Is there an affordable wide angle lens?

I am excited to be converting over to digital from my Elan 7, but so

disappointed at the range loss I will suffer on my 24-85mm zoom...I take one

or two vacations a year where I really use wide angle. But looking

around for a w/a lens for the 10D I can't find anything under $500. Any chance

I'm missing a more affordable wide angle out there? Obviously not expecting

top of the line for less than $500 but right now willing to take what I can

get until I can afford something better.

The highly rated Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 for $499 at B&H Photo. Well built, tack sharp, fast and dead accurate AF. You can't beat it for the price.

A second vote for the Sigma 10-20, cannot be beat for what you get at that price.

If you buy used, you can get some even less expensive prices at KEH.com I buy a lot of KEH used stuff, and their ratings are very conservative. Some of their EX (excellent) rated lenses I've bought look brand new. If you go with Sigma I would stick with the Sigma EX line (in this case the EX is in no way related to keh's EX rating......two different things......heh, confusing that is.......anyhow I only mention it because Sigma older lenses are not considered the best going, but if you stick with their EX line, you have a reasonable shot at getting a much better lens....and in some cases, approaching Canon optical quality.......) If you go with the Tamron, some one else will have to guide you, as I know very little about those.

 

I mention those two manufacturers, by the way, because I just looked at KEH's Canon Auto focus Non-mgf (meaning not Canon) zoom lenses just now and there are a few to choose from in the $200-$400 range. With any luck FredMiranda.com may have reviews on those. So, happy hunting.

Only thing is, if you get the Sigma 10-20 you will not be able to use it on your film bodies or any future full frame DSLR you get.

 

If you want to shoot full frame now or in the future I would suggest the Canon 17-40 f/4L, as it is the best performing lens for the price range it is in. Just not AS wide as the 10-22. How wide do you need?

although, if you can afford it, I do whole heartedly agree with J.D.'s 17-40L recommendation. but even used, I doubt you will find it for under $500. That is, if you can find one. people who own them seem to hold onto them. i know I would never sell mine.

Check out the Tokina 12-24mm f4 at $4XX.

Is the 10-22 only compatible with EF-S mounts? Because if so the 10d wouldn't be able to use it...

Err, I meant the 10-20 sigma

The Sigma 10-20 works with the 10D. The Canon 10-22 doesn't...unfortunately!

 

That said, the Sigma is a decent lens, especially when stopped down a bit (not a surprise here for a wide zoom). And, it gets one a wide angle zoom on the 10D! --tom

The Sigma 10-20 is compatable with the 10D, but will vignette on full frame cameras.

How wide do you need? In your price range, the above refs are about it. But, if you want something faster (like a constant f2.8), look at the Tamron 17-50. Been getting good reviews but it'll only get you to ~28 on the 1.6 factor.

The cheapo 18-55 EF-S lens that ships with EOS Digital Rebel/300D and Rebel XT/350D kits

is actually surprisingly good for its low, low price. However you need to make some

modifications to it to make it fit the 10D. These aren't hard - you have to saw off the back

end - but they do require a bit of expertise.

Might be a good idea to look around for a 20d instead of a 10d so that you also can mount the EF-S lenses without altering them.

This will give you more options on the wide end without the need to "modify" the lens. Good friend has this dilema now : regrets that his 10d does not accept EF-S.

 

The EF-s 18-55mm kit lens is also a good sollution to start with...if you have a 20d!

 

Would try to get a 20d instead and this kit lens...later on buy the very good EF 10-22mm from Canon.

I will second the recommendation for the EF 17-40mm f4 L. I recently part-ex'd a Sigma fixed 20mm f1.8 for the 17-40 and I only wish I had purchased it sooner. Relatively light, nice zoom range at the wide end on a 1.6x crop factor body (D60) and the optical clarity is terrific. I am only a bit bummed at losing a couple of f-stops...but all the more reason to go to a tripod in low light/long "exposure" scene conditions.

I will second Keith's recommendation of the Tamron 17-50mm/2.8 lens. I just bought one, but haven't really used it much yet. That will come this weekend.

 

It has an equivalent 27-80mm range, roughly equivalent to your 24-85/3.5-4.5 (which I used to own. Yet it is 1/2 to 1 1/2 stops faster. Bob Atkins gave it a good review here on photo.net; so did Klaus at photozone.de.

 

Unlike some of the options mentioned here, it will physically mount on your 10D, as well as any future upgraded cropped camera you may eventually buy. It also physically mount on full-frame cameras, but vignettes badly at ALL focal lengths, so it is only for digital cropped cameras. But you do not need to saw off the back. Also, Tamron's warranty is six years, but you should not need it because Tamron's record of compatibility with Canon EOS is spotless, unlike Sigma's and even Tokina's.

 

If you want *another* lens to complement your 24-85, then I would recommend the Canon 10-22. But if you want to replace it, then get the Tamron 17-50/2.8. It costs $500 in local stores and $450 from Adorama and B&H. I got mine from a local store after talking them into a $25.00 discount.

Another very decent option is the Tamron 17-35 f/2.8-4. Reasonably good to great optical quality, very good build quality, and a 6 year warrantee in the US. It will work with any full frame or reduced frame camera. You should be able to find this lens for under $450. I've been very happy with this lens myself. It's only weakness (as far as I'm concerned) is slow autofocus - at least compared to canon USM, which is unparalleled, but since I only use it for landscape, this is not a concern for me.

 

Anyway, it fits your budget, and I think it is better than any Canon offering in the under $500 price range. People say that Sigmas are getting better, but I still have a bit of an aversion to them - that's just personal preference though. Tokina makes some very fine lenses as well, so you might want to take a look at what they have to offer.

This input has been great and I really appreciate it. I think if I decide to buy an *extra* lens than I would like to have that Sigma 10-20 because of its range. But I may have to sell my 24-85 in order to buy another lens, so I am going to check into the Tamron 17-50 and 17-35 lenses first. I have owned a Tamron before and it was a solid lens that I was quite happy with.

 

I too read the article about modify the Canon EF-S wide angle, but it really doesn't sound like its such a great lens that its worth the hassle and risk. So I'll look for something that fits as is!

If you have not got the lens let me throw in one more idea. Whatever brand's 19-35mms lenses are pretty inexpensive and good enough for the price tags. I am not quite sure but read it somewhere that all the Tamron, Tokina, or Vivitar's 19-35mm lenses are actually made by Cosina, the largiest Japanese OEM lens maker. If the 19-35mm narrow range is ok with you you can get it cheap at keh.com (less than $100). BTW, It is the regular EF mount and 77mm thread.

Jason, good call except that 19mm on a crop body makes a fairly underwhelming 30mm

equivalent.

 

I think crop bodies are a dastardly plot to make us wide fans spend megabucks on full frame

bodies.