Comparison Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 VC USD Di vs Sigma 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 AF APO Macro DG

Macro photography is the shooting of small objects (for example, flowers, insects, clockwork) from an extremely close distance, sometimes measured in millimetres. In this case, the image of the object occupies a large part of the frame (often almost the entire one), which gives the effect of a significant increase and makes it easy to see details in the picture that are usually almost invisible to the human eye. For such shooting, both lenses specially designed for it and universal models with the appropriate mode can be used.

The system indicates which brand of cameras this lens is designed for. Manufacturers of photographic equipment often use original mounting systems in their cameras that are not always compatible with each other; therefore, for normal use, the lens must be originally designed for the corresponding system. At the same time, note that the actual compatibility will also depend on the mount (see "Bayonet (mount)"). At the same time, one system often includes several mounts (for example, Canon and Nikon); it happens vice versa — one mount can be used in several systems at once (for example, Micro 4/3 is used by both Olympus and Panasonic). In general, the optimal selection order is as follows: first clarify the compatibility of the lens with the system, then with a specific mount.

Also note that third-party manufacturers (who do not produce cameras and deal only with lenses) often produce models designed for several different systems at once. Such compatibility can be achieved both through a set of adapters (included in the package or sold separately), and through the release of different modifications of the same lens, differing only in mounts. The features of each such model should be specified separately.

The type of mount used to connect the lens to the camera. The name comes from the English "bayonet", meaning "bayonet" and a bayonet-type connection. Bayonet mounts are used in the vast majority of modern digital cameras due to their reliability and ease of use.

Full compatibility of the lens with the camera is guaranteed only if the types of their mounts match. Some mounts are compatible with each other via adapters, but such a connection can limit the capabilities of the lens (for example, it will make it impossible to use autofocus) and is generally not considered optimal. It is worth considering that within the same system (see above) different mounts are often used, which are also incompatible with each other.

So, the manufacturer Canon has mounts EF-M, EF-S, EF, RF, RF-S. Leica has Leica M, Leica SL, Leica TL. Nikon has Nikon 1, Nikon F, Nikon Z in its arsenal. Pentax optics are equipped with Pentax 645, Pentax K, Pentax Q. Samsung uses NX-M and NX mounts. Sony models include Sony A and Sony E. In addition, there are other types of mounts on the market - both branded ( Fujifilm G, Fujifilm X, Hasselblad H, Sigma SA) and universal ( Four Thirds (4/3), Micro 4/3).

Note that there are lenses that are declared compatible with several mounts at once. This “omnivorousness” can be realized in different ways. For example, some models have a non-standard mount on the lens body, and compatibility with various mounts is ensured through the use of adapters; These adapters can be included in the delivery set or purchased separately. Another option is that the lens is available in several separate modifications, each for its own mount. These details should be clarified before purchasing.

This parameter determines the size of the area of the scene being shot that falls into the frame. The wider the viewing angles, the larger the area the lens can capture in one shot. They are directly related to the focal length of the lens (see "Focal length"), and also depend on the size of the specific matrix with which the optics are used: for the same lens, the smaller the matrix, the smaller the viewing angles, and vice versa. On our website, in the characteristics of optics, viewing angles are usually indicated when used with the matrix for which the lens was originally designed (for more details, see "Matrix Size").

Aperture is a design of several blades-curtains, which allows, if necessary, to reduce the diameter of the active aperture of the lens, actually reducing its aperture (for more details, see "Aperture"). In addition to reducing the light output (which can be relevant, for example, in bright sunlight), closing the aperture has another effect — it increases the depth of field. In other words, “in focus” is a larger volume of space than with an open aperture.

The values on the aperture scale are usually selected from a standard range. The numbers in it actually indicate what aperture the lens will have when the aperture is closed to a given value: for example, an aperture value of 5.6 will correspond to f / 5.6 aperture. The larger the number indicating the minimum aperture value, the more options the photographer has and, accordingly, the possibilities for setting the shooting mode (ceteris paribus).

The degree of magnification of the object being shot when using a lens for macro shooting (that is, shooting small objects at the maximum possible approximation, when the distance to the subject is measured in millimetres). The degree of magnification in this case means the ratio of the size of the image of the object obtained on the matrix of the camera to the actual size of the object being shot. For example, with an object size of 15 mm and a magnification factor of 0.3, the image of this object on the matrix will have a size of 15x0.3=4.5 mm. With the same matrix size, the larger the magnification factor, the larger the image size of the object on the matrix, the more pixels fall on this object, respectively, the clearer the resulting image, the more details it can convey and the better the lens is suitable for macro photography. It is believed that in order to obtain macro shots of relatively acceptable quality, the magnification factor should be at least 0.25 – 0.3.

A type of drive that ensures the movement of lens structural elements during automatic focus. Currently, the following types can be used:

— Ultrasonic motor. The most advanced type of drive to date. Ultrasonic motors are much faster than conventional motors, provide higher accuracy, consume less power and are virtually silent. However, their cost is quite high.

— Stepper motor. Drive control focal length and zoom (zoom). This type of motor is used for the most part only in full-size digital cameras. Among the advantages of a stepper motor, one can note: high reliability and accuracy of operation; in addition, it does not require power supply to maintain focus and zoom. Of course, stepper motors are not without drawbacks. Among the minuses can be identified: slow speed and increased noise. Additionally, a stepper motor is characterized by large dimensions and a rather large weight, which physically does not allow this type of drive to be integrated into the optics of mobile phones and ultra-compact cameras.

— Motor. In this case, an electric motor of a traditional design is meant. Such drives are simple and, as a result, inexpensive. Their disadvantages are the relatively low speed of operation, as well as the noise produced during this; the latter can sometimes be critical — for example, when shooting wildlife. Recently, designers have been us...ing various tricks to neutralize these shortcomings, but in general, the characteristics of conventional motors still remain relatively modest.

— Is absent. The complete absence of an autofocus motor in the lens. Focus such optics can be carried out either by the “screwdriver” system, or strictly manually (for more details on both options, see below).

The presence in the lens of its own image stabilization system. Such a system includes gyroscopes and movable lenses that compensate for small tremors of the lens and prevent the appearance of “shake”. Stabilization is especially relevant when shooting handheld, especially at slow shutter speeds and/or at long distances with high magnification: it is in such conditions that “shake” affects the quality of the image the most. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the presence of a stabilizer significantly affects the weight, dimensions and, above all, the price of optics; at the same time, some modern cameras have their own stabilization systems (due to matrix shift). Therefore, it makes sense to choose a lens with this function in the case when maximum protection against “shake” is of fundamental importance.

The number of elements (in fact, the number of lenses) included in the design of the lens, as well as the number of groups in which these elements are combined. Usually, the more elements provided in the design, the better the lens handles with distortions (aberrations) when light passes through it. On the other hand, numerous lenses increases the dimensions and weight of the optics, reduces light transmission (for more details, see "Aperture") and also puts forward increased requirements for the quality of processing, which affects the cost of the lens.