the same leeway that you’d get at general distances. A macro that tests out with 3 extra stops of leeway in general shooting may give you only one stop at 1:1. Still gravy, just less of it.{C}