Sigma 12-24mm & 105mm DG macro .

05/10/2005 06:38:58 AM · #1

Yikes, just paid for these two mail order, should arrive here tomorrow. Not one of my cheapest purchases... also added in some extra cards and sensor cleaning equipment (gulp).
Just had to share! ;-)

I'll be sure to post some early pics with these lenses, which should come in handy when I go to Venice and Naples on holiday in a couple of weeks, culminating in our friends' wedding near Naples.

I'm really looking forward to using the 12-24mm on my film body!

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/10/2005 07:25:33 AM · #2

Could a site admin please add the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG for the Minolta mount?
Thanks

colda

Nikon D800

05/10/2005 07:44:28 AM · #3

Bob,

Just as a matter of interest, why did you choose the Sigma 12-24 over the very highly rated Tokina 12-24 f4.

I'm curious as I'm considering the Tokina or even waiting a bit for the Sigma 10-20.

Enjoy your new lenses :)

Darren

05/10/2005 09:28:24 AM · #4

Good question...
main reason is that as far as I'm aware, nobody in the UK stocks this lens! Also, I read stacks of reviews, and the Sigma seems to be excellent. Ideally I wanted the lenses before I went to Venice, where I imagine the wide angle will come in really handy. I considered waiting for the flurry of 10-20mm lenses or similar that are coming out, but I decided it would be a better investment to go for a full-frame lens, and I could get some really great crowd shots at gigs and festivals if I put it on my film camera.

05/10/2005 09:29:20 AM · #5

Oh yeah, can a site admin please confirm the 12-24mm Sigma in Minolta mount will be added to the lenses list?

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/10/2005 09:30:13 AM · #6

Darren... do you know something I don't? Was the Sigma a bad choice? Oh ****!

colda

Nikon D800

05/10/2005 09:41:36 AM · #7

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

Darren... do you know something I don't? Was the Sigma a bad choice? Oh ****!

I'm really not too sure, I had my heart set on the 10-20 from when it was first mumbled about (I don't shoot any film), since then I started reading a bit and on the dpreview (Nikon) forums it seems that a fair number of people are really pleased with the Tokina to the point that they were choosing it over the Nikon version.

From the reviews that I have seen, it seems (like the Tamron 28-75 f2.8) the Tokina is a bit of a wonder-lens.

I've not read much about the Sigma version (hense the reason for asking you the question in the first place).

Hope I've not pissed on your bonfire :)

Darren

05/10/2005 10:20:05 AM · #8

Oh okay, in that case I'm happy I made the right choice! You should check out the Sigma reviews! I'm not entirely sure, but I think the Sigma may be cheaper, and higher quality. Either way, there's not much in it. I may do a little more investigating though.

And can a site council member *please* add the lens. Thanks.

05/10/2005 01:19:26 PM · #9

Bump for SC

05/10/2005 04:32:08 PM · #10

Phew, just did a quick bit of research, and the Sigma is the only one that will work on my film camera... the Tokina is apparently only for digital.

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

05/10/2005 05:09:27 PM · #11

I'm sure you'll love this lens (the 12-24). I've got the Canon mount version and seem now to be using it the most. I'd love to get the 105 macro as well.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/10/2005 07:12:40 PM · #12

Originally posted by AJAger:

I'm sure you'll love this lens (the 12-24). I've got the Canon mount version and seem now to be using it the most. I'd love to get the 105 macro as well.

I noticed some of your shots when browsing lenses, and your photos didn't harm my choice of this lens!

colda

Nikon D800

05/11/2005 09:34:47 AM · #13

Bob, now you have your new toys we're looking forward to see the results :)

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

05/11/2005 09:52:12 AM · #14

The 105mm macro is amazing! But good God the dof is shallow wide open at 1:1. Does anyone have any tips for using this beast? Is a tripod essential? Do people focus by locking the focus and moving the camera back and forth hand-held? Any flash tips (I hold the flash in my left hand connected by PC sync)? What apertures do people tend to aim for with bug shots? What is the favourite magnification that you shoot at... 1:1? 1:2? How come af has a different scale to mf? Help!!!

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

05/11/2005 10:16:17 AM · #15

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

I would say a tripod would make it easier and a head that gives flexibility like the joystick or pistol grip types. Also, macro rails would probably help as well.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

05/11/2005 10:34:59 AM · #16

I've never come across macro rails... are they a type of tripod head?

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

05/11/2005 10:37:13 AM · #17

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

I've never come across macro rails... are they a type of tripod head?

They attach to your existing head but have adjustments on the side to you can micro adjust the position of the camera. Usually only in one direction but two can be mounted together to get adjustments in both directions. The contraption that does both is quite expensive.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/15/2005 05:36:27 PM · #18

Went out shopping in Leeds today, but I brought my new 12-24mm lens along. Wow, that thing is razor sharp... the detail in my full-res pics is just incredible. Lots of fun to use. Here are a couple of shots:

I'm really pleased I bought it, absolutely no regrets.

marmalade1121

Canon EOS-1D X

05/15/2005 06:35:20 PM · #19

Congrats on the new lens.

Despite my learning curve, I am digging the 105 mm Macro. I took it out for the day yesterday and I find that it takes great candid portrait shots and pretty decent macros.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/15/2005 08:18:05 PM · #20

Here's some of my shots with the Sigma 12-24 on my 10D @12mm

I love this lens.

The Sigma 105 f2.8 rocks too. For macro, a tripod is essential. if you have trouble with AF, turn it off.