tridakfoto

I have no complaints on my 40D as well. It has never given me a problem since I bought it last year and I absolutely love this camera! I'd love full frame but hey I can live with the 1.6 crop and this body is awesome for sports, wildlife and anything that needs the 6.5fps burst rate. It really is fast and a great choice.

Good luck with your decision.

Wow, took me a bit to get in here but apparently the interface is being overhauled for photo.net! Nice.

Anyway back to the OP. I purchased the NEW Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II version and the Canon f/2.8L equivalent to compare just to give the Sigma a chance and see if it could live up to "some" of its good reviews.

I just returned the Sigma to B&H last week. Kept the Canon of course. I know the version you are looking at is different in some aspects and I have never used it so I cannot say for sure if it is good or bad and whether the Canon would be your best choice but chances are ... Canon will outperform all other 70-200mm's out there (Third party at least).

If it were myself and I wanted to save a few bucks but needed that focal length I'd check out the New Tamron now. I know it does not have the best reviews either but I have owned two of Tamron's highly acclaimed lenses and I would guess their new 70-200 would produce some nice images as well. It may be noisy and somewhat slow with its AF but I'd rather have that then soft images with the Sigma all the time.

If you need a lens for action and such, I'd have to say Canon may be your best bet. Otherwise look at Tamron or a used Canon also.

Just my two cents. I have sample images from the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L compared to the newer Sigma if you'd like to see some. They range from handheld to being on my tripod and all apertures.

Not a huge fan of Sigma now at least with that lens.

I don't feel the battery grip is a necessary accessory for someone starting out. Sorry.

I have the 40D AND the grip BUT I did not buy the grip right away. In fact I JUST purchased the grip last week and bought my 40D last year. Not saying I don't like the grip, Heck I LOVE it, but it is something you can live without. I just carried an extra battery with me at all times and this works very well. I got the grip here in Canada for $139.99 so I grabbed it at that price (the only reason I have it now).

Anyhow, as far as lenses ... I'd say for your $1000 left after the camera to start SLOW. I went out right away and bought the best lenses I could and it was overkill at the time. Now it is fine for me but then, it was intimidating.

For travel and architecture you will want to get something that is at least in the 17-18mm focal range to begin with. 28mm at your wide end is not that wide on the 40D.

The new Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 with Image Stabilizer is said to be very good and I used one myself for a couple of days for a test and was very impressed with it. So I would definitely say to start with this lens and next ...

Get the Canon 50mm f/1.8 "nifty fifty" for under $100. It is cheap, yes, BUT it is sharp and for use in low light you cannot go wrong for the quality of images you can get from this lens for its price. It was one of the first lenses I purchased and I still love it to this day.

After that you may wish for longer reach. There are many lenses to look at in this case and someone suggested the Canon 70-200mm f/4L. It is indeed a nice lens which I have owned and loved. It produces some amazing photos and is one of the cheaper L lenses available.

There is also the 75-300 f/4-5.6 IS ... nice as well but I'd go for the first choice if you wanted to spend that much anyway.

HOWEVER, In your case as a beginner I would check out the newer Canon 55-250 f/4 - 5.6 IS lens that came out with the 18-55mm f/3.5 - 5.6 IS lens this year.

This would cover you from 18-250mm and you have one lens that is fast (50mm f/1.8) for low light and portraiture (equal to 80mm for full framed bodies - great portrait length).

This will cost you under $550 and leaves you enough to grab a flash (430EX is nice), memory card, extra battery, carrying case or backpack and maybe even a nice tripod setup!

I was in the same situation as yourself not that long ago and made many purchases I regretted and ended up buying, selling and buying again! So if I had to start out again and was on a budget, that is what I would do! If I had the extra money I know I'd spend it wisely but this setup is fine for many photographers out there getting started!

Good luck :)

Thanks. I have been on the strobist blog and do find it VERY helpful and actually that site is what I am learning so much from.

I have also seen from many reviews and listening to other photographers that the Wein PN slaves are not reliable when it comes to the 285's. If this is the case, What is the alternative?

I have decided to go with the following setup to get started and am wondering if I have missed anything ...

- Currently have the 430EX but was looking to get ONE or TWO of the 285HV's

One to work alongside the 430EX? Or just get two and use them together. Will compatibility be an issue?

- 2 PW Plus II's (cannot afford three! heck can't really afford any but I want reliability)

- Two air cushioned stands (8' and 10')

- Two Photoflex heavy duty swivel mounts for stands

- One translucent umbrella and one (or two) convertible white with black binding umbrellas.

- looking at reflector as well with a holder (now or later)

DO I NEED anything else? adapters, cords .... How about an optical slave to work alongside the PW's on one of the 285HV's? Will this be ok or will the 430EX cause an issue?

