Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8

has anybody used or is using the sigma 18-50mm f/2.8? i'd like to

try it on the street. my walk-around is a D70 with the kit lens and

the 50mm f/1.8 in one of my vest pockets. the only other fast lens i

have is the 17-55mm f/2.8 and i use it only for events and other

controlled situations. thanks.

Ramon it sounds like you'll just end up duplicating what you have already. Often I'll just leave a 20mm prime on the camera for a walk around lens.

good point taken, michael. thanks. a friend of mine actually wants to buy my kit lens for his D50. i told him if i can find a replacement, he can have it.

 

in my film days, i carry three primes when i'm on the street. my F2AS when i'm in the mood for manual and the F80 when i'm a little lazy and wants AF. i didn't mind swapping lenses at all.

 

with digital, i'm overprotective, maybe, with my toys from dust since i'm always in the san francisco and monterey/carmel areas where it's always windy. hence, the wont to short wide-zoom.

 

am thinking also that the f/3.5 of the kit lens to the constant f/2.8 of the sigma might make me happy.

I had that lens on my Canon body. It was great, and very sharp. Just slightly less sharp than the Canon 24-105L.

 

I'm sure it won't hold a candle to the 17-55.

Hmmm..I have the 17-55mm lens and it is excellent and a great walk around lens. Maybe your looking for something that is not as heavy? Or you don't want to put too much wear 'n tear on the 17-55? Whatever the case, have you looked at the Sigam 18-50mm photozone review? Looks like the CAs can be high and its a bit soft on the edges at 18mm. http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_1850_28/index.htm

 

Klaus (photozone) will be testing the 17-55 Nikon soon. It will be interesting to see the results that he obtains.

thanks for the input, michael s. yes, trying to get away from the weight of the 17-55mm. i only use it for events....

thanks also for the link. i was able to test the 18-50mm. the 18-70mm is better for me --- performance and cosmetics.

 

thanks for the idea, michael f. i'll probably pack a 20mm prime together with the 50mm for a really lightweight walk-araound.

Sigma have also started making a 17-70mm f/2.8 - f4.5 DC Macro.

 

This may be better for you as a 'casual' lens than the Nikon 18-70mm.

 

Slightly wider and faster and focussing down to 7.9 inches.

 

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3315&navigator=6

Also you could supplement it with a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for when you really need the faster speed.