Urgent advice needed...!

I have just placed an order for a Canon 50mm 1.4 usm lens but was also looking for a decent 24-70mm lens but can't afford the Canon L lens at the moment... my question is will the SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO be suitable for general photo work as well as Macro ? I have an order placed for the canon and need to say yes or no to the sigma within the next 45 mins...

The Sigma is a nice lens, many say optically it as good as the Canon but since I've never used the L I can't say. It's not a true macro lens as it only goes to something like 1:4, but it's pretty good for close up shots. Overall it's a very nice lens for the money.

so it would b good for general shots as well as close up?

I've heard that it's a great all-around lens for the money. I've seen a lot of positive reviews on it here.

People who have it indicate it's an excellent lens. The 24-70 focal lengths are very versatile and many people, including me, carry 'em on their camera all the time.

This is the macro version that I'm looking at guys - will that be okay for normal shots as well?

Don't be fooled by the "Macro" in the name of this lens (as well as the Tamron counterpart) - it is not a true macro lens. Some marketing type decided to add macro to their name because they can focus relatively close to the subject.

Both the Tamron 28-75 (I can vouch for this one) and the Sigma 24-70 (by all accounts) are excellent general purpose lenses.

thanks for that folks..placing order now...