lens dilema

[markyb]

my head is about to explode trying to decide what lenses to go for.
i have the kit 18-55
sigma 28-300
50mm f1.8
i have looked at all the lenses and read report after report.
i am looking at the sigma 105 f2.8 macro.as one purchase
im not loaded with cash , but dont want to buy a cheap lens just for the sake of it.
i was going to look at a sigma 70-200 f2.8 , but now ive seen the canon 70-200 f4l and i have the canon voucher for a reduction of £70 or 100 euros
so that puts the price to £400.
is the canon a better buy even though its f4 compaired to f2.8 on the sigma

[condyk]

I've had both and liked both but found the 2.8 a better lens for my needs. We need all the light we can grab in the Uk ;) If you think you'll use the F4 in good light most of the time then I would go that route. But really I think you need to decide what you love to shoot and major mon getting the best you can to fill that need. The Sigma 105 DG is also a fine lens, I had one, but its usage is limited. A good standard zoom in the 24ish to 75ish range and 2.8, from any brand, is well worth having as a day to day workhorse.

[markyb]

its a tough one,
the sigma 105 is for a macro lens.
would love to get the 70 - 200 2.8 version but its hell of a lot more expensive.
unless i get the sigma one, but the f4 is an L.
was also thinking of a 24-70 ish type of lens but cant decide what to go for.

[condyk]

its a tough one,
the sigma 105 is for a macro lens.
would love to get the 70 - 200 2.8 version but its hell of a lot more expensive.
unless i get the sigma one, but the f4 is an L.
was also thinking of a 24-70 ish type of lens but cant decide what to go for.

I can guarentee that the shooter makes more of a difference to a shot than lens or body ... unless you're shooting in real extremes and then you still need to know what settings to use! So, don't sweat too much. I know the Sigma 105mm is a Macro lens. That's why it's limited unless you LOVE Macro! Basically, if you're not sure what to buy yet then wait. What do you love to shoot most? If you don't know yet then wait again. Buying a 70-200 when you really love to shoot birds, for example, is a waste of money and time. Many people will get more use from something like the Tamron or Sigma DG Macro standard zoom over the long term. You can build a collection around lenses like that if you need to.

[jjonsalt]

markyb, just wondering. Is there is greater gap between the cost of Sigma and Canon brand lenses in England? Here, in the U.S., the difference between the Canon 100mm macro and the Sigma 105mm macro is not much at all.

[markyb]

i think its about £100 difference or possibly more betweeen the canon and sigma.
but some great offers appearing on the web all the time.
i got a £70 money off voucher for the canon 70-200 f4.
i like to get out in the country and shoot outdoor shots, i guess you could say landscape, and the odd animal or bird if we are lucky to see any.
i also like aviation so need a big focal lent when at the airport.
i guess you could say that i do most types of photography, however not realy in to indoor portrait type.