I have been doing searches and asking questions so much that I try to sleep and all I see are these items! I just need to make a purchase, then learn hands on ha ha.

Thanks again everyone.

Thanks Joseph!

I do have an idea of what I want, I just need to know if I will miss anything that's all. I mean I have an idea of what is needed but am nervous that I may just miss something!

I have the 430EX so was thinking of getting 2 of the 285HV's (would this work?) and I have seen those (ebay) triggers you mention and they do seem to work well and I may just go for them but if I can swing it I will try to get something else without springing for the PW's yet.

I think I am stuck on the umbrellas vs softbox issue honestly. Not sure if I should just get a couple of umbrellas and leave the softbox for now and work with that setup or get an umbrella AND softbox.

I have the stands picked out and will definitely get sandbags for those just-in-case moments, especially outdoors!

So ... two 285HV's, 2 stands, umbrella brackets I am sure I need also, 2 umbrellas OR 1 and a softbox?

BUT, then comes the triggers and this is where i am stuck and don't want to leave anything out OR regret a purchase! Plus how many would I need ETC.?

Thanks for the link Joseph and the insight!

I'm sorry if this is an overly asked question and many may be tired from hearing it but I have done numerous

searches over the last couple of weeks and am still confused (even more now).

I am looking to do more portraiture (nothing too serious yet) and was first looking to get strobes and softboxes

ETC. but am on a budget as well I would like to have more mobility for outdoor shoots and shooting in the homes

of family and friends.

I have been looking at the 285HV's, Skyport Universal Kit for triggers (PW out of budget and Ebay triggers seem

too cheap), and either using umbrellas or softboxes and perhaps a reflector for outdoor and maybe indoor use as well.

I'm not new to taking photos but admit I am new to the lighting aspect and have want to start slow but have

adequate gear as I do learn fast and would like to experiment with using flash before I jump into strobes and

studio work. I am reading a lot of material and joined a couple of local groups to learn more hands on but now I

need the advice as I am purchasing items this week to assist with my light situation.

If someone could guide me to what I need to purchase (B&H) as far as the wireless triggers (not PW please), extra

flash units, umbrellas and/or softbox as well as anything else (stands, PC sync cords, adapters ...) I would

TRULY appreciate the help.

I shoot Canon (40D, XTi) and I DO have a 430EX right now but have considered selling this for the 580EXII if

needed and grabbing a couple of 285HV's if this would work.

Just need a simple setup for now and will learn from here then work my way into better studio gear. Thanks very much!

- J

Well, IMHO I believe the second option is the better choice but remember that the f/4 lenses won't be your best friend in low light! So when the light goes down those two lenses will be okay but not superb! Your 50mm f/1.8 lens will do well with low light however!

Since you say you are just looking to improve skills and get the best bang for your buck basically, I would take option #2. The only downside is that you may like the Canon L lenses so much it will be all that you buy after that and THEN it becomes expensive! Worth it, but pricey!

As for the gaps, you will not notice them as much as you think. It is fine to have a slight gap between 40-50mm for example or the 50-70mm focal lengths. Most photographers usually shoot within a certain focal length and will tell you the same thing. You will notice that maybe 5% of your shots would be in these gaps anyhow so you don't really miss much and I believe you will be fine.

Good luck with your choice.

I am actually waiting for this lens as well! I am keeping an eye on it and once it is available I am grabbing one. I know with Tokina lenses they have issues with CA's but I am willing to accept that for the f/2.8!

I have also heard great things about this lens on Canon mounts at least, haven't seen or heard of anything for other bodies yet but Tokina does have great lenses for the price and this one looks like it will be a surefire winner.

Wish I could give you a release date but I am also just sitting back and waiting ... Good luck T.

J

Kristy

It's really hard to say if it is the fault of the lens or user error. You may find more info in the wedding forums as well but many will probably say that using a slower lens such as the 28-135mm for such events is just asking for trouble even with the Image Stabilization.

Could it be you had better lighting at the reception then what was at the other area of the wedding? Like I said it is really hard to say what could be the cause of it but the only time I have heard of IS having a negative effect on images was when used on a tripod and the IS is left on ... some of the newer lenses sense this and counteract the effect anyhow so it doesn't matter but for some of the older lenses I have heard it was a problem. Since you stated you handheld the lens, I am not sure what would have caused it other then bad lighting or user error maybe since you said the lens worked well later at the reception.

Well all you have to do is what I said above and just save the image (right click, save as) and use it as your desktop background. Hopefully this helps.

