Canon EF 100mm f2.8 marco usm VS Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro

[Beachduffer]

Is there a major (optical performance quality) difference between the the Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro usm and the Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro lens? i.e. Is the cost value of the canon worth it over the Sigma..??

Thank You 

[Bob Atkins]

Well, the Sigma 100/2.8 Macro is around $480 and the Canon 100/2.8 Macro USM is around $490 from reputable dealers if you can find one in stock anywhere. Right now they are backordered at both B&H and Adorama and the dealers on Amazon are marking up the price.

The Sigma is certainly no better, doesn't have a ring USM motor and probably doesn't have the build quality of the Canon, so I really see no reason to go for the Sigma, other than the fact that you can probably easily find one in stock while the Canon lens seems to be in short supply at the moment.

If you want to save some money you could look at the Tokina 100/2.8 Macro is around $400 and gets good reviews.

[KeithB]

Is there a typo in the above?  Is the first paragraph supposed to refer to the Canon or the Sigma?

[Bob Atkins]

Yes, there was a typo but I've now fixed it! The Canon 100/2.8 Macro is abouty  the same price as the Sigma, but seems to be in short supply (unless you want to pay a $100 or higher premium for it). As long as you don't need it right now, I'd just order the Canon 100mm macro and wait if I wanted a macro lens.