Opticallimits

I'm evaluating to buy an autofocus macro lens in the range around 100mm. Excluding the 90mm from Sony (too expensive), it seems there are two choices: the Tokina Firin for about 500€ and the Sigma Macro Art for about 750€.

The Sigma looks superior in many respects and it's probably worth the extra money. The only thing that is still unclear to me is the focusing speed: in fact I've read reviews stating both that it's fast and silent, and that it's slow and noisy (LOL). Opinions? One of the reviews measured the speed, saying that with the focus limiter it requires up to 0.8 seconds to get the lock in the worst case. For static subjects it's clearly not a problem, but I'd like to use the lens also for tracking critters... What do you think?

If AF speed is a thing, the Tokina is probably not the way to go.

Yep. Do you have any knowledge on the Sigma speed?

No. The Sigma DN has an internal focus and HSM.

This should make it faster than the extending focusing mechanism and a micro-motor on the Tokina.

Also, keep in mind that the Tokina is a very old design (optically).

If you are on a very tight budget, the Tokina is an option but if you can stretch it, I'd go for the Sigma really.

Ordered...

Got it today. I'm busy now, so I'll try it tomorrow. First impression after unpacking is that it's well built - the only thing that I don't understand is why Sigma makes their caps so cheap. I mean, silver brand names are totally useless, nevertheless other manufacturers do them...

Yeah, Sigma has come a long way in terms of BQ.

You haven't experienced cheap lens caps until you handled Zeiss Batis lenses. It doesn't get any worse than theirs.