Sigma 24-70mm f/3.5-5.6

I'm considering the Sigma Zoom 24-70mm f/3.5-5.6 to fill my void and replace the kit 18-55mm lens. What are your experiences with this lens?

Thanks!

Save up for the 2.8!

I read the reviews on FM and the 2.8 had less desirable ratings. 3.5 seemed more sensible based on user feedback.

How does this compare to the Tamron 28-75mm?

dont' know about 3.5, I do have 2.8 and I like it alot, really nice lense except a little loud focus, other then that really sharp and nice

I'd definitely get the 2.8. I don't know what you read on FM, but it's a hell of a nice lens and for a very reasonable price. I wouldn't even bother with the 3.5.

How does it compare to the Tamaron 28-75mm f/2.8?

Heavier, wider at the wide end (obviously). More durable and just as sharp.

Honestly I don't know, never use any Tamron Lenses... it is not Canon 24-70 2.8L but for mney it worth it.

I think Tamron and SIgma is prety close on this lens.

I recently went through the Tamron vs. Canon dilemma this past weekend. I also looked at the Tokina 28-80 2.8, which was pretty good also. I succumbed to the L. I know financially I could have bought another lens or two, and pretty good ones, but the silent dead accurate focus and killer build hooked me. The sharpness of both the other lens were very good, but the Canon was excellent. On a lot of the test shots I have taken, almost no post processing...that being said, I still think that the Tamron is no slouch and you'd be happy.

The Sigma f/3.5 you ask about is the first lens I bought to replace my kit lens. Now I have the f/2.8 version. The f/3.5 is very soft at times although contrast is reasonable - it does okay. About the same quality as the kit lens IMHO. It's $120 and $120 worth of lens if you get my drift.

The f/2.8 is built like a tank and is very sharp. Just a little noisy on the focus but otherwise amazing.

btw: I think the reason for the high rating on FM for the f/3.5 is the relatively few number of reviewers. It's not a large enough sample to get a good feel really.

The problem at FM is that Sigma has had a number of 24-70mm 2.8 models and so it's hard to know which model is being talked about ... and sometimes which one you might be offered to buy! The earlier ones were fine but not stellar like the latest one. If you can stretch financially then look for the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 DG EX Macro which is the latest version.

I also owned the Tamron and it is a tad cheaper, much lighter and very close optically. I would be happy with another one and it's outstanding value.

My main need was something with a bit more on the wide end. The Sigma is really quite outstanding at f5.6-f8 especially and some copies can be a tad softer at f2.8. Mine is acceptable wide open but I just think it can do better. I have just sent it to Sigma to be individually calibrated. I need it to be A1 as it'll be my only lens other than probably a 300mm f4 IS L! I think it's worth the trouble: for many it wouldn't be as they'd stop down most of the time. My Tamron was similar and maybe I'm just very, very fussy

I would stick with the kit lens if you can't stretch to the 2.8 version, or look at the 18-125mm Sigma too, which seems to have many fans and is well priced.

Dave,

How much do Sigma charge for that Service or is it done under warranty?

I'm hoping to get it done under warranty but will pay iof they say it is within their quality specifications. The test shots I took in the 'real world' where acceptable but when I did some test shots using the http://md.co.za/d70/fo​cus21.pdf method the comparison between f2.8 and f5.6 and over at 24mm was significant enough to just make me wonder if I could get a better result. If I get charged then I don't mind. I got it new at a good price from Jessops so any charge would only get me up to a tad over normal retail anyway I reckon. Prices are on the Sigma UK web site. It'll be away around 3 weeks I was told, so won't be able to bring it now when we meet up ... sorry

No worries! I think I will have my hands full that day getting to grips withht e 100-300

At risk of a thread diversion, how are you finding the 350D?

I like the enhanced speed, options (CF write speed and FPS is much better and I can see the joy of AI servo tho' not used it other than playing around) and it feels very snappy to use. But, still not sure to be honest if the size really suits me. It didn't when I first tried it when it came out and it was a gamble compromise for travelling, but I may just go the 20D route after all. That was my intention but was seduced by size/weight advantages!

Haven't really had time to use it outdoors yet to be honest so maybe I'll get used to it. If I don't like it after a proper day out I'll sell it. I'd rather keep it tho' as less hassle given I am also moving house soon as well We'll see ...