jojo_ma

The 28-75 may be better than the 17-85 but it isn't better than the Sigma 24-70. Good copies of the 24-70L, 24-70EX, and 28-75Di are close in many respects. Nick, see my site for test shots of all these lenses: http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/lenstests

Very good lens, very sharp: http://www.ephotozine.com/equipment/tests/testdetail.cfm?test_id=362

Ken, that's sweet. I love hearing stories like this. $10 bucks? Hopefully it works, but if it doesn't (can't be re-chipped, etc.), you've got yourself a nice $10 paperweight...

The 120-300 is better but also a brick. Make sure to have a good monopod.

Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC is your ticket. Runs about $400.

Yeh, that USM is sure n-i-c-e.

Both can be good optically. The Sigma has better build, faster AF (on a 1Ds and 20D), and goes 24mm wide. The Tamron is lighter and smaller. Wide open the Sigma is sharper in the center while the Tamron has the "edge" in the corners. Both have only slight CA and "okay" bokeh. And to briefly correct Jack: the Sigma does NOT have a focus ring that moves during AF (at least not externally). That is the whole point of their "DF" [dual focus] system. The Tamron focus ring moves externally and can be damaged if you physically shift it in AF; the Sigma spins freely.

 

I much prefer the Sigma. See my site for test shots. http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/lenstests

The Tamron and Sigma both can match the optical output of the L. At the present time, my current 24-70 EX is the best out of all I've had/used in terms of wide open sharpness and lack of lens aberrations (e.g., spherical, LCA, pincushioning, coma, etc). That said, the L is simply phenomenal to handle and is 1 level over the EX and 2 levels over the Di in this regard. In terms of the "wow" factor, my 3 copies of the 24-70L didn't have any noticeable "punch" vis-a-vis my Sigmas and Tamrons, certainly not any "wow factor" as my 85L or 70-200IS. I love the 24-70L build and handling (although the hood is too cheap and large for my liking), but it's optics is not head and shoulders above the other 2. See my site for plenty shots of all of them: www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/lenstests

I have both, and at 85mm f2.8 the prime will be on my camera more than the 70-200IS. Love the prime.

1.13 lifetime rating. My 18 month old son could manage a store better than these guys.

 

http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1805.html

Nice effort, Ken. But one of the main problems is that with fairly narrow DOF at f2.8 and a subject like a flower with various AF locking points, it isn't reliable to get both lenses to focus on the precise spot, and hence you might have a sharper lens producing a blurrier image, only due to a mis-focus. It's also better to take image tests at a further distance. Lastly, your shutter speeds are VERY slow, and this could easily be an issue (even with a tripod if mirror lock up isn't used at those focal lengths). Good effort though. BTW, both lenses should be fairly close at 70mm f2.8, though IIRC, according to the MTF charts the 24-70L is a bit sharper at 70mm wide open. Don't hold me to that though.

The new Sigma 10-20 is a nice lens. It sells for about $460. You can't go wrong ;)

Everyone is giving some good and accurate input on this thread. Both the Sigma and Tamron are optically stellar (given good, normal working copies). In additon to its optics, I like the Sigma for its excellent build, faster AF, ,24mm wide, and internal focusing (i.e., focus ring does not move externally). But it is heavier (though not heavier than the L version). See my site for tests of all these lenses: http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/lenstests

www.bhphotovideo.com has them now. www.normancamera.com also has a few. they were just released this week.

The Sigma's focus ring does not externally turn; it is also an HSM/FTM system. See my site: http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/30extest

http://www.normancamera.com/shop/SearchResults.asp?ProdStock=canon2470

 

They aren't only the lowest priced currently, they're also HIGHLY reputable.

Here you go:

 

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

www.sterlingtek.com; absolutely fantastic batts and blow the Canon OEMs away.

If optical performance is your MAIN priority, then getting a good copy of any of the lenses you mention will do you well. The Tamron and Sigmas (especially the 24-70EX DG Macro) are excellent optically. But for many the 24-70L is worth "splurging" for because it's ring USM AF/FTM and overall refinement make it the "standard". For me in the standard zoom range, I've chosen the Sigma 24-70 (after 3 Ls, 2 Dis, and 2EXs). But in the 70-200 range, I went with the 70-200L IS for the image stabilization (although the 70-200EX I had was optically excellent). If $$ isn't super tight, the L will do you well, plus it will hold its value if you ever decide to sell it better than the 3rd parties. That said, my current Sigma 24-70EX puts to shame all 3 24-70Ls I've had. See my site at www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/lenstests. Best wishes.

I ordered mine last week from Buydig.com at $1669, free S&H; got to me basically overnight from NJ to CA. They're great. Now their price is $1699, but still I believe the lowest price at pricegrabber. You also get the $50 rebate from Canon. Another perk is that they seem to always have new inventory, so I can almost count on their lenses to be "newer" in terms of manufacturing date; mine was made in March 2005. It's fantastic. Best wishes.

Excellent lens, I'd highly recommend it.

 

http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/2470

Traci, what is your specific budget range? If you can pick up one prime lens at this stage in your photography, get the Canon 50mm f1.8; it costs about $70. Just go to pricegrabber.com and search for this lens. It's a favorite of many Canon shooters, and it's both good and inexpensive. It will teach you how to shoot better by learning to move around and compose your shots. It is also a good portrait lens for your DReb camera.

 

As for zooms, depending on your budget, you might want to hold off for a while, if possible. Pick up a good book on photography (like Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure") or do some reading at photo forums on exposure. Anyway, best wishes.

Plenty shots at my site. I'd order them this way: L, EX, Di. All good optically; the L is 3x more for good reasons though.

 

www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/lenstests

Sounds right. I spoke with Sigma USA recently and they told me end of this month. It'll be a high-demand lens.

Try normancamera or onecall. Best prices currently around and in stock.