My first impressions of The 24-70 2.8

this is an awesome lens, but let me tell ya, it gets heavy. Wait till you throw that 430 or 580 on top and your inside handholding it a lot. I totally love it, but when I use it with extension tubes and a macro flash bracket, it becomes insane after an hour. Wouldn't trade it for the world.

ed rader wrote in post #2159441
hey Jon -- i know how to support a camera and lens, and i prefer a grip. so do many others.

but it's good to hear from the other camp .

ed rader

I haven't taken the grip off my camera since i bought it back in the spring. Some of us have larger hands or longer fingers and the grip is really nice to have (not to mention the extended battery time).

Another bonus of the grip is the E-1 Hand Strap (though you can get aftermarket straps that don't require the grip)... I often have my hand through the strap around the grip and just let it hang at my side when not in a shooting position.

Double Negative wrote in post #2160022
Another bonus of the grip is the E-1 Hand Strap (though you can get aftermarket straps that don't require the grip)... I often have my hand through the strap around the grip and just let it hang at my side when not in a shooting position.

Hmm... ditto again. Replaced the neck strap with the hand strap. If my hands not through the strap, the camera's in it's 6milliondollarhome. The hand strap seems a better "ready position" than around the neck, and it's fairly easy to walk around for extended periods of time.

whiskaz wrote in post #2160041
Hmm... ditto again. Replaced the neck strap with the hand strap. If my hands not through the strap, the camera's in it's 6milliondollarhome. The hand strap seems a better "ready position" than around the neck, and it's fairly easy to walk around for extended periods of time.

We're on a roll... I just picked up a $6M Home a couple of weeks ago!

I have an Op/Tech (POTN type) neck strap with the quick-disconnect shoulder pad. Most of the time I just leave the shoulder pad in the backpack. But when I walk around with the camera a lot or throw on the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS it's a great way to carry the weight otherwise.

It is too heavy! I am selling my perfect and like-new copy of 24-70. It was my favourite walk-about lens. Stunning IQ. But I can't take the weight anymore. I am going to have a party for my 24-70L lens before it goes to its new home! I will be sad to say goodby...but I aint getting any younger or...steadier. Went for the 24-105L IS. and already I am missing f/2.8.

Weight wise, what is the Sigma 24-70 like?

My first and my last impression: it is bulky, it is heavy but it is worth every ounce of its weight!
I use it with grip and hand strap on my XT..