Sigma 150-500mm

[lancsoatcake]

Hi All,

I recently bought myself a 7D and really I could not be happier with it.

I'm looking to spend a bit on lenses next month and I'm thinking of going for the following range:

Sigma 10-20mm
Canon EF 25-10mm5 L series

and then finally

A telephoto lens not less than 400mm.

On reading up on Canon edition of a photography magazine last week, they reviewed 5 different Telephotos including L series, primes, And the Sigma in subject title came out on top with 95%.

Needless to say I was gobsmacked and as the fear of having to spend too much on an L-series super lens subsided, it was replaced by the unconfident naivety of a man who wants to question everything he hears.

I'd really appreciate your comments and thoughts. I'm no professional, I love taking pictures, I love friends reactions to my photos, but I'm at a stage now where I want to take shots that only good quality kit can produce and that professionals and keen amateurs would look at and be able to applaud and there not be colour deficiencies, lack of sharpness etc etc.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

 

[woof woof]

On the 24-105...

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/188-canon-ef-24-105mm-f4-usm-l-is-lab-test-report--review?start=1

"Is it a perfect lens then ? Well, there're also downsides like pronounced barrel distortions and higher than expected CAs at the wide-end of the zoom range. However, the package remains extremely attractive if you can live with the rather unattractive zoom range on an APS-C DSLR - similar to other 28-xx or 24-xx zooms this lens is really more meant for 1.3x or FF (D)SLRs."

I really don't know why people pick full frame f4 lenses in the walkabout / general zoom catagory for APS-C, if there is such a thing. They're big and heavy, they're f4... and they're not a wide as the APS-C alternatives but I suppose you do gain a bit at the long end.

I'd look to something more APS-C friendly and f2.8 at the wide to short tele end of things, you don't get much of a choice for APS-C lenses, if any, at the longer end so I suppose full frame lenses become the choice.

 

[maninsuitcase]

I really don't know why people pick full frame f4 lenses in the walkabout / general zoom catagory for APS-C, if there is such a thing. They're big and heavy, they're f4... and they're not a wide as the APS-C alternatives but I suppose you do gain a bit at the long end.

I'd look to something more APS-C friendly and f2.8 at the wide to short tele end of things, you don't get much of a choice for APS-C lenses, if any, at the longer end so I suppose full frame lenses become the choice.

Not all of us want super wide angles. Looking at my meta data only about 5% of my shots are under 24mm. As for weight, the 7d I picked up last weekend was hardly light and thats a crop.

 

[johnp]

I have both the Sigma 10-20mm and the Canon 24-105mm - I have had great results with both; essentially very nice lenses in my opinion.

However I also have the 15mm-85mm which I use on the 7D, which might be a better choice for you due to the crop sensor, and confine the 24-105mm to my 5D - both great combinations.

I also saw the review article - and although no experience of the Sigma offerings (I see they also reviewed the 50-500mm), was a tad surprised at the conclusions bearing in mind reviews elsewhere!

John

 

[gary43]

Hi

Have had a few decent long lenses in the recent past including the Canon 600f4IS and 500f4IS and now have the Siggy 150-500 which I received in PX for the 500.

Basically, I really like the 150-500 for its compact size and decent OS. Optically, it is nowhere near one of the above primes and also not quite up to the very sharp Canon 100-400L that I had for many years.

In terms of VFM though it is a star lens and although shooting test charts the images are not that impressive (all such things are relative) in real life shooting I have been delighted with this lens. Personally, I think it is a bit expensive new but if you get a good copy used for around GBP550 you cannot go wrong.

You might also consider the Siggy 50-500 os which a couple of friends have tried out and are very impressed with.

Otherwise, just get a 100-400L. A good copy of which will go for about GBP850 and which you could always resell in a heartbeat if it does not work out for you. Ignore the "dust pump" rubbish and ocasional moan on the web. A good copy of this lens is as sharp as a 400 prime and it has great versatility in addition to OK IS, great contrast and colur etc.. in the images.

Best of luck with your selection.

Gary

 

[artyman]

The Sigma 150-500 is an excellent lens at an affordable price, the newer 50-500 OS is said to be slightly better though more expensive and in the same price range as the Canon 100-400. I'd give another vote for the Canon 15-85 as well it is an excellent walk round lens with a good focal range. Unless you need ultra wide perhaps also consider this. A couple of shots from both

 

[woof woof]

Not all of us want super wide angles. Looking at my meta data only about 5% of my shots are under 24mm. As for weight, the 7d I picked up last weekend was hardly light and thats a crop.

I take a fair few wide angle shots and a lot of shots wider than f4. I do like more compact lenses and the geek in me sees the sense in using lenses designed specifically for the camera system I want to use them on if at all possible.