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05/26/2005 03:32:54 PM · #1 |
I am thinking of getting the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 DC and while hunting up reviews on the net (on this and other lenses) there seems to be talk about 'good' and 'bad' copies of lenses. Even with Canon L glass (IS issues mainly).
What has been your experience with buying lenses, primarily Sigma lenses - any issues that you had to exchange the lens to fix?
How is sigma's warranty department, as in speed of turnaround, etc?
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05/26/2005 03:36:53 PM · #2 |
| I bought a sigma fisheye and the auto focus does not work. I have not sent it to be repaired yet. I would not recommend that you by a sigma. There are other brands out there that are less then canon, but have better quality than sigma |
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05/26/2005 03:44:59 PM · #3 |
I'm shooting on the Nikon side of the world, and have two sigma lenses right now. A 28 - 135 and a 70-300. I wish I would have bought Tamron at least, but won't buy a lens again until I can afford Nikon.
My main complaint is they are soft. I have a Nikon 50mm that I compare them to, and they just aren't even close. I tested a Tamron that was touted to be "as good" as a Nikon. Wrong. (tested the 28 - 300 Tamron 4 - 5.6)
My friend has a sigma wide angle that he has sent in a couple of times now.
Objection! Hearsay!
Objection sustained, the jury is instructed to disregard the comment about the sigma wide angle
My recommendation is to buy something else. I'll never buy one again. err I mean....
There's a couple of GREAT sigma zooms on sale on Ebay right NOW. Get over there and bid them up!
Hope that helps.
Here's a great little site for lens comparisons - //www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html just found it, still trying to digest what it all means, but I like the premise behind the testing.
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05/26/2005 03:45:24 PM · #4 |
I got a Sigma 70-300 F4-5.6 APO and have love it. I also have a tamron 28-80 and it is fine. I like the 'look' of the pics from the Sigma better.
I am considering the Sigma 18-50 2.8 or the Tamron 17-35 F2.8-4. About the same price, the Sigma is faster, more range and based on my other lenses, i might like the look of this pics it takes better... |
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05/26/2005 03:51:01 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by digitalknight:
Here's a great little site for lens comparisons - //www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html just found it, still trying to digest what it all means, but I like the premise behind the testing. |
the sigma 18-50 and tamron 17-35 are not listed there. The Sigma 17-35 is...now you've just confused me even more ;) |
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05/26/2005 03:55:37 PM · #6 |
I have a Sigma 28-70/2.8 EX. I've never had any particular issues with it, although focusing is a tad slow and it does have some distortion at the extremes. I would have no reservations buying Sigma again if I couldn't afford Canon L. I think their EX range is a little behind Canon, but not vast amounts these days.
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05/26/2005 04:08:13 PM · #7 |
I have the Sigma 135-400 and can't really fault it. It is a tad soft at 400, but then that could be the camera image. Most DSLRs are soft at default and a really long lens just amplifies this aspect.
It's a case of buy what suits, not what scores most bling points. Read reviews, borrow from friends or try instore before buying.
Steve |
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05/26/2005 04:13:54 PM · #8 |
I've a Sigma 70-300 APO, Tokina 12-24, and a bunch of Canon's. I've not had any quality issues with any one of them. I too see a bunch of "poor quality lens" discussions on the web but I'm not sure if it is such a frequent event that the bloggers make it out to be. I think most of them are people new to their lens using questionable test techniques and complaining about it on the web. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a lens from a reputable thrid party company such as Tamron, Tokina, or Sigma. BTW Tokina is the biggest lens maker in the world according to their site if memory serves me right, and Sigma not only makes lenses, they are also a Camera manufacturer like Canon and Nikon as well, so these companies are not some substandard companies making junk lenses. In terms of good lens designs, every company has good lenses and bad lenses. In terms of the Sigma 18-50 f2.8, I've not seen much reviews. Somewhat in that range is the Tamron 17-35mm. It gets really good reviews and that's the one I'd consider, although it doesn't reach 50mm. If you are looking at a 18-55 range, you've the kit lens and the Sigma 18-50 f2.8, tha's the only choice so far. Sigma's have had issue of old lens not working on new Canon bodies, but all you have to do is send it to Sigma to have the lens rechipped to work with you camera for free.
Message edited by author 2005-05-26 16:20:20.
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05/26/2005 06:45:01 PM · #9 |
Well, wish me luck. Ordered the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 EX DC. Most reviews speak favorably of it, can it can't be all that bad...besides, it comes with a warranty.
$420 incl shipping, new...now i won't be able to sleep until i get it.
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05/26/2005 09:32:07 PM · #10 |
Prof fate,
You may want to look at this site comparing Canon 18-55 MI.II, 16-35 L, and Sigma 15-30. These aren't the lenses you are looking at but personally, I think the colors and the sharpness of the Sigma is better even than the Canon 16-35L lens.
//www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/digital_rebel_xt-review/index.shtml
also check this comparison between the kit lens and the Sigma 18-50
//www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5856&page=1&pp=10
Here's a good review showing softness at f2.8
//www.topicpoint.com/sigma_18-50mm/
Message edited by author 2005-05-26 23:07:04.
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05/26/2005 09:50:56 PM · #11 |
I have a 70-300mm Sigma kit lens. Since I've had it, it sticks in places when zooming in and out. I was very (very, very) new to SLR's and thought it was just normal or me doing something wrong. I've sort of gotten use to it now. It's been over a year.
The 28-90mm Sigma kit lens and the 12-24mm Sigma lens that I own are just fine.
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05/26/2005 09:56:36 PM · #12 |
i have both the sigma 28-80 macro lens and the sigma 75-300 super macro II lens and I love them both. No problems at all.
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