SIGMA - WIll it suffice?

[Bohlen Photo]

Folks, will a Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Lens for Canon be ok for a starting wedding photographer? Will I get full funcationality out of my 20D?

Maybe some one actually uses this.

I have the Canon lit 18-55 and know I need zoom but the price is nice. Also, any benefit for paying $100 more to go up to a 18-200mm?

[ajbalazic]

I would recommend against this lens for wedding photography. One problem is it is slow focusing. Another, and more important problem, is that it isn't very good for indoor work. You will be using flash, but still, a lens with a f/2.8 aperature would be more useful. Consider investing a little more money and going for a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8. Finally, I'm not a fan of the DC designation. It's for digital only (I have one an 18-50mm DC) and I fear I will not be able to use it on future full-frame camera's.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I did not vote as the reason to vote "NO" is too specific.

IMHO a wedding photog will want a much faster lens with a minimum f/2.8 aperture.

Canon, Sigma and Tamron make excellent lenses in the 24-75mm range with constant f/2.8... you should be looking at one of these.

[JennB]

I voted "no" because you will need a faster lens for indoors. You may want to look at lenses with f/2.8 or smaller f number like an 85mm f1.8 or perhaps a 50mm f/1.4.

[killer4605]

Don't bother with that 18-125. As others have said you will need something that can handle low light situations.

[wazmunstr]

haha. i guess hes got his answer, everyone said what i was gonna say.

[Jman13]

Yeah, the main issue is the speed of the lens. It's not a great indoor lens (though, if you're shooting with flash, it'll do fine.) The 18-125 is a surprisingly sharp lens, especially at the wider focal lengths. I still am amazed at the quality of pics I get out of it, though I don't use it nearly as much as I used to.

[Bohlen Photo]

SOmebody talked about it bieng noisey / slow to focus? Anything on this?

[Bohlen Photo]

Well let's consider the 24 to 75.....is the 24mm wide enough? That's effectively 40mm.

[lostdoggy]

I voted "yes" because the Poll question was very general. After reading your post I would have to say "no". If you say the 24-70f2.8 and high ISO may 400 or 800. The lens you've listed you're going to have a hard shooting in instance where flashes are not allowed. You're going to need a faster lens like a 50f1.4 or 85f/1.8.

[lostdoggy]

SOmebody talked about it bieng noisey / slow to focus? Anything on this?
When they say noisy I think they mean actual sound noisy and slow to focus they are comparing it to a Ring type USM. Sigmas equivalent to the canon USM (all type) is HSM.
HSM is available in the Sigma 70-200f2.8 EX DG HSM and some other ones.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3316&navigator=3

[timmyb]

You need something more reliable for professional work.Missing crucial shots can be expensive in the long run.You should be looking for something with USM and a constant 2.8.

[vjack]

I have this lens, and I'm fairly happy with it as long as I'm using it outdoors in relatively good light. It is a decent starter lens that isn't bad as a cheap walkaround lens. However, I don't think the quality is nearly what you'd need for weddings (i.e., speed, AF accuracy, optical quality, etc.).

[CyberDyneSystems]

SOmebody talked about it bieng noisey / slow to focus? Anything on this?

All of the above..

[Bohlen Photo]

THANKS MUCH, I guess the reach of the 75mm will have to suffice.