Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 17-35mm f/2.8-4.0 EX for Canon

[mandar1]

I am considering investing in a wide angle lens for my canon rebel

(film camera). I was wondering if people have strong opinions

against/for this Sigma wideangle (17-35). As you can guess my budget

is limited and I am still discovering photography after enjoying

photography with my digital camera. Also, in buying used equipment

from B+Hphotvideo how far can one go down as in 9,8,7 used category.

Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.

[bevan_donovan]

If it's the EX 82mm model then give it a wide berth.

 

If it's the EX DG 77mm model, this is a huge improvement on the EX version in every aspect and is IMHO a very good lense.

 

Cheers

Bevan

[yakim_peled1]

<P> Everything I read convinces me that the <a href="http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/canon_ef17-40usm.htm">Canon 17-40/4</a> is optically the best, closely followed by the <a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/sm-nov-04.shtml">Tamron 17-35/2.8-4</a>. Sigma? Well, it's not so bad but in this case there are other issues beside optical quality. The complaints on Sigma incompatibility problems dropped considerably in the last year. It seems they improved their reverse engineering methods and/or their <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00AUey">QC</a> (also see <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00AaWm">here</a>). However, their not-so-long-ago history was <a href="http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html#compatibilitythirdparty">really awful</a>. Me? I'm probably too paranoid. I can't get rid of the old saying - Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it - echoing in my head.... At their current prices I see no chance that I'll be buying one. Naturally YMMV.</p>

 

<P> See reviews <a href="http://www.photographyreview.com/reviewscrx.aspx">here</a>, <a href="http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php?cat=1">here</a> and <a href="http://www.camerareview.com">here</a>. Searching the archives of this site will also yield a lot of info.</P>

 

<P> Happy shooting , <br>

Yakim. </P>

[mandar1]

Bevan and Yakim, Thanks a lot for your comments and extensive links that are very useful for a newbie like me. I really appreciate your help.