Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro / HSM

[andy-xr]

Anyone have any experience or tales to tell about this lens?

Thinking of replacing the standard kit lens I've been using on the D80, it's the original D40 18-55, which while it's served me well over the last year, it's time to move on. The range is about right for most things, but it's just a little bit....

Any other recommendations to that? Budget is around £300

ETA - Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Di II LD?




(Simpo Two, I shall be mostly using it at F2.8, because I can )

Edited by andy-xr on Saturday 27th December 15:45

[DogChilliBilly]

i've had the Tamron on a Canon for the last 2 months and am pleased as punch with it.

Also considered the Sigma, but after reading about 20 reviews went for the Tamron.

If you look enough online you'll find people chuffed with both.

[andy-xr]

Thanks, how are you finding it @ f2.8/50mm?

[Simpo Two]

andy-xr said:

Thanks, how are you finding it @ f2.8/50mm?

It will be poor, unfortunately for you being stuck there

game to Simpo

[ian in lancs]

andy-xr said:

Anyone have any experience or tales to tell about this lens?

Thinking of replacing the standard kit lens I've been using on the D80, it's the original D40 18-55, which while it's served me well over the last year, it's time to move on. The range is about right for most things, but it's just a little bit....

Any other recommendations to that? Budget is around £300

ETA - Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Di II LD?




(Simpo Two, I shall be mostly using it at F2.8, because I can )

Edited by andy-xr on Saturday 27th December 15:45

The sigma is a fantastic lens and is the one i use the most. Top lens and did/does well in comparative tests.

[VxDuncan]

Have the tamron and as I've said before it's stupidly sharp, but the build quality is absolutely dire. It wobbles like hell, is plastically and I've had to fix mine a couple of times now. The front element has come loose and wobbles all over the place, luckily I know how to fix it now. Optically fantastic, but I'd go for the sigma if I was to buy again.

Mine's mainly used pretty much wide open, usually 1/3rd stop down or so.

[andy-xr]

After doing a bit of ringing around and surfing I thought I'd try one out.

Have some vouchers from Christmas that could be used in Jessops, but none of them appear to have this lens and cant give a leadtime on when they might be able to get it, the Tamron or the 24-70 Sigma

I think I'll chance it and buy from W/HExpress and look at a lensbaby as a good use of vouchers. Or maybe a SB600, havent decided yet

[tertius]

I have the Sigma 18-50 and really rate it. Very solid build and a fine lens, but v heavy. Very nice that its 2.8 throughout.