Sigma 24 or 28 f/1.8 EX

[georgemd]

Hi,

I am a purist. Not one zoom lense I have ever tried has ever come close to a kit of dedicated fix focal length lenses. I am using a D60 with a Canon 50 EF f/1.4 USM and a Canon 135 EF f/2L. Both these lenses produce accurate colour reproduction and r as sharp as I have ever seen.

I need a wide angle lense but at the moment i could not consider the cost of a Canon EF 24 f/1.4L!

A friend told me he's heard good stuff about the new Sigma lenses. I have never owned a generic brand lense but after looking at the specifications of the 24 or 28 f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF Macro lenses I am thinking twice. Neither of these lenses have been tested at "photodo" yet.

Has anyone used either of these lenses and if so what have your results been like?
Is there a compromise in image quality at longer focusing distances because they r macro's?

Could u point me in the direction of an independant review of these lenses?

Could u suggest an alternative to these lenses? remember, no zooooms and I like my lenses fast!

thankyou
george
Australia

[Paul V]

Why not try the Canon 20mm 2.8 USM or the 24mm 2.8?

I've seen some great results with these 2 lenses...just ordered a 20mm for myself...

I'll try to post some shots with it next week...

Paul

[georgemd]

Thanx for getting back to me Paul.

I have looked seriously at the canon 24 f/2.8 but i was attracted to the Sigma with it's extra 2 stops of speed... and very resonable price.

I will be interested to see the images u produce from those lenses if u end up buying one.

c ya
george

[vernaglia]

Hi, I have the Sigma 20mm 1.8 EX, it's a great lens, great optics, specialy stoped down to f4 or 5.6, good focusing (not as fast as USM, but is fast).
Is pretty well made.
Hope this can help you to decide.
Best regards,
Armando

[philgabe]

George:

I have a D30 but I believe that the D60 also has the 1.6x maginifcation factor. If that's the case a 28mm has the angle of view of a 44mm--not exactly wide angle. The 20mm would be 32mm which is wider but not quite real wide either. If you're really after wide angles alternatives are the Tokina 17mm f/3.5 (which I have) and the Sigma 14mm (I think it's f/2.8 on top of my head) (I don't have that one but it gets very good reviews by users). The Tokina 17mm is a very good lens, very goob guils, good color rendition and sharpness. Here are a few examples of the Tokina 17mm:

http://www.epochphotos.com/images/photo.php?photo=403&exhibition=3

http://www.epochphotos.com/images/photo.php?photo=386&exhibition=3

http://www.epochphotos.com/images/photo.php?photo=388&exhibition=3

http://www.epochphotos.com/images/photo.php?photo=387&exhibition=3

I have ordered a Sigma 28mm f/1.8, planning on using it as my "normal" lens at film equivalent angle of 44mm. I'll post some pics when it gets here.

Cheers.

Philippe
www.epochphotos.com