javierlandaeta

<p>Peter, I shoot for another high profile university. The University Photographer recommended that I, being a student (and I assume you are as well), give the event and architecture photography on an unlimited basis, once they have hired me on an hourly basis. Last I can recall I shot for 2.5 hours one of our new buildings. I charged my flat hourly rate and gave the university unlimited rights....</p>

<p>...I know it's kind of painful, but it's better than having no business at all...</p>

<p>BJ: I am unaware of that lens but for long term reliability I would still vote for mechanical lenses, IMHO.<br>

Robert: the 150 macro was being used by my brother in his 50D taking some flower shots. After about 8 months of worries-free operation the focus ring started getting stiffer in the shorter focus distance. Mind you, my brother shoots indoors so dust or grit was not a concern. That particular day a loud whining noise and it wouldn't autofocus anymore. Since then the focus ring has gotten more and more decoupled in distances <1m, where it actually matters!</p>

<p>The 10-20 I saw in the street. This guy shooting and as I walked by I heard him curse the lens. I offered some help and he let me check the camera settings (450d I think). Again no signs of abuse, just a hsm motor gone bad.</p>

<p>I may have generalized a bit, but in the grand scheme of things I'd place my money in lenses that have the least amount of "stuff" that can go wrong". If Sigma and Tamron have such a reputation for having lax optical quality control, I doubt their electro-mechanical systems would be any different. Therefore, KISS</p>

<p>Never buy Sigma, I've witnessed TWO Sigma lenses break their HSM motors, a 150mm macro and a 10-20mm (the new one). My lesson learned: if it ain't a real brand lens (Nikon, Canon or above) apply the K.I.S.S. principle (Keep It Simple Stupid)</p>

<p>For that reason I've chosen Tokina aka Tankina as my go-to lenses. 16-50 f2.8 and 50-135 f2.8. Extremely sharp, beautiful colours, yeah some classic Tokina purple fringing but easily correctable. Most importantly (for me) no AF-S or VR that will break up anyways.</p>

<p>I also have the Tokina 11-16, the 10-17 fisheye, the 100 macro and I'm waiting to get the 80-400.</p>

<p>My $0.02, KISS for anything not Nikon or Canon. That means good ol' reliable screw-driven focus and no OS gadgetry.</p>