More images below ...

http://images.google.ca/images?q=canon+40D&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&channel=s&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&sa=G&imgsz=xxlarge

Not sure why you would want it but a quick Google search for 40D images and selecting large or extra large images will yield quite a few results.

Here is one:

http://www.tech2.com/media/images/2007/Aug/img_18051_eos40d_anglelens.jpg

As Trebor stated ... the Canon is also faster BUT if you are using any of the lenses in low light you will notice they are slow anyhow. This is my only gripe as all my other glass is fast but using cropped sensor bodies I have no choice in the matter but to deal with the slower apertures of these UWA's.

Resale value for Canon is going to be much higher as already said as well. I had my 10-22 since last year and sold it recently for even more then what I had paid for it. Had this been the Sigma I know I would not have gotten my money back and then some!

I usually use the UWA or 17-55mm on one body and my 70-200mm 2.8L on the other. They are fun lenses, no doubt!

If you can purchase the Sigma AFTER you try it out in-store then you should be fine ... even if you get a bad copy of the lens you can always exchange it or send it in to Sigma to have it looked at so you should be fine.

Adrian

I have used both and when I was looking to purchase an UWA I went for the Canon 10-22 because I got a great deal on it at the time. It is an excellent lens indeed.

That being said ... I recently sold it and here is why ...

I have used both and found no difference in IQ or vignetting at all. Any minor differences after pixel peeping could easily be fixed in PP anyhow. SO, seeing as I don't use the UWA range as much as I thought I would I ended up selling my Canon and actually making some money off it in the end and in turn I bought the Sigma and it really is a great lens. I don't regret it.

This is my first Sigma lens and never did plan to buy any of them to be honest but using this particular one and seeing minute differences between this and Canon's 10-22 (provided you get a decent copy of the Sigma) I would say if money is the issue then go ahead and get the Sigma. Save your cash for other gear or pocket it and you will be happy. The other thing was the 10-22mm hood is not included and is ugly and almost useless anyhow. Sigma includes one and it looks pretty good too!

With any UWA lens if you pixel peep you will realize that due to the extreme wide angle of these lenses that there will be some instances where it is not as sharp as say a 17-xx range lens or 70-200 obviously. HOWEVER, both the Canon and Sigma are quite sharp with the Canon perhaps in a slight lead but not noticeable in real world shooting and easily cleaned up with PP.

Flare, build etc. No issues!

Depends on what he/she wants to shoot and so on.

Without knowing as to what someone hopes to get out of their camera and lenses it is hard to make any sort of judgment based on just "getting started".

Rebel XTi XSi, Xt and one or two decent lenses?

Canon's 40D with a kit lens or go for a standard or mid-range zoom?

The 5D and then just sit and look at it because you spent your budget already and now cannot afford a lens! OR get the kit for a little more then the $2500 limit and be fairly satisfied AGAIN DEPENDING on what style of shooting.

Who knows really? Also consider memory cards, a flash, case or bag, perhaps extra batteries, sturdy tripod and so on ...

Canon 17-55mm f/2.8IS OR Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

Canon 50mm f/1.8 (budget glass), Canon 85mm f/1.8 (excellent portrait and wedding prime)

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8, with or without IS - image stabilization

Then you'd want a good flash, lots of memory cards, extra batteries, an extra body helps etc etc ... as you can see it never really ends so be prepared to spend much more if your "paid hobby" takes flight!

Thanks guys, and thanks Bob for the laugh ;)

I think what I may do is just go ahead and send the money and hope the Canon is in excellent condition. IF it does not get here in time for my shoot then I will use the Sigma and hope there are no focus issues then return it or sell it locally to avoid the shipping hassle.

I do love the Canon lenses although I hate the 'great white attention'

Guess I'll have both to test out and compare and put one up for sale next week. I wonder if the Sigma can outperform the Canon ... slim chance but one never knows!

Enjoy the week folks!

*I meant photoGRAPHER online, not photography online*

(In need of sleep!)

Just a question to everyone. Nothing to do with how well one lens compares to

another for once! :)

Anyhow, I ordered the new Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II from B&H and it

should arrive tomorrow. I have never owned a Sigma so I'm nervous about it to be

honest but hoping for the price the lens is great.

On the other hand! I found a MINT Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L non-IS (from what I have

seen in photos etc) from another photography online which he is asking $1000

for. This is Canada so remember new this lens goes for around $1300 here plus taxes.

The lens was made in June 2006 (date code) and he has been the sole owner of the

lens. My question is this ... I know the quality of the Canon as I have owned

the IS version of his lens but regrettably sold it and now I want this lens

range back (minus the IS).

