Sigma 24-70 F2.8

Hello all of you,

As this is the season of giving, i have decided to buy my dad a lens, but which one, well after much reading on this forum and screening of the store adds in magazines i have decided that the sigma 24-70 is a safe bet, constant 2.8 aperture and a really good price.

Before i go out and buy this lens, can any of you put doubt into my mind as to why this may not be a wise purchase??


Many thanks in advance.

The image quality of Tamron's similar lens, the 28-75mm, is a bit better, it is tack sharp and should be in the same price range too. I'd go for that one.

Found what I was looking for; here is a comparison between the two:
http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/exvdi

I don't agree ... I had both and on balance the Sigma is a better lens overall, with any IQ difference probably copy dependant. 28mm is not wide enough on a crop body either. Personally, I would get the 17-70mm Sigma which has better range and at least as good IQ, if not better.

Yes, of course, the wide angle problem. What lenses does your dad have from before, and what camera is he using? That is an important factor to know.

BrewsterPilot wrote in post #2412456
The image quality of Tamron's similar lens, the 28-75mm, is a bit better, it is tack sharp and should be in the same price range too. I'd go for that one.

the tamron is also a smaller, lighter lens. depending on what else your dad has it his kit i think this could be a great choice...or the 17-50.

ed rader

ok, divided loyalties- the tamron appears more expensive to my eyes. I have read reviews and the sigma appears to be the more sturdier with better build quality.

My dad shoots a 350d, he has the kit lens whilst he is only starting out i dont want to repeat his focal range. Plus he has access to my gear.

The Sigma has good image quality, pretty sharp wide open, the colors and contrast aren't as good as my L primes but they aren't bad. It's well built, definitly has some heft to it. The 2 drawbacks to me are the 82mm filter size (82mm filters are pricey) and the silly way you have to use a switch and move the focus ring to switch from auto to manual focus. Still, I consider it a good bargain.