Agreed....But how many times we use autofocus lens for Macro shooting? Should one be really using it in Macro photgraphy...? I'm willing to sacrifice Autofocus function for a good lens
Yes, sure ... the answer is "NEVER" ! you never ought to use AF in macro! even because what varies (pseudo-randomly) in this case is Reproduction Ratio, the last thing you want to change.
But ... since you pointed out the D40 compatibility, I answered accordingly.
OTOH if you spend a lot of money in a lens, it is better to acquire a lens with full features, also because every lens you choose (105, 150, 180...) can be also a very good lens for general purposes, mainly for portraiture... but not only!
If manual focus is not a problem ... the old Micro 105/2,8 is very good also : my macro shots I posted recently are all shot with it.
I do not think you have to choose from quality & MF instead of AF ...
Endeavour pointed out Q.C. issues with Sigma ... maybe, but I think that COULD be a common problem with "universal lenses" . What is for sure is that mechanical quality , durability and resilience is assured firmly with Nikon Canon etc ... less with third part lenses, surely more prone to mechanical issues.
You always get what you pay for ... but don't stress it too much: every choice is a compromise, you know! ... and probably you'll never have problems ...
[Modificato da mrxas 07/11/2008 11:30]
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Vita brevis, ars longa, occasio praeceps, experimentum periculosum, iudicium difficile