Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, although no IS

[Treymac]

Hey guys. I have never bought another lens before, and I'm still using the one that came with my XTi. I'm looking for a new lens because I get the feeling that I don't get the best quality with this lens, especially since they are sold for $70 on ebay, which makes me suspicious of how good they are.

Anyways, in a new lens I'm looking for something that has great range, from something around 18mm to a decent zoom, that's in the $300-$350 range. I've come across this lens: http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-18-200mm-3-5-6-3-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007U0GYS

I don't know how good the f/3.5-6.3 is, and I know that it doesn't have Image Stabilization, but what do you guys think of this lens. Is there anything comparable on the market? Should I get this lens?

Thanks.

 

[JIP]

Really you ought to steer clear of a lens with this kind of rang particularly the one you linked to. Looking at the lenses you have in your sig you already have this range covered and with a better quality than the Sigma you linked to. If you want to buy a lens you might consider something like the 50mm 1.4 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html or even something with a better focal-length for digital like the 35mm 1.4 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12119-GREY/Canon_2507A002_Wide_Angle_EF_35mm.html If you really need to spend the money you should get something better than wht you have now not worse.

 

[Treymac]

Thanks JIP. I would like to find something that doesn't have a static focal range though. I like shooting at 18mm to 24mm, but would still like to go to at least a bit of a zoom. I'm not a huge fan of 35mm or 50mm, but would like to be able to shoot at those ranges because I might need to zoom for some things. Are there any decent lenses like this?

 

[Jleda]

I just purchased a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 because I also didn't like the quality of the 18-55mm my old XT came with (I've since upgraded cameras). It's a good lens for now until I upgrade to the Canon 24-70mm. But so far I love the large 2.8 aperture and 24-70 range; it allows me to take the types of photos I've been wanting using ambient lighting. The only thing I don't like is that it's kinda clunky when I zoom in and out but I've read that it'll smooth out over time.

Here's a cool website I came across when researching lenses. You can read about lots of different ones when you scroll to the bottom.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/