Looking for a better lens

[hebert1]

I have a great little Minolta Maxxum 5D. The lens that came with it,

(18-70 3.5/5.6) doesn't seem so good.

I've been thinking of getting a Sigma 18-50 F/2.8 EX DC or a Tamron SP AF 17-50

2.8. Di II LD.

My past history with these companies is that I leaned towards Tamron as far as

quality goes, but that was a long time ago in the film days. Does anyone have

some thoughts on this?

Thanks

H.A. Morrison

[bengt_rehn]

If your main concern is optical quality rather than a faster lens, I would wait one or two mounth more until the new Carl Zeiss 16-80 3,5-4,5 will be released by Sony. I guess it will work perfect on your 5D since its the same mount as Sony. It will be some 2-300 USD more expensive than the two others but problably worth the difference.

[andrew robertson]

Moving from a slower budget zoom lens to a faster budget zoom lens isn't usually the way

to get sharper images. I would figure out what focal lengths you use the most and buy a

prime lens at that focal length. The other option is to wait for the Zeiss zoom lens.