Full-frame shooters tend to go with a 90mm or 100mm macro lens. But there's still something to be said for a lens that has exceptional image quality and doesn't confine you to shooting juveniles and nudibranch. David Fleetham has been shooting Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens around the Hawaiian islands and shows that there's definitely a place for it underwater.
Sigma's first macro Art lens was released in 2018 and offers true 1:1 reproduction in a well-built dust- and splash-proof design. It lacks in-lens image stabilization (IS), but that's no issue at all for capable mirrorless cameras with in-body IS including Canon EOS R5 that David Fleetham is shooting.
Compared to the Canon RF 100mm or Sony FE 90mm Macro lenses, the Sigma 70mm is lighter, shorter, and smaller in diameter. It's also less than half the price with a US retail sales price of only $570.
Combine the 70mm with our large diameter 5" Flat Port for enhanced optical magnification when shooting the small stuff. Swap out the flat front for a Compact 8" Dome Port to take advantage of the lens' full 70mm field of view.
"I got out and shot the Sigma 70mm macro behind the new large macro port. It took two 42mm extensions plus a 20mm to be able to get 1:1 and it worked great. There is no there is no vignetting on larger subjects. This works with the 5" Flat Port and the Compact 8" Dome Port. I am undecided if I prefer the flat port over the dome port. They both work well." - David Fleetham
Keep scrolling to see what this lens is capable of underwater with a full frame mirrorless camera.
All photos © 2021 David Fleetham
Conclusion
We love lenses that give great results and don't cost a fortune. The Sigma 70mm Macro Art lens fits the bill and is a great addition to your mirrorless toolkit. We suggest checking out Chris Nichol's discussion of the lens on DPReview TV where he describes the Sigma 70mm lens' specifications and excellent optical performance in detail.
Ambassador David Fleetham left his hometown of Vancouver, Canada, for Maui in 1986 and never looked back. He earned his USCG Captain's license while working in various dive charter businesses, shooting, and submitting his photos to magazines and businesses. One of the most prolific underwater photographers of his time, David now has galleries and agents in over 50 countries that reproduce his images thousands of times each year. Read more...
Additional Reading
Maintaining Your Macro Eye | Using Underwater Techniques on Land
Wide Angle Fisheye to Macro on the Same Dive with the Olympus Tough TG-6
Canon EOS R5 Underwater Photos and Review
Super Macro Underwater Photography Techniques
Transitioning to Canon Full Frame Mirrorless | Canon EOS R Underwater Photos
