Wide lenses (Canon EF)

[DustyC]

If I was to buy a Canon EOS300D body it would be a miracle! Id also miss out on the well reviewed 18-55mm lens by Canon.

How much is this lense and where can I buy it?

I have been looking on Warehouseexpress.com and found 2 alternatives.

Any opinions on these?
Any other recommendations?

www.warehouseexpress.com/photo/lenstech/sigma/1850f3556dc.html

www.warehouseexpress.com/photo/lenstech/sigma/1735f284exdg.html

[pbrett]

I've got a Sigma 15-30 that I use with my 10D. Very happy with it. Much more noise than either of the 2 Canon's I've got how ever (28-135IS and 100-400IS).

The 28-135IS is a cracking lense...well my copy is anyway. Like all lenses you get good ones and bad ones.

Phil

[srider]

The Canon 17-40L is very good, but pricey. The Sigma 20mm 1.8 is also excellent.

[SDK]

Another vote for the Canon 17-40L

[simpo two]

It's not a bad idea to splash out on the lens you really want (within reason!) - because as long as you stay with the same make of camera, the lens will be used on successive bodies and therefore have a long lifespan.

Now buy some, goddammit!

[ehasler]

Yet another vote for the 17-40 L

Photography Monthly did a review of a number of wide angles 2 months ago - if you've not got a copy, then I'll take a look at mine this weekend and see how they rated the two you've listed.

Sigma normally do very well in reviews though, although I think the 17-35 would be a better bet than the 18-50, as the extra 1mm at the wide angle end will probably be more useful than the 36-50 range, especially if you get something like the 28-135 IS (another great lens). The 17-35 is faster too, which is a plus, but you don't need to look at the price lists to know it's going to be more expensive!

Then again, if you're going to be thinking about spending 17-35 money, have you considered the 12-24?

[DustyC]

I really cant afford to step into "L" territory yet. Perhaps if I ever get better and get some money back from shots then I'll invest in some.

The reason I ask for the wide angle lens is because I have found a good price for a new EOS300D, but its body only. I want to keep the price down (my original priority) but not limit my quality too much.

• The wider the lense the better.

• Id still like some zoom on it.

• Im not concerned too much about mid range zoom as I have a 28-90 that will do for now until I can afford to upgrade to something better.

Ed, thanks for the offer of checking PM magazine. I have been a subscriber for a while now myself and have that issue somewhere. I remember the test shots of the cobbled street with cottages. I'll dig it out and have another read.

never tried the bullet format code before!

>> Edited by DustyC on Wednesday 30th June 10:01

[ehasler]

In that case, I'd probably go for the 17-35 Sigma.

[srider]

ehasler said:

In that case, I'd probably go for the 17-35 Sigma.

Unfortunately, it's not a good lens, very soft, and many have serious optical/build quality issues. Mine was almost useless on a D60. Their 15-30 and 20mm however tend to be good.

[DustyC]

Are the negative comments about the Sigma 17-35mm lens direct sepcifically at the NEW one which is called
17-35mm f2.8-4 EX DG Aspherical HSM- £339.99?

It seems a little strange that it sounds so good in the description (see link above) but yet so many dont like it. I have a feeling this is a newer version.

[DustyC]

Tamron do one too.
www.warehouseexpress.com/photo/lenses/tamron.html#af1735

[srider]

DustyC said:

Are the negative comments about the Sigma 17-35mm lens direct sepcifically at the NEW one which is called 17-35mm f2.8-4 EX DG Aspherical HSM- £339.99? It seems a little strange that it sounds so good in the description (see link above) but yet so many dont like it. I have a feeling this is a newer version.

Ah, no. I had the old one. I'd check reviews of the new one before buying though.....

[DustyC]

Press release
www.dpreview.com/news/0311/03111802sigma1735mm.asp

Did a search for reviews and appears that its too new for any just yet!

Hang on.....
Just found Photographymonthly review (in magazine)
It won the editors choice out of 13 lenses ranging from £150 - £1500.
I think thats my decision made then!

[DustyC]

Cannon.co.uk said:

www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_300D/index.asp?ComponentID=54127&SourcePageID=164046#1 The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens will not be sold separately and will only be available when purchased with the EOS 300D.

[ehasler]

DustyC said:

Cannon.co.uk said: www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_300D/index.asp?ComponentID=54127&SourcePageID=164046#1 The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens will not be sold separately and will only be available when purchased with the EOS 300D.

I imagine Park Cameras are stripping it out of 300D + lens packages then - hence the lack of box.

Looks like the Sigma 17-35 is the better bet though!