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 07/15/2011 10:07:07 AM · #1
Hello,

I found these lenses:

1. Sigma Lens 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro - Canon, Nikon, Sony - USD 515
2. Sigma Lens 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro ΓΆ€“ Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony ΓΆ€“ USD 565
3. Sigma Lens 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM - Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax - USD 931

I currenty own these lenses:

1. Nikon AF-S DX 18-105 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR
2. Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

If you were me, what lens would you get?

#1 and #2 stated "Macro". Does it mean it's only for taking macro shots?

Thank you.

Ang
 07/15/2011 10:10:32 AM · #2
Macro simply means the lens is capable of focusing at a close distance, but is not only for macro use. For instance, the highly regarded Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro is a very nice telephoto prime. The term Macro is often loosely used and some lenses labeled as Macro are not true macro lenses. You have to read up on the specs and reviews to really know.

Message edited by author 2011-07-15 10:11:28.
 07/15/2011 10:25:58 AM · #3
#1 and #2 aren't true macro lenses. The may let you focus closer than other lenses but they will not give you a true 1:1 ratio. Even with a true macro lens you can shoot other things and not just macro shots. Many of us on this site use our macro lenses for portraits as well as macro lenses have wonderful bokah. What that means is that the background really gets very soft and helps to isolate your subject.

Now to answer your first question about which one to get. I have the second one you have listed and I love the lens. It focuses a little slower than the Nikon version but is damn near as sharp. For the money it can't be beat. The first lens however is made for cameras with a cropped sensor like yours. I've seen some outstanding results with that lens. i almost bought it before making the switch to full frame. Number 3 on your list is also an outstanding lens, so I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Just keep in mind the 2 24-70mm will have a "crop" factor of 1.5 when used on your camera. So just multiply the focal length by 1.5 and you'll have your effective focal length. Hope this helps and doesn't confuse you.
07/15/2011 10:35:24 AM · #4
If you're just looking for a fast wide angle zoom; I love my Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
07/15/2011 10:44:24 AM · #5
knowing little about NIkon, but trying to learn. What about the 85mm micro?
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656971-USA/Nikon_2190_AF_S_DX_Micro_NIKKOR.html
priced slightly less than the ones you list and says it would get you 1:1
I imagine it would make a good portrait lens as well. Nikon users please verify, cause I never used any of it.
 07/15/2011 11:35:05 AM · #6
Thank you very much for your time and answer. #3 is a bit too pricey :-( Why is it so much more expensive than #2? Both of them have the same focal length and widest aperture at F/2.8. It must be due to "HSM"?

Originally posted by cryan:
#1 and #2 aren't true macro lenses. The may let you focus closer than other lenses but they will not give you a true 1:1 ratio. Even with a true macro lens you can shoot other things and not just macro shots. Many of us on this site use our macro lenses for portraits as well as macro lenses have wonderful bokah. What that means is that the background really gets very soft and helps to isolate your subject.

Now to answer your first question about which one to get. I have the second one you have listed and I love the lens. It focuses a little slower than the Nikon version but is damn near as sharp. For the money it can't be beat. The first lens however is made for cameras with a cropped sensor like yours. I've seen some outstanding results with that lens. i almost bought it before making the switch to full frame. Number 3 on your list is also an outstanding lens, so I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Just keep in mind the 2 24-70mm will have a "crop" factor of 1.5 when used on your camera. So just multiply the focal length by 1.5 and you'll have your effective focal length. Hope this helps and doesn't confuse you.
07/15/2011 11:36:07 AM · #7
OK. I will check out this lens!

Originally posted by Tommy_Mac:
If you're just looking for a fast wide angle zoom; I love my Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
07/15/2011 12:05:57 PM · #8
[quote=angkokweng] Thank you very much for your time and answer. #3 is a bit too pricey :-( Why is it so much more expensive than #2? Both of them have the same focal length and widest aperture at F/2.8. It must be due to "HSM"?

Thats exactly why it costs so much more.
 07/15/2011 01:40:14 PM · #9
Im not sure if this is going over old ground, but why are you only looking at the Sigma line?
The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD seems to be similar to what you are looking for and an update of one of my favorite lenses for a clipped sensor. It has a reputation for having some quality control issues, but when you get a good one it is an amazing lens for under $500.
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