Feedback Needed on choosing Lens

[kcarey]

This is my first post to this forum so bear with me. I've read through many threads looking for info on Ultra Wide Lenses. I currently have a Canon Rebel XT with the 18-55mm kit lens which is ok, I added a Canon Zoom Lens EF 75-300mm which I am very happy with. But I am missing something. From all the threads I have read I didnt quite know what it was that I was missing. I've been trying to capture a few difficult shots and cant seem to be satisfied with the results. So I have been looking into adding another lens but wasnt really sure what I wanted until found this forum. Iwas originaly looking at the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultrawide Zoom Lens then I came across the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Ultrawide Zoom. I read a post earlier today and somebody had graphed out the different lenses that someone had and it showed how some of the lenses overlapped each other and it became clear to me which one I was going to choose. The problem is.....the 10-22mm comes with a hefty price tag and my account will be a little short. I was looking for info on the Tamron SP 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) its about half the price of the Canon 10-20mm but is it as good as or close to Canon? I really dont mind spending the money on Canon but if I can save a little money and get the same quality or close to it. I could use the money saved on other goodies. Sorry post is so long..I'll get the hang of this forum thing. thanks

[richardho11]

I'd say do it right the first time. With the 10-22, your getting "L" quality images along with Canon's superfast and silent USM. I'd rather save up longer and get the Canon IMO.

[jack lumber]

Welcome to the forum, I have the sigma 10-20, and am very pleased with it.
A stop slower than the Canon 10-22, but a stop cheaper! I was reluctant to get the siggy, after reading the poor q.c issues, maybe I got lucky,,mine is tack sharp.

[timbop]

several comparisons have been done on the web (google is your friend), and the synopsis is that the canon is top dog followed by the tokina 12-24, sigma, and then the tamron 11-18. With that said, I don't see a problem working your way up the chain if it will take you longer than a few months to save up - the images you miss are worth more than a little lost resale value. Buy used here or on fredmiranda.com, and consider the small loss a rental fee.

[RichNY]

several comparisons have been done on the web (google is your friend), and the synopsis is that the canon is top dog followed by the tokina 12-24, sigma, and then the tamron 11-18. With that said, I don't see a problem working your way up the chain if it will take you longer than a few months to save up - the images you miss are worth more than a little lost resale value. Buy used here or on fredmiranda.com, and consider the small loss a rental fee.

Agreed. Cost being a factor go with the Tokina.

[darktiger]

I love my Canon 10-22, it produces some very sharp images.

[WMS]

Popular Photo ran such a comparison http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/2766/bargain-ultrawide-camera-lenses.html
and concluded that the Sigma was the best of the; Sigma 10–20mm, Tamron 11–18mm and Tokina 12–24mm offerings. As I recall these three ultra wide lenses are close in performance.

WMS

[bagtagsell]

I was deciding between the canon and the sigma. I bought the sigma used for a substantial savings and I am very happy.

[Tee Why]

If you are looking at ultrawides, consider the Sigma 10-20, cheaper than the Canon and the Tamron and optically on par with the Canon.

[kcarey]

Well I think Ive made up my mind on which lense to get...thank you everyone for your input. I happen to find a thread that compared the sigma and canon 10-20mm and the pictures for the sigma are amazing...so thats what I am going to go with. I'm going to try to get my hands on one tomorrow so wish me luck and thanks again everyone! I'll post some pics as soon as I get it.