Lens or grip? Which lens of the 3?

[JonathanSQ]

Sigma 28-70mm F/2.8 EX DG (http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=15433b6e3b9ef3b/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0040_Zoom/0040_Standard+Zoom/product_details.shopscript?article=0220_Sigma%2B28-70mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B2%3D252E8%2BEX%2BDG%2Bfor%2 BCanon%2BAF%2B%3D28SG2870F28CA%3D29) - $289.95
Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro (http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=15433b6e3b9ef3b/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0040_Zoom/0040_Standard+Zoom/product_details.shopscript?article=0070_Sigma%2B24-70mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B2%3D252E8%2BEX%2BDG%2BMacro %2Bfor%2BCanon%2BAF%2B%3D28SG2470F28MCA%3D29) - $364.95
Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=284399&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) - $359.95 after a mail-in rebate.

Which one would you get? It may or may not replace the kit lens.
It'd be used abit before making the decision. I think the EFS would
sell round $100 or so, good condition w/ UV filter always on it right?

Now I *could* get one of these... OR a nice BG-E3 grip. So the question
is how good of quality is the 28-70mm F/2.8 EX DG Sigma? What bout the
other Sigma? I know the Tamron is good... alot of threads here @ POTN point to that.
Now if I could sell the EFS 18-55 for $100 I could get both the
grip and the 28-70mm F/2.8 EX DG and the Canon handstrap.
So what do you guys think? Or I could get a camera bag that'll
hold the new laptop + my camera stuff and then sell the Nova 5AW.

[Raj]

Get the sigma macro version, its considered very close to canon 24-70L by many fourm members here. If you can, look for fstopjojo's review of the sigma lens on pbase.com.
Tamron has many happy owners too, but sigma gives you extra 4mm at the wide end.

Just IMO.

[condyk]

24-70 EX DG Macro, grip and handstrap. A very nice combo. The latter two items will really make a difference everytime you pick up the camera. The Tamron is also a very good choice (I had both) and a safe buy.

[Rob612]

Until I got yesterday the 24-105 I had (and still have, of course) the 24-70 EX DG Macro. And love it.

[Juan Zas]

The Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro !!!

Without any doubt, but be aware that it´s a little heavy, a solid piece of glass. It´s my workaround lens and it´s pretty sharp

[andrewc]

Well I wouldn't dispose of the kit lens unless you're really strapped for cash. The 18mm to 24mm/28mm range may be useful. Of the pictures I take, I couldn't compromise loosing the short end of the range

The battery grip is an essential purchase though. I'm delighted with mine.

[Andy_T]

I think that the Sigma 24-70/2.8 or Tamron 28-75/2.8 would be *a lot* more helpful to you than the grip (that will help you balance the enormous weight of your kit lens :lol: )

Best regards,
Andy

[andrewc]

It just makes the camera more of a delight to hold. Must be my big hands and fat fingers...

[Andy_T]

Can't judge that. My 20D works fine with 80-200/2.8L without any grip.
With larger lenses, you'll grip the combo by the lens anyway.

Best regards,
Andy

[JonathanSQ]

The only "real" reason I want the grip to be honest is the hand strap!
Its $50 to get a Camdapter plate + strap. Why not go $100 more and
get something that does more than hold your hand? Thats my look on it :D

I guess the Sigma 24-70 EX DG Macro is the one to buy. Now to get
the money before the end of the next month.... hmmmm....

[LightRules]

I'd also recommend the Sigma 24-70 EX DG Macro. It was my "baby" for a good while, until I found I preferred something wider for walking around (18-50). Nonetheless, it's one fantastic lens in optics, build, AF speed, and in intimidating people with its 82mm front element :-D