sigma lens

Good day! I've yet to make my decision on purchasing a digital camera. I've

been thinking about spending less bucks for a camera, thinking about the rebel

xt or xti or 350d, not sure yet. The main concern is that I use a nikon N80 for

which i have a couple lens i'd like to know if they are compatible with any

canon models. The lens are:

 

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DL Macro Super

and

SIGMA AF Macro 28-80mm

 

Any comments are welcome!

 

Andres

Costa Rica

You can get an inexpensive mechanical adapter to mount just about any Nikon lens on a Canon digital body. The lens will only work in manual focus mode, and you also have to use the aperture in manual "stop-down" mode - so it's only really practical on lenses with a manual aperture ring (AF lenses with no manual aperture control will always be "wide open"). Here's some good resources for learning more about it:

 

<p><a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/manual_focus_EOS.html">Bob Atkins</a>

<br><a href="http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-manual-lenses/">NK Guy</a>

<br><a href="http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/55">Alternative Digital Systems & Lenses forum</a>

<br><a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00J01o&tag=">Practicality of M42 telephoto to XT and film bodies</a>

<br><a href="http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/541453/0#4693802">OM or FD on Canon</a>

Thanks for the comment James!

I'd consider a Nikon D40 or D80 and use the lenses you have if you like them. I dont' know Nikon so you'd have to check compatibility first. But I think you'd lose too much using the converter. These are comparable in features and price to the XT, XTi. Or start over with Canon, and buy new lenses but that'll cost more.

It seems sensible to stick with Nikon. I have owned Canon for twenty years. Although I am satisfied the real reason is that I have always, since the beginning owned Canon lenses. I have a 70-200 2.8L that I have owned for at least ten. It is far more important in terms of performances than all the several Canon bodies I have gone through.

<i>I've been thinking about spending less bucks for a camera, thinking about the rebel xt or xti or 350d, not sure yet.</i>

<p>

Why not consider the Nikon D40 or D50? Both are dirt cheap and, although you can't use AF on the two lenses that you list on the D40, you wouldn't have to get a converter. If use of those two lenses are a real concern, then obviously, you're budget is rather tight. If I were in your shoes, I would strongly consider the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNikon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G%2Fdp%2FB0009GZANC%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics%26qid%3D1181408769%26sr%3D8-1&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Nikon D50.</a> However, at the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-Zoom-Nikkor%2Fdp%2FB000KJQ1DG%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics%26qid%3D1181408755%26sr%3D8-1&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">sale price of $512 (with lens) on Amazon</a>, the D40 is a steal with a lens right now.

<p>

Cheers!

Neither of those lenses are optically good enough to worry about. Sell them on, ebay and get the same in the Canon EOS mount or something a little better.

Before committing to switching to Canon I'd try actually handling one at a store. Nikon and Canon ergonomics differ, and you may find you prefer to stick with a system you know. Apart from the AF limitation of the D40(X) cameras, they are good value. I agree that if you intend using lenses that lack their own AF motors you would do better with a camera that can drive them if you are going to go for a Nikon. Your Sigma lenses won't really work on an EOS body because there is no way to control the aperture, aside from the AF limitation. If you are on a tight budget, the Nikon D50 with kit lens (so you have a wide angle: 28mm will only give you the angle of view of 42mm on film) really would be an excellent choice which would allow you to use your other lenses fully until you can afford to upgrade.

I agree with Joe and James. Use good glass on your camera, even if you only can afford manual focus lenses. The Canon dSLRs can mount tons of inexpensive manual focus lenses (Nikon F, Olympus OM, M42 Pentax K and Leica R) which is very handy for non-critical focal lengths or exotic special lenses. When you get the funds are you sure you need a specific lens in autofocus, buy it. Or start out with inexpensive lenses like the kit lens and a 50mm prime and build your system from there.