david_kay6

<p>Hi...I own a Yongnuo468 and I can only say it is fantastic for the money. I have bought a RF602 trigger and transmitter and my Yongnuo performs really well. It has many advanced features, but I tend to just use the TTL (e-TTL) with my Canon 500D and let it sort itself out. I just adjust it whenever it needs it. The results are brilliant. It is really well made and recharges fast. I cannot fault it for sure!</p>

<p>I bought the Sigma 17-70 OS HSM lens and here a few comments about it. I wanted a walkabout lens (I did not want to be changing lenses outside) that had a reasonable degree of zoom, but would also get close in to flowers etc. I also did not want to spend more than I needed to. This lens seemed to fit the bill on all counts. I have tested it by taking pics in all light conditions and with every lens length, so it has had a good workout. The results have been amazing. I read all the reviews on this lens before I bought it and some reported that there were some vingetting problems on some settings. My Sigma 17-70 is fitted on to my Canon 500D and I can honestly say that on all the settings, I have not had any pics with vignetting. The lens has behaved absolutely perfectly. The only blip was a very slight distortion on the horizon which was very quickly fixed with GIMP, but this was only on the wide angle setting, so in effect, no problem at all.<br /> The Auto Focus is very quick and accurate with instant focussing powered by the HSM motor which is fast and pretty quiet. The Sigma OS system (image stabilization) works extremely well. The macro setting works well too. Ok, this is not a true 'macro' lens, but it does allow you to get in very close indeed. In fact, I can get in a lot closer than is stated in the specifications. I can get in to about 2 inches away from the lens and get a very sharp and detailed pic. <br /> On every setting from 17mm through to 70mm, every picture has been superbly sharp with rich colours. The lens has a locking switch to stop the lens extending, but it really does not need it as there is no lens creep what-so-ever. The build quality is excellent and a hood is included too (which you don't get with a Canon lens) so in my opinion, this lens offers brilliant quality with great value for money.<br /> I also got a free 2 year extended warranty from Sigma UK (register online), so I have 3 years of worry free service. I have to give this lens 10 out of 10, and I can recommend this lens without any hestitation.</p>