IF I had known about the Canon BEFORE I ordered the Sigma I would have just

bought the Canon and never had doubts. BUT, I have a new $800 Sigma coming in

tomorrow and can get this Canon sent to me for $1000.

Normally I would just order both lenses and compare them then choose but I don't

have much time to do this as I need this focal length by the weekend for an

important shoot. So if you were myself, would you just keep the Sigma and hope

for the best as I hear some good things about it OR go ahead and order the Canon

as well and hope that even though it is used that it is in the condition stated

and is $1000 CAN too much do you think? I know they hold resale value well but I

had to ask as I have to decide on this by the morning because I need to

hopefully get the Canon before the weekend and either way I will end up with one

70-200 ... one will be sold or returned!

Thanks everyone, sorry for the long winded post!

I had the same dilemma earlier in the year and ended up getting the Canon over the Sigma and Tokina lenses.

My reason for this at the time was because I never went third party first of all at that point and second, I did not want the issue with high CA's of the Tokina even if the build was the best of all UWA's for cropped bodies.

With that being said however, I did not find the Canon to be worth the extra cash over the Sigma! It may be worth it compared to the Tokina as you get the extra 2mm on the wide end which doesn't seem like much but it truly is!

I ended up selling my Canon because I was not completely thrilled with it and I plan to replace it with a Sigma 10-20mm.

If money is of no concern, go ahead and get the Canon but I doubt you will notice much of a difference between the Canon and Sigma lenses. The Tokina I wouldn't even consider now as I figure if you want WIDE, go for the 10mm not the 12mm.

And I have NEVER considered third party lenses but after using quite a few Canon's (L included) and comparing them to those of a friend of mine who is a professional photographer and shoots with both Nikon and Sigma lenses (Nikon shooter obviously) ... I can say that there are some Sigma lenses that are top notch!

You should look at the Sigma and give it consideration as well! Good luck.

Only you know if you would miss the 35-70mm range and as it sounds, you are fairly aware of what range you tend to use most often.

If it were me I would really consider it if I found I enjoyed the wider focal length and I would compliment the lens with the 70-200mm f/2.8IS (or non-IS) as well as a 50mm prime to fill in the 35-70mm gap. (50mm f/1.4 or f/1.2 if you like to throw cash around ;)

IF it were myself I think I would rather the 24-70mm lens, however, we all have different needs and styles for shooting.

Good luck with the choice Jon!

Well I can't tell you what lens will suit your needs better but I can tell you from my experience what I would rather!

When I bought my 40D I purchased the 17-55mm lens along with the 70-200mm 2.8IS and while I found the 17-55mm to be AMAZING, I also longed for a wider lens but could not afford it after I spent all the money on this kit and other items.

So, I sold my 17-55mm and bought the 10-22mm and Tamron's 28-75mm to compliment the range in between 22-70mm. After using this setup for many months now I can tell you that I would have preferred to keep my 17-55mm lens and bought a third party wide angle instead as I find I use the WIDE end less then the 17-55mm range.

Because of this I have my Tamron up for sale now and I don't plan to sell my Canon 10-22 BUT I most definitely plan to buy the 17-55mm again! It was absolutely perfect with my 40D and XTi.

So if I were you, I would get the 17-55mm lens in a heartbeat. It is fast, has IS, the build is not L but believe me it is not that bad! And the image quality is stunning!

I wish I did not sell mine and now I am about to purchase another! I would say do the same :)

Harry? Are you confusing this lens with the newer 24-70 f/2.8L ?

The 28-70 has been discontinued and is not available brand new and surely not for $1200.

That being said it is highly regarded and if it is in mint condition I would consider it but I'd also try my best to bargain for a lower purchase price!

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28-70mm-f-2.8-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

I HAD the 17-55mm f/2.8IS for my 40D and XTi and I sold it in favour of the Canon 10-22mm and was going to get the 24-70L as well but opted for the Tamron 28-75mm instead and I am not sorry I did. The IQ of my copy is fantastic and I love the fact that it is lighter and just as good as the Canon.

I do find using it at 2.8 is soft however but as most lenses are, I don't dwell on it.

That being said ... I do have to agree with others by saying that the 17-50(55) range is better suited to any Rebel model or xxD. I know because I had it and now I do miss just having the 17-55mm on my body as it did the job 90% of the time.

Although I was going to look at purchasing the Canon 17-55mm again, I am opting for the Tamron 17-50 as I don't need IS in this range and I am more then happy with the IQ of my 28-75 and hear nothing but praise for its sibling.

Also the slightly noisy AF does not bother me at all.

If you wanted to save over the 24-70, get the Tamron 28-75 if you miss that range, if not I'd say go for the 17-50 unless you prefer to spend more money on the Canon versions.

Good luck!