600D/T3i + Sigma 17-70mm

Hey guys,

Bought my first SLR about 5 months ago which is a 600D and I really love it and it's a great starting camera but I am finding my photography is so limited without a few extras! Anyway Just sold one of my cars today and can direct about $700-$800 towards some new goodies.

This is what I am thinking.

Flash - Canon Speedlight EX430 II $208.97
Tripod - Manfrotto MF290 (MT294A3 + 804RC2) $199.95
Lens - Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM $312.18

Around $710 and I am even thinking about getting a Youngou 468 instead of the 430EX II after reading some really positive reviews on it as I can get one of those at around $78 so I could get 2 + a transmitter?

A few questions mainly about the lens is are people that have them happy with them? I wouldn't even mind going something wider like 10mm but I do want a quality piece of glass in the 18-50 region where I spend most of my time. Is there anything else I could consider?

Thanks.

I chose the 17-70 from recommendations on this forum, and I am happy about it. The IQ is very good, it is a little longer than the most recommended 17-50(55) range, it has some macro capability, even though not 1:1, but still very useful. Considering also its price, it is a great lens.

Lbsimon wrote in post #14374472
I chose the 17-70 from recommendations on this forum, and I am happy about it. The IQ is very good, it is a little longer than the most recommended 17-50(55) range, it has some macro capability, even though not 1:1, but still very useful. Considering also its price, it is a great lens.

I notice you have a Sigma 10-20 as well. How do you like that one?

stumbows wrote in post #14375408
I notice you have a Sigma 10-20 as well. How do you like that one?

The 10-20 is a very good lens. But I can only vouch for its performance during broad daylight. I typicaly use it in cities for architecture, where the buildings are big and the spaces are tight. For the same reason I do not care about fast or slow autofocus - the subjects are not moving anywhere. . Under those conditions it produces great IQ and sharpness. I like it.

stumbows wrote in post #14370746
Hey guys,

Bought my first SLR about 5 months ago which is a 600D and I really love it and it's a great starting camera but I am finding my photography is so limited without a few extras! Anyway Just sold one of my cars today and can direct about $700-$800 towards some new goodies.

This is what I am thinking.

Flash - Canon Speedlight EX430 II $208.97
Tripod - Manfrotto MF290 (MT294A3 + 804RC2) $199.95
Lens - Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM $312.18

Around $710 and I am even thinking about getting a Youngou 468 instead of the 430EX II after reading some really positive reviews on it as I can get one of those at around $78 so I could get 2 + a transmitter?

A few questions mainly about the lens is are people that have them happy with them? I wouldn't even mind going something wider like 10mm but I do want a quality piece of glass in the 18-50 region where I spend most of my time. Is there anything else I could consider?

Thanks.

I had the same set-up of T3i with the 17-70 and it worked wonders. The focal length is perfect for a walk-around and the OS performs well in low-light. For the price you're getting it, it's a hell of a deal too!

Elvin wrote in post #14376362
I had the same set-up of T3i with the 17-70 and it worked wonders. The focal length is perfect for a walk-around and the OS performs well in low-light. For the price you're getting it, it's a hell of a deal too!

Thanks mate! Feeling really positive and excited about getting it now. My wife and I having a baby in about 3 weeks so I wanted to get a hold of one before then to take some quality pics.

I'd put the extra money saved from the flash toward a better tripod rather than a set of triggers. The 055xprob and a 498rc2 head would be ideal. That setup will last you forever, whereas the one you have currently selected will probably be replaced within the next couple of years.

The 17-70 is a great choice, I have one myself and like it a lot.

Sirrith wrote in post #14377583
I'd put the extra money saved from the flash toward a better tripod rather than a set of triggers. The 055xprob and a 498rc2 head would be ideal. That setup will last you forever, whereas the one you have currently selected will probably be replaced within the next couple of years.

The 17-70 is a great choice, I have one myself and like it a lot.

I have the 055xprob with the 498rc2 head. It is a great setup, very well built and sturdy, stable, but it is not for a "walk in the park". I took it to a wild animal refuge two weeks ago. After three hours of walking there my shoulder refused to carry it any longer! The tripod and the head together weigh about 8 lbs, plus about 5 lbs of the camera/lens set. 13 lbs (or almost 6 kg) was too much. I had to buy something lighter. But for using it at home (studio) it is great.

I replaced the 18-55 kit lens with the Sigma 17-70 and just love it! You won't be sorry.

Ok so there's been a development. I have been offered a Canon 17-40 f/4L for only slightly more than the sigma. It's 4 months old and has maybe 50 shots taken with it. Should I be leaning towards this or does the Sigma really hold it's own? I like the fast aperture of the sigma and the extra reach going to 70mm but the Canon is an L series lens and I have another mate with one that can't say enough good about it.

Someone please help me out here!

stumbows wrote in post #14395509
Ok so there's been a development. I have been offered a Canon 17-40 f/4L for only slightly more than the sigma. It's 4 months old and has maybe 50 shots taken with it. Should I be leaning towards this or does the Sigma really hold it's own? I like the fast aperture of the sigma and the extra reach going to 70mm but the Canon is an L series lens and I have another mate with one that can't say enough good about it.

Someone please help me out here!

Dude, go for the Canon 17-40.

AvailableLight wrote in post #14395711
Dude, go for the Canon 17-40.

Have you used both of them? I'd love to hear a comparo from someone who has experience with both of these lenses!

AvailableLight wrote in post #14395711
Dude, go for the Canon 17-40.

If you're fine with 40mm on the "tele" end, f/4 aperture and no IS/OS, go for the Canon. Take everything, including your friend's opinion, with a grain of salt. What works really well with him might not be best suited for your kind of photography. A red ring doesn't necessarily mean amazing photos. If you're paying just a little more than what you're paying for the 17-70mm, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS might be more worth your while.

Elvin wrote in post #14395951
If you're fine with 40mm on the "tele" end, f/4 aperture and no IS/OS, go for the Canon. Take everything, including your friend's opinion, with a grain of salt. What works really well with him might not be best suited for your kind of photography. A red ring doesn't necessarily mean amazing photos. If you're paying just a little more than what you're paying for the 17-70mm, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS might be more worth your while.

Thanks for a really informative post there Elvin! Why is the 17-50mm more expensive than the 17-70 as the specs seem very similar but with less reach?

stumbows wrote in post #14397359
Thanks for a really informative post there Elvin! Why is the 17-50mm more expensive than the 17-70 as the specs seem very similar but with less reach?

17-50's are more expensive because of constant 2.8 aperture.

Don't go for the 17-40. You get 30mm less reach, slower aperture at 17-40, and no stabiliser. Weather sealing doesn't mean much for you because your body doesn't have it. It is probably the one and only lens I'd never recommend on crop.