Does anyone know which tripod collar actually fits the Sigma 105mm macro lens? im super confused because there are so many options online and i dont want to buy the wrong one. i have a bug shoot this saturday in my garden here in florida and i really need it fast. my budget is around 50 bucks sorry if this is a dumb question im just new to this...
Finding a collar for that Sigma can be a pain since they dont always include one. Ive used a few third-party ones that actually hold up well for under 50 bucks.
Yo, late to the party but I had to jump in! Macro photography is seriously addictive once you start. I remember my first big shoot down in the Everglades... I didnt have a collar back then and my tripod head kept sagging because that lens is a bit of a beast when youre leaning in. I spent more time fighting gravity than actually focusing on the dragonflies! Since youre on a tight budget, I really recommend looking at the Kiwi Photos Tripod Mount Ring for Sigma 105mm f2.8. It is super solid for the price and leaves you with enough cash for a cheap flash diffuser or some snacks for the trail. A few quick tips for your Saturday shoot:
To add to the point above: honestly, you are making the right move by getting a collar now rather than later. Ive been shooting macro for decades and trying to balance that 105mm on a standard tripod head without a collar is just asking for a headache. The weight distribution is all wrong and you will find your frame drifting down every time you let go of the camera. I have been very satisfied with the Vello Tripod Collar A for Sigma over the years. When you compare it to the official Sigma TS-21 Tripod Socket, the build quality is surprisingly close for a fraction of the price. The main thing you are looking for is a solid locking mechanism and a smooth inner surface. Some of the super cheap ones have rough edges that can scuff your lens barrel, but the Vello or even the iShoot IS-SM105 Tripod Mount Ring use a decent lining that wont ruin your gear. Just make sure you get it seated perfectly in the groove before you tighten it down... nothing worse than a lens rotating when you dont want it to. Since you are in Florida doing bugs, you will probably be at weird angles near the ground, so that 90-degree rotation a collar gives you is gonna be a lifesaver for switching to portrait mode fast.
Just saw this. Mengs IS-SM105 Aluminum Tripod Mount Ring for Sigma 105mm f2.8 DG DN Art is a solid budget choice. It holds steady enough for those Florida bugs, definitely under your 50 dollar limit.
Exactly what I was thinking