Is the 24-70 the right move?

[ppp]

Hi guys, i know i have discussed this lens with you before but wanted to know for sure. I have up to say £275-£300 to spend once finished saving up.

I am after a "fast" (2.8?) zoom lens most likely to replace kit lens (18-55), will be used indoors at a wedding later this year as well as normal photography. So candids and general walkabout type lens if you get me.

I am fairly set on the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro (£225 new delivered from ping pong on Ebay), I know petemc has used one and likes it, just wondered if there were any other options in the price range that would be a better lens in terms of build and pic quality/sharpness before i bought one?

Many Thanks as always.

Andrew (ppp):)

[hypnotic]

The Tamron 28-75 f 2.8 SP XR gets some great reviews.

I got mine for about £250.

[CarlOgden]

I have one and it's really good. Well built and very sharp. I use it for close up bike shots and portraits.

When my web site comes back online, this was taken with it:-

http://www.carls-photos.net/oneoffs/BSMC060101.jpg

Probably appear sometime overnight Sunday/Monday.
Carl.

[icecavern]

I chose the Sigma over the Tamron. When I had them both in my hands the Tamron felt cheap and nasty compared to the Sigma. I've not shot with it too much but so far I'm happy with it.

[ppp]

Great, thanks for the replies, think i am prob going in the right direction then.

[Ally]

I love my sigma, just the right range, sharp and great with a flash gun :)

[Janice]

I love my Tamron, just the right range, sharp and great with a flash gun!! :D :lol: :D

[ppp]

lol

[Joe T]

Is 24mm going to be wide enough after the 18-55?

[ppp]

Yeah i don't really use the wider end that much and it won't matter for candid's/portrait bits. other than that the motorsport side etc tends to use the longer end of the 70-300.

Must admit i initally set the 18-55 to 24mm and had a play and reckon i could easily cope, plus if i have the cash alright i may well just hold onto the 18-55 anyway.

[King_Boru]

What about the new Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC Macro? Its a new release and supossed to be pretty darn good. It has newer optics too. Also, personally, I think you will miss the wider end and at those times you want wide you will be unwilling to swap out for the kit lens after using a pro grade lens.

IMO,...

King.

[petemc]

The one thing to note is that at a quiet wedding it will be a loud lens as it hunts :) Other than that, go for it. Great lens.

[ppp]

Will mainly be candids and reception pics for me, my dad will be doing main pics etc

[ppp]

What about the new Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC Macro? Its a new release and supossed to be pretty darn good. It has newer optics too. Also, personally, I think you will miss the wider end and at those times you want wide you will be unwilling to swap out for the kit lens after using a pro grade lens.

IMO,...

King.

Valid point, will certainly have a look at this new lens, seems very interesting.

Would that be queiter or faster focusing than the 24-70?

[EOS_JD]

Tamron 28-75 f2.8 would be my choice if you can live with not having the wider end. I had a Sigma and found it slightly soft at f2.8 (maybe just mine) abd it's also a lot heavier and uses an odd (and large) filter size. The Tamron was sharp right throughout the range, focused at about the same speed, was lighter and has a fairly normal 67mm thread for filters.

I'm was happier with the Tamron although 24-105mm f4L IS is now my main lens in that range unless I need the extra stop.

[BeatPoet]

I'd go for the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 myself. Super sharp. I would miss the wide end.

[Joe T]

I'd go for the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 myself. Super sharp. I would miss the wide end.

If you want the wide end then this is the lens to go for.

If you dont, then I do hear that the Tamron 28-75 is a cracking lens.

:shrug: :p

[ppp]

Cool, thanks guys, is the Tamron, f2.8 and would it be quieter than the Sigma??

[Joe T]

Yes to the 2.8, and dont know about the quietness.

[ppp]

ok thanks, will read up on the reviews sounds a worthy contender.

[The_old_man]

I use the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro and would not change it. Its sharp, quick and always provides a high quality image of what I pointed the camera at (not always what I intended, but thats the old git behind the camera).

I have had it over a year now. Like it that much it is the main reason I am staying with Canon when I upgrade my camera. I don't want to loose the lense!

[ed34]

i have recently bought this lens and i'm chuffed with it :thumbs: