Sigma EX Upgrade Path?

[EOSAddict]

Having watched this forum lately I have formed some views on how to develop an upgrade path from my current 'jack of all trades, master of none' lenses to something better.

I would like to cover a range from 18 (at least - probably wider) to 300 and want the minimum number of lenses. I can't justify Canon 'L' prices (in UK) and have to admit a preference for Sigma design/feel.

My list is currently:

Sigma 12-24 (although I think this is a l
Sigma 24-70 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8
Sigma 1.4 tc

Other options are Sigma 18-50 2.8

There is also the Sigma 100-300 (as liked by condyk) with the 18-125 as a general purpose walk-round lens.....

So much choice, so little money!!!! So let's have your thoughts/opinions and especially experience of the lenses in question - TY.

[condyk]

I wouldn't ever restrict myself to a single brand or range within a brand. The L's are usually great lenses but pricing in the Uk does impact on choice, I agree.

I would go for:

18-50mm 2.8 EX Sigma
85mm 1.8 Canon (if you really need to cover the gap)
100-300mm f4 EX HSM Sigma (add 1.4 TCon if you want useful wildlife/birding length)

or:

12-24 Tokina
24-70 2.8 EX DG Macro Sigma
100-300mm f4 EX HSM Sigma

The gap from 70mm to 100mm is probably not that important. Remember the 70 is equiv. to 112mm on film and you will rarely if ever need the 100mm end of the 100-300mm. I think these combine top value with superb performance very well. You could replace the 100-300mm with the 70-200mm f4 Canon L or the 2.8 Sigma if you don't need the length.

A cool choice would be the 18-50mm 2.8 EX Sigma and 50-500mm Bigma DG EX and that would really keep the numbers down while majoring on length :lol:

[EOSAddict]

Thanks condyk - useful thoughts....

Am not purposely restricting myself to Sigma its just that these seem to fall nicely together and havn;t found similar 'good quality' lenses from other manufs (at non 'L' prices!!).

I do like your plan of 18-50 + Bigma!!!!

I can't seem to find the Tokina anywhere - have you used it?

[nitsch]

Cheers for your comments in the other thread EOS!

I'm glad Condyk has already chimed in here with his views. Listen to him, he is the master of finding lenses which retain quality without spending crazy amounts of money, I always enjoy reading his posts as he has some good advice to give.

[condyk]

When I was looking for my first wider lens the 12-24mm was in the top three I shortlisted (from loads!!) along with the Canon 17-40mm f4 L and my current 20-35mm Tokina Pro.

I did a lot of research around user opinion and various posts in forum's and 'proper' reviews, as well as checking out images at PBase. I was impressed with it and it is not 'daft priced' new, unlike the other two options I had in my list.

As I'm not that interested in ultra-wide when I was lucky enough to find a SH 20-35mm 2.8 Tokina at a good price I grabbed it, and it has been great. However, I am now looking to replace it with the 18-50mm Sigma to keep my bag as light as I can for my next safari. I sold the Tamron 28-75 last week as part of the strategy and think the 18-50mm can cover the range I use most in the one lens rather than two.

The 12-24 Tokina and 24-70mm 2.8 Sigma is probably a more 'sensible' choice, but I know the ranges I use most and travelling lighter is more important than having everything covered.

Thanks Nitsch ... that's exactly what I love to do: 95%+ of the best quality at 60-70% of the price is my mantra :lol: :lol:

[EOSAddict]

Noted!

[antaine]

Condyk, do you not miss your Tamron?

I love the tamron but I miss the 18mm end so am also looking at the Sigma 18-50EX. 28mm on the tamron with 1.6 factor is just not wide enough for me most if the time - I think I would use the 18-50 length more than I ever used 50-75 on the Tamron. Then we are getting near to Canon 17-40 L country!

[aggarcia]

Basically I have your listed sigma upgrade path
Sigma 12-24
Sigma 24-70 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8
Sigma 1.4 tc

Plus the 100-300 F4. These are all great lenses that offer exellent value. My reasoning for the Sigma 12-24 over the other ultra wide angle lenses is that it is the only to work with full frame/film body. All of Sigma 18 - XXX lesnes are made for crop cameras. If you ever feel that a FF/film camera is in your future keep this in mind.

AG

[condyk]

Antaine, I actually hardly used the Tamron to be honest. I was happy with the Tokina 20-35mm f2.8 which is an expensive, high quality lens that performs as a 'standard' city and candid style walkaround very well. The Tamron is not quite as good, tho' I do like it a lot.

I didn't realise when I bought the Tamron that I would use the 50-78mm range as little as I actually did. When I got to understand my preferred ranges then the 18-50mm became a no brainer when I wanted to minimise the number of lenses I carried.

My ideal from experience would be 18 or 20-50mm, tho' the 17-40mm f4 would do very nicely at a pinch. Price puts me off tho', even SH. If I could stretch my Tokina to 50mm then I would :lol: :lol: