Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC

[Tom Reid]

Still working on a new lens to pop onto the 20D that gives me a wide angle view as well as good in low light. So here I am again, looking for help.

I bought the Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f2.8-4 Di last week and shot a plenty with it the weekend. I'm pleased with the shots but the lens is too short for me. I had a budget and the Tamron fell into that amount perfectly. I'm now considering returning the lens and going over budget for the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC.

I had a look at the Sigma on the same day I bought the Tamron. I found the zoom on the Sigma stiff to turn. They didn't have another in the store to compare so here I am!! Anyone out there own this lens and able to help with this zoom issue?

[tim]

Do you use 18mm much? If not get a Tamron 28-75 F2.8. I use the kit lens for the rare time I want 18mm, which is about twice per year at my current rate.

[Tom Reid]

I purchased my 20D body only. I was thinking I'd use the $200.00 (Canadian) for the kit lens towards something better. I've been using my 28-80 lens that came on my Rebel 2000 film camera and have on occasion wished I could go wider. So I'm thinking I will make use of 18mm.

[pcasciola]

I know exactly where you're coming from, Tom. I always get stuck needing wider angle when using the Tamron 28-75mm. On a 1.6x camera like the 20D, 28mm is not even wide angle. At 45mm effective FOV, it's just about normal in fact. That's why every lens manufacturer is scrambling to put out something in the range of Canon's 10-22mm, to give us 1.6x sensor owners the 17-35mm effective range back. Tokina 12-24, Sigma 10-20 and Tamron 11-18 are the other three that are out and on the way to help fill that void.

I also considered the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 to replace my Tamron, because I need wider than 28mm a lot more than I need longer than 50mm, but I'm afraid it just won't be as good as the Tamron optically.

[Tom Reid]

Maybe I should wait 6 months Phil until Tamron to build their 18-50 f2.8!!
I have been thinking of buying the Canon 50mm 1.8 for portraits and the cheap 20D kit lens for the wide angle for the odd time I want it. When Tamron or Canon come out with a reasonably priced 18-50ish lens with a 2.8 I can then sell the cheap kit lens and take a small loss. I just don't want to rush into a good lens that I may not be happy with a couple of months down the road and I really need something to fill a void below my 70-200. I did some portraits the weekend and 70 was too close for the space we were using. The Tamron 17-35 worked out okay in this case but I don't think I'll be happy restricted to 35. Maybe I'm asking for too much!!

[pcasciola]

I don't think you're asking too much. You're asking for the lens that is the equivalent of what the very successful 28-135mm is for film camera users. That's exactly what the 17-85mm EF-S was designed to be. Have you looked at that?

[Tom Reid]

Yes, the 17-85 was recomended to me. I've heard it to be excellant for portraits but it's not fast enough for me for my other passion...photographing my daughters playing hockey. The 2.8 on my 70-200 really changed things for me in the rinks so if I'm going to buy something shorter I'd like it to be 2.8 as well.

[Bodog]

Mine is very smooth. Might try it again and make sure the lock is completely off.

[pcasciola]

Yes, the 17-85 was recomended to me. I've heard it to be excellant for portraits but it's not fast enough for me for my other passion...photographing my daughters playing hockey. The 2.8 on my 70-200 really changed things for me in the rinks so if I'm going to buy something shorter I'd like it to be 2.8 as well.Oh yeah, you're right, that is a pretty slow lens. That's what killed it for me too. You should check out the 85/1.8 for your kid's hockey. That is one awesome lens, and not very expensive. I use it for basketball and it does incredibly well in low light. Good for portraits too.

[Tom Reid]

I'll check your tip Bodog when I return the Tamron tomorrow. Phil that 85 lens is reasonably priced. Just checked it online at a local dealer. Well, I was gonna say I'll have to sleep on my decision but I have a funny feeling I'll be staring at the clock all night.

[Tom Reid]

Well...I returned the Tamron 17-35. I opted not to go over budget with the Sigma 18-50 just yet. So I didn't even tempt myself by trying the lock button Bodog. Perhaps in a couple of months.

I didn't leave empty handed though. The store just received a 50mm 1.8 this morning so I bought that. Been considering it for awhile, lots of good words about it on these forums and I was not misguided. Nice sharp lens indeed!!

Sigma make a 18-50mm 3.5-5.6 with a hood that is very reasonably priced, $200.00 Canadian. I'm considering that lens to fill the wide angle void for now and sell it later when the budget will allow something faster. Anyone out there have anything to add about that lens. I know it's cheap but is there anything horribly wrong with it??

Thanks.