Did i make the right purchase?

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D_Aitchison

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Hello,

After having aplay with the standard kit lens on my 400D, i decide i needed something with a little more reach.

SO i bough the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro lens.

Did i do the roght thing?

My main subjects are portraits, birds and the odd static car at the racing.
 
you might want something a bit shorter for portraits and static shots of cars, I'd suggest a nifty fifty for 50 odd quid
 
It's not a bad choice and I am assuming you are on a budget!
There are very few (if any) "one lens does all" solutions.
Probably the closest thing to it would be the Canon 28-300 L series zoom. Sadly they are not giving them away on petrol station forecourts at the moment.

18-200mm seems a popular length and is probably easier to use than a 70-300.
That said, if you're happy then all is well!
 
Yeah, bad example, i bought this mainly for wee birds that land in my garden

And not on a budget as such, just learning so would like to find my feet a little first.
 
Almost all avid photographers either own or want a 70-200 2.8 vibration reduction lens.
They are big and expensive but, from what I have seen, the picture quality and speed of operation is outstanding.
 
Did you do the right thing?

Personally I'd say no - you bought something without properly researching it! But then each to their own and I'd be the first to admit I have this habit of buy first think afterwards.

As it happens the lens does give you more reach and will be OK for birds and also for moving cars at the racing. OK you might not get the background as out of focus as you'd like on static birds (as for that you'll need the f2.8). So I would say fine for finding your feet but as a long term investment (as I think lenses should be) you could have done better.
 
In fairness I think it comes to budget. For the money the Sigma is good value and had some good reviews - if it's the APO version. I would think 70mm should be ok for portraits if you can do it with a plain backdrop.

I think we would all like to have a whole stock of lenses for every eventuality but if you can only afford one then I wouldn't say that was a bad choice.
 
Well I think you will be just fine. I managed for a long while with mine, and didn't have any problems, when the 70mm was still too much I just used the kit lens instead. It's not a bad choice for starting out :thumbs: Don't worry about it and start having fun with your purchase!
 
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