Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC (Nikon)

[benners]

hi everyone

I've just picked up one of these (secondhand, awaiting delivery) for my D90 for what I thought was a good price, just wondering if anyone else has this lens and what you think of it?

I was after something like this for 2 reasons:

1) I take quite a few gig/concert photos and usually use a Tamron 28-75 f2.8 which is great, but sometimes at smaller venues, the 28mm is too close so sought something a little wider

2) I'd like a good 'walkabout' lens, again the Tamron is great, but when I took some shots of friends recently, the 28mm meant i had to take a few steps away from the action to get everyone in shot.

 

[neil_g]

i had one before i went to the 1D and couldnt use it any more..

was an excellent walkabout lens that i used quite a lot at car shows and other odds and ends.

im always keen to roll out this shot when i talk about the 18-50..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilgates/2781537486/in/set-72157606850787818/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilgates/2781537670/in/set-72157606850787818/

 

[benners]

wow really nice neil
i know there can be an element of russian roulette with Sigma lenses, being soft, etc... but i've the 10-20 f4-5.6 and that's been crisp, so fingers crossed!

 

[neil_g]

i think all of the car show stuff on my flickr is old stuff from the 18-50 too if you want to rummage..

yeah, ive had 5 good sigmas now.. maybe im just lucky.. maybe some people pixel peep too much

 

[neoboy]

I have the Canon equivalent, not had it long but loving it so far although I have the older version without the macro (which I didn't need personally anyway) and paid £120 for it. It does have some CA particularly on the wide 18mm but I can live with that.

 

[benners]

I have the Canon equivalent, not had it long but loving it so far although I have the older version without the macro (which I didn't need personally anyway) and paid £120 for it. It does have some CA particularly on the wide 18mm but I can live with that.

i think i have the non-macro version too (an auction site purchase), but do not have much interest in macro (and have other lenses i'd use instead), so looking forward to getting it and giving it a whirl

 

[neil_g]

ah mine was a "macro"

 

[DaveKing]

I have the Macro version on Canon mount and it is a good jump up from the (already good) 18-55mm IS lesn

 

[benners]

thanks guys, look forward to getting mine... in lens-buying terms it was pretty cheap, so confident I can re-sell if it's not quite what I'm looking for

 

[Scotty B]

I use one with my D90 and it's superb. Great bokeh and sharpness.

 

[Y15HAL]

You opted away from the nikon 17-55 then?

 

[benners]

You opted away from the nikon 17-55 then?

given it away!

 

[TCR4x4]

I had one for a short spell, but found it too wide for most of my gig stuff, so sold it again soon after. Seemed decent enough though.

 

[benners]

I had one for a short spell, but found it too wide for most of my gig stuff, so sold it again soon after. Seemed decent enough though.

good to know... I think I'll generally use the 28-75 for gigs, but i know i've got a pub gig or 2 coming up, so will need as wide angle as possible!