The extra working distance is godsent
The tripod collar is perfect when you need to change to vertical format
Built like a tank
Superb contrast and sharpness

Heavy for some folks
Expensive, some of you might say

This is the absolute macro lens for anyone wishing to pursue macro photography of wary insects. The longer focal length allows you to keep your distance and eliminate distracting elements in the background. The tripod collar is really handy and offers a very stable setup when mounted to a good ballhead. The optical performance of this lens is second to done.

Customer Service

Nil

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 105mm f2.8D micro
Leica APO 100mm f2.8 ROM

*Very sharp
*Very Well built
*Built in tripod collar

*Too heavy for hand-holding.

I think this lens is even sharper than the 105/2.8. The extra working distance is useful in insect work.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 105/2.8 macro lens

Excellent optics, well built lens construction. Relatively cheaper than USM180/3.5 & FA200/4.

screw in lens hood is less convenient when packing. Slow AF speed, but I guess most people use MF when shooting marco.

Very good zoom length to take insect photos since it can be far away from the subject. The optics, colour reproduction, distortion..... all are very good.

Customer Service

Nil

Similar Products Used:

Pentax FA100/2.8, FA50/2.8, (645)120/4. Sigma EX105/2.8.