The famed 17-40L or Sigma 18-50 2.8?

[Rebel]

I've seen some samples of the Sigma and it is really impressive. Does anyone have any thoughts about this? The Sigma is almost half the price with a 2.8 opening! $714USD vs $428USD ( we pay a bit more over here in the Philippines) HELP! Decisions, decisions...

[evilenglishman]

some of these people aren't too impressed with the sigma :wink:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=189&sort=7&thecat=29


##edit##
sorry, my mistake that is a different lens.

[robertdrake]

Is this a trick question?
:lol:

[Andy_T]

The key word from the FM reviews seems to be

'slightly better image quality than the 18-55 kit lens' :roll:

That would put it several steps below the 17-40/L, 2.8 or not.

Best regards,
Andy

[gcogger]

As EvilEnglishman mentioned in the edited post - the lens on FM is NOT the one being discussed here.

[rraman]

The fredmiranda article is about 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 and not EX f/2.8. Apart from the focal length range, probably there aren't too many things common between the two :)

I got the the sigma f.2.8 a couple of weeks ago, and so far I really like it. The weather in NYC isn't great these days so have not taken many shots with it, but here are a couple of them:

http://raman.fotopic.net/p8563550.html
http://raman.fotopic.net/p8574456.html


Here is a review that you might want to have a look at:
http://www.jasonlivingston.com/sigma-review/

[aam1234]

Keep in mind that it's a "DC" lens. IIRC, it only works in 1.6 cropping factor cams (I could be totally wrong though). Would appreciate a clarification from somebody who knows, as I'm interested in the lens too.

Thanks

[Headcase650]

The sigma will work on a full frame camera just as long as you want a huge black ring around your picture.

[aam1234]

Found this in Sigma site:

"DC lenses: Theses are special lenses that are designated for interchangeable lens type SLR digital cameras because the lens image circle is designated to correspond to the size of the image sensors of most interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras.
The specialized design gives these lenses the ideal properties for digital cameras."

Can anybody decipher that.

[wolf]

Here (http://www.digitaldingus.com/articles/fov/fov.html) is a good read about sensor size and the image circle.

[gcogger]

The Sigma works on a 1.5 or 1.6 factor camera, but nothing with a larger sensor.

[Tom W]

Found this in Sigma site:

"DC lenses: Theses are special lenses that are designated for interchangeable lens type SLR digital cameras because the lens image circle is designated to correspond to the size of the image sensors of most interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras.
The specialized design gives these lenses the ideal properties for digital cameras."

Can anybody decipher that.

It means that the diameter of the lens is large enough for Canon's 1.6, Nikon's 1.5, and other similar "APS-C" sized sensors, but is too small for a 1.3X or Full-Frame digital sensor or 35-mm film. If used on something larger than the APS-C sensor, the corners will be essentially chopped off.

[Rebel]

Thanks, guys, for the insight. Rraman, thanks for posting that link- it really helped. For the price, the Sigma sounds pretty good. I'll be looking at picking one up in a couple of weeks. If anyone has anything more to add, it would certainly be appreciated.

[Andy_T]

Here is a review that you might want to have a look at:
http://www.jasonlivingston.com/sigma-review/

Interesting review ... However, it looks like this guy has had a pick of bad versions of some good lenses. :roll:

Otherwise, I'm waiting for Sigma's advertisement for the 18-50/2.8 EX ...

Sharper than the Canon 24-70L and 1.4/50 L ... :shock:

... according to one specific user's experience :lol:

Best regards,
Andy