At the moment I am thinking of buying a new lens for my camera - or at least looking at lens choices which fall into my features, specifications and price ranges.
I have narrowed my lens options down to just two lenses, and they are…
 The Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 EX Aspherical DG DF |
 Or the Canon 28-135mm USM IS f3.5-5.6 |
Both lenses have both good and bad reviews about them. Some people have recommended me to go with the Canon lens, since it includes Image Stabilization, and that its a Canon. Others, however, have said the Sigma is a choice to go for, because of its constant f2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range.
In whichever lens, I am looking for good low-light ability and a good zoom range for everyday use (a walk-about lens).
I stumbled across DPhoto.us - a digital photography forum. There’s a whole bunch of large photography forums, but this one seemed to include a massive amount of knowledge. I’ve registered myself on there and have asked the guys over there the same question.
At the moment, I am heavily swinging toward the Sigma. Its constant f2.8 aperture appeals to me a lot. The look, size and weight adds to a quite professional looking lens combo, which I think is quite an important factor for me! Only down side of the size is that the filters are damn pricey, as Collin warned me about the other day.
Update: Since writing this post, I am now going a bit more toward the Canon. I’ve read a few more reviews and it just seems to be better overall. Hoping to test our the Canon at my local Jessops soon.
Another plus side for the Canon is that is has a longer reach than the Sigma. I like wide angle stuff, but for a walk-about lens, I think telephoto is more important. A LOT of people have also said the Sigma is very soft at f2.8, and since I am buying this lens because of its low-light capabilities, then I think being soft at f2.8 would be a massive down-point since most of my photo’s would probably be taken at this aperture.
portfolio
20 Oct 2006 at 8:43 am
Don’t forget that if you’re shooting at f2.8 you’re gonna get bugger all depth of field. That’s good if it’s what you want but depending on what you’re shooting you might just want to stop down and get the tripod/monopod out.
20 Oct 2006 at 10:02 am
Yes, very true. I could see myself in a few occasions where I’d just have to use a smaller aperture to get the subject in focus (people, for example) still not 100% sure, but Jessops have a 30-day money back.
I went to Hedge End last night and tried out a few of the lenses. The Sigma seemed nice, better than the Canon 28-135 from what I could see, but then again I was only playing for 20 minutes or so. Anyway, they said that if I wasn’t happy with the lens, then I could just return and get a replacement and/or money back.
Worst comes to worst, I’ll try 4-5 lenses until I find one I like!