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12/09/2006 01:44:43 PM · #1 |
I'm a beginner, don't want to spend a lot of money until I decide to really pursue photography as a true hobby or part time side gig.
I have a Canon Rebel XT, and my only other lens is the 18-55mm kit lens.
Sigma 28-80 mm & 70-300 mm Two Lens Zoom Kit plus Gadget Bag for Canon AF all for $208. No tax or shipping.
So..is this a good deal/worth the money? (I realize that they won't work in low light conditions very well and quality isn't amazing) |
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12/09/2006 02:25:02 PM · #2 |
I don't know to much about the optics on these lenses, but the 28-80 covers only a little more than you have on your kit lens, and less on the short side....so it seems kind of useless to me. Cover the 18-55 with your kit, and then if you want the extra reach just buy the 70-300mm seperately. If you're looking for something in that middle range, I think most people would recommend a 50mm prime. You can find those pretty reasonably. I got one for my KM5D for about $60 off eBay. I'd think you'd be able to find the 70-300mm on eBay for about that too if you're patient. |
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12/09/2006 02:30:54 PM · #3 |
As someone who was called last night regarding Italian train tickets, Spanish airline tickets and PayPal payments I didn't make on my Visa card, I'd recommend sticking with a reputable retailer :) Some of the online vendors are REALLY shady and I'm convinced one of them is the "leak" of my credit card info. |
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12/09/2006 02:48:10 PM · #4 |
I have the Sigma Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro and am really happy with it ... gives me most of the range I'm looking for ... cost about $300 ... I also have the 50 mm f/1.8and am very pleased with the quality and sharpness of the pictures ... you can get that one for under $70 ... I'm getting this one for Christmas ... Tamron SP AF 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di... I'm super excited to get it!!
This site does a pretty good job of explaining the differences in the Canon lens quality link |
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12/09/2006 02:51:26 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by ladyhawk22: I don't know to much about the optics on these lenses, but the 28-80 covers only a little more than you have on your kit lens, and less on the short side....so it seems kind of useless to me. Cover the 18-55 with your kit, and then if you want the extra reach just buy the 70-300mm seperately. If you're looking for something in that middle range, I think most people would recommend a 50mm prime. You can find those pretty reasonably. I got one for my KM5D for about $60 off eBay. I'd think you'd be able to find the 70-300mm on eBay for about that too if you're patient. |
I have to agree with ladyhawk. You sound like you may be on a budget, so you went the best you can get for the money you have. Ladyhwk is right, the 28-80 is kind of redundant of the 18-55. The two lenses in that kit are Sigma's lower end lenses. I purchased this:
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=8429&A=details&Q=&sku=391074&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
Watch the version of this lense. This is the APO version. The one that is probably in the kit you are looking at is not. I don't know (I once did, but I forgot) what the APO is, but that's the one you want. I use this in conjuction with the 18-55. I've never said to myself, "Gee, I really miss that 56-69mm range."
And really think about the 50mm f1.8 as your next purchase. I bought it when I first bought my camera (almost three years ago) and didn't use it much at first. Once I did start using it, I just can't stop.
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12/09/2006 03:03:19 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by larryslights: Watch the version of this lense. This is the APO version. The one that is probably in the kit you are looking at is not. I don't know (I once did, but I forgot) what the APO is, but that's the one you want. |
Apochromatic. It uses a different type of glass to eliminate chromatic aberration. |
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12/09/2006 03:03:58 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by pamelasue: I have the Sigma Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro and am really happy with it ... gives me most of the range I'm looking for ... cost about $300 ... I also have the 50 mm f/1.8and am very pleased with the quality and sharpness of the pictures ... you can get that one for under $70 ... I'm getting this one for Christmas ... Tamron SP AF 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di... I'm super excited to get it!! |
Copycat
:P
Same exact setup I have and are all excellent for the price. The 70-300 does fall a little short on sharpness at times, but for the price, I really don't think it can be beat. The 50mm f/1.8 is an astounting sharp lens at even if it had been 2x the price, and the Tamron, well, short of the Canon 24-70L, nothing will pry that glass away from me.
Message edited by author 2006-12-09 15:04:24. |
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12/09/2006 03:13:56 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by jhonan: Originally posted by larryslights: Watch the version of this lense. This is the APO version. The one that is probably in the kit you are looking at is not. I don't know (I once did, but I forgot) what the APO is, but that's the one you want. |
Apochromatic. It uses a different type of glass to eliminate chromatic aberration. |
Yeah, that's it! Thanks!
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12/09/2006 03:15:59 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by BradP: Originally posted by pamelasue: I have the Sigma Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro and am really happy with it ... gives me most of the range I'm looking for ... cost about $300 ... I also have the 50 mm f/1.8and am very pleased with the quality and sharpness of the pictures ... you can get that one for under $70 ... I'm getting this one for Christmas ... Tamron SP AF 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di... I'm super excited to get it!! |
Copycat
:P
Same exact setup I have and are all excellent for the price. The 70-300 does fall a little short on sharpness at times, but for the price, I really don't think it can be beat. The 50mm f/1.8 is an astounting sharp lens at even if it had been 2x the price, and the Tamron, well, short of the Canon 24-70L, nothing will pry that glass away from me. |
I'd listen to him ;)
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12/09/2006 03:17:54 PM · #10 |
The Sigma 70-300 is a great lens, just make sure it is the APO DG Macro. It is a fine performer for the money and you won't regret it. |
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12/09/2006 03:25:23 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by rob_banks: ...I'd recommend sticking with a reputable retailer :) Some of the online vendors are REALLY shady... |
I agree totally. Check out online venders at www.resellerratings.com. |
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12/09/2006 03:39:20 PM · #12 |
I too own a Sigma 70-300mm APO lens. I would not say that it is a great lens but it sure does get the job done and for the price, I don't think it can beat. One other bonus about this lens is that it uses 58mm filters just as the kit lens does. That saves you a bit more money.
I too would suggest getting the 50mm f/1.8 lens. It is very fast, very sharp and cheap. It also is small and light so it makes a nice walk-around lens.
And again, I too am looking to pick up a Tamron 28-75mm lens for my x-mas present to myself. Although lately I have been thinking that the Tamron 17-50mm might be a better choice as an everyday lens. Right now I am on the fence but soon I will own one of these.
Message edited by author 2006-12-09 16:03:53. |
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12/09/2006 03:44:10 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by nova: Originally posted by rob_banks: ...I'd recommend sticking with a reputable retailer :) Some of the online vendors are REALLY shady... |
I agree totally. Check out online venders at www.resellerratings.com. |
You can get it here.
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12/11/2006 11:20:57 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by BradP:
Copycat
:P
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I sure wish I could be a "copycat" when it comes to your photography and processing skills!! |
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