Sigma 90mm f/2.8 First Impressions: A Lightweight Telephoto Lens for Everyday Use
I purchased the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 lens to pair with my Sony A7CR. Although I own the Sony 90mm macro lens, its size and weight make it less practical for everyday use. The Sigma, on the other hand, is small, light, and perfect for casual shooting.
I stumbled across this lens by chance while watching a video on an entirely different topic. Once I discovered it, I immediately sought out a used one and snagged it for a great price. Despite being pre-owned, it arrived in pristine condition and has quickly become my most-used lens.
Key Features
Here’s a quick rundown of the features I appreciate most about the Sigma 90mm f/2.8:
Compact Design: This lens is refreshingly lightweight and compact, especially compared to the Sony 90mm macro. It fits easily into my travel bag and pairs beautifully with the A7CR for a balanced setup.
Aperture Ring: The lens includes a dedicated aperture ring, which I love. While I occasionally forget to use it and instinctively reach for my camera controls, this feature adds a tactile, satisfying element to shooting.
Weather Resistance: While it’s not fully weather-sealed, the gasketed design provides some protection against the elements, making it a reliable choice for outdoor photography.
Affordability: At around $650 new (and even less used), this lens is significantly more affordable than many other telephoto options on the market.
Performance and Versatility
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 is a stellar performer for photography. Here’s what I’ve experienced so far:
Travel-Friendly: Its small size makes it an ideal travel companion. I recently packed it alongside my Fuji X-T5 with a 23mm f/2 and my Ricoh GR3X for a trip, and the three-camera setup fit comfortably in a single carry bag.
Focal Length Flexibility: On my full-frame A7CR, the 90mm focal length is fantastic for portraits and everyday photography. Switching to APS-C mode gives an effective focal length of 135mm, making it a versatile telephoto option.
No Stabilization: Unlike the Sony 90mm macro lens, the Sigma 90mm lacks optical image stabilization. While this isn’t an issue for my A7CR, which has in-body stabilization, it’s something to consider if you’re using a camera without this feature.
Street Photography: For someone like me, who’s introverted and prefers to keep a comfortable distance from subjects, this focal length is a game-changer. It delivers beautiful compression and background separation without requiring me to get too close.
How It Compares to the Sony 90mm Macro
This isn’t a direct comparison, as the two lenses serve different purposes. However, here are a few quick thoughts:
Size & Weight: The Sigma is about half the size and a third of the weight of the Sony lens, making it much easier to carry around for extended periods.
Macro Capabilities: The Sony 90mm macro is unbeatable for close-up photography, but the Sigma is more practical for everyday use.
Price: At around $1,000, the Sony lens is significantly pricier than the Sigma.
Final Thoughts
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 has been a fantastic addition to my kit. Its compact size, affordability, and image quality make it an excellent option for anyone looking for a telephoto prime lens. Whether you’re shooting portraits, street photography, or general travel photos, this lens offers a lot of versatility without weighing you down.
If you’re intrigued, I recommend picking one up—new or used—and giving it a try.
Check Out Sample Photos
