Cropped sensor and lense compatibility

[tyler_h]

Just found this in Sigmas range

8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM - SIGMA CORPORATION

The price second hand wouldn't bust me either, but maybe not fast enough in low light but coupled with good subtle flash work.........What do you all think? It would be good for my bar work but not really good for my walkabout stuff.....guess I have to make a decision.

I would go the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 over the Sigma.

Reviews here:
Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX AF 11-16 mm f/2.8 review - Introduction - Lenstip.com
Sigma 8-16 mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM review - Introduction - Lenstip.com
and another Sigma offering (a little faster):
Sigma 10-20 mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM review - Introduction - Lenstip.com

There will probably situations were the use of a flash isn't appropriate so it can be handy to be able to get the shots at a reasonable ISO without. There are a fair few options in the UWA range (basically crop only though so don't forget that).

 

[analog.universe]

If you want to shoot inside with an XXXd series body, you'll need a really fast lens. Even the 2.8 zooms are cutting it really close I think, and trying to shoot at 4.5 will be nearly impossible. Also, shooting that wide with flash isn't the easiest thing in the world either. Personally I'd be looking at the 24mm 1.4L, and if that's too expensive, the 28mm 1.8. Zooms are versatile, but I wouldn't want to be stuck with 2.8 in low light...

 

[tyler_h]

If you want to shoot inside with an XXXd series body, you'll need a really fast lens. Even the 2.8 zooms are cutting it really close I think, and trying to shoot at 4.5 will be nearly impossible. Also, shooting that wide with flash isn't the easiest thing in the world either. Personally I'd be looking at the 24mm 1.4L, and if that's too expensive, the 28mm 1.8. Zooms are versatile, but I wouldn't want to be stuck with 2.8 in low light...

If the 28 f/1.8 is wide enough then the Sigma 30 f/1.4 (crop only) so something to consider if you have the patience to deal with the lottery if you get a soft copy. If you are buy from a local brick and mortar store it would be fairly easy and painless.

 

[analog.universe]

If you want to shoot inside with an XXXd series body, you'll need a really fast lens. Even the 2.8 zooms are cutting it really close I think, and trying to shoot at 4.5 will be nearly impossible. Also, shooting that wide with flash isn't the easiest thing in the world either. Personally I'd be looking at the 24mm 1.4L, and if that's too expensive, the 28mm 1.8. Zooms are versatile, but I wouldn't want to be stuck with 2.8 in low light...

If the 28 f/1.8 is wide enough then the Sigma 30 f/1.4 (crop only) so something to consider if you have the patience to deal with the lottery if you get a soft copy. If you are buy from a local brick and mortar store it would be fairly easy and painless.

When I bought my 28, I strongly considered the Sigma 30... but from the reviews I read and data that I saw, even good copies are nowhere near as sharp as the Canon. And in the event OP ever wants to go full frame, this lens is not compatible. I think it's a cool idea for Sigma to introduce a lens like this, because from the spec sheet it seems very attractive, but they didn't follow through. It really doesn't seem like it's worth the price from where I sit. ymmv

 

[tyler_h]

If you want to shoot inside with an XXXd series body, you'll need a really fast lens. Even the 2.8 zooms are cutting it really close I think, and trying to shoot at 4.5 will be nearly impossible. Also, shooting that wide with flash isn't the easiest thing in the world either. Personally I'd be looking at the 24mm 1.4L, and if that's too expensive, the 28mm 1.8. Zooms are versatile, but I wouldn't want to be stuck with 2.8 in low light...

If the 28 f/1.8 is wide enough then the Sigma 30 f/1.4 (crop only) so something to consider if you have the patience to deal with the lottery if you get a soft copy. If you are buy from a local brick and mortar store it would be fairly easy and painless.

When I bought my 28, I strongly considered the Sigma 30... but from the reviews I read and data that I saw, even good copies are nowhere near as sharp as the Canon. And in the event OP ever wants to go full frame, this lens is not compatible. I think it's a cool idea for Sigma to introduce a lens like this, because from the spec sheet it seems very attractive, but they didn't follow through. It really doesn't seem like it's worth the price from where I sit. ymmv

I haven't heard much good about the wider non-L primes. Many are in need of an upgrade (I for one would love Canon to do a refresh to give a set of gold ring wides useable from f/2). People seem to talk reasonable highly of the Sigma once you get a good copy. That being said I haven't looked into them with much detail as approx. normal lenses aren't something I seem to use.

 

[usayit]

Ahhh this thread is depressing me with my ambitions for photography and real life financial realitys hahaha.

It shouldn't.... its only a reality conjured for those here (TPF).

Most photogs here are better equipped than some of the best (amateur and professional) in the area. There's a Nat Geo published photog I purchased equipment from (several years ago) that doesn't have the highest level of equipment (Canon) and shoots primarily with Sigma optics. He's only need to upgrade wasn't driven by IQ but due to weatherproofing (newish for DSLRs at that time). I met a well accomplished/established wedding photogs with Canon 20D back when the 5D had already been out several months. The list goes on and on.. Its perception and all conjured up in the mind.

PS> I'm no exception... G.A.S. infects me often as well

Don't get depressed... suppose to be enjoying yourself.

 

[analog.universe]

I haven't heard much good about the wider non-L primes. Many are in need of an upgrade (I for one would love Canon to do a refresh to give a set of gold ring wides useable from f/2).

Yes, this is certainly true. The 28mm 1.8 is only attractive to me as an alternative to the 24L, but it does get the job done. I would love to see them revamp the 20mm for sure. 20/21 is such a nice focal length, and Zeiss are the only folks that make a sharp one for EOS mount, and it's not even that fast... Canon 20mm 2.0? I'd be all over it

 

[tyler_h]

I haven't heard much good about the wider non-L primes. Many are in need of an upgrade (I for one would love Canon to do a refresh to give a set of gold ring wides useable from f/2).

Yes, this is certainly true. The 28mm 1.8 is only attractive to me as an alternative to the 24L, but it does get the job done. I would love to see them revamp the 20mm for sure. 20/21 is such a nice focal length, and Zeiss are the only folks that make a sharp one for EOS mount, and it's not even that fast... Canon 20mm 2.0? I'd be all over it

Yeah, Zeiss have some amazing lenses. I just want something in the 20-24 equiv. range that is good across the frame (big downfall of the lower tier Canons). FF + TS-E 24L... one can dream...

I think we are getting a little off topic though...

 

[leixialong]

I think we are getting a little off topic though...

Ahh its ok to get off topic a bit but with regards to final thoughts what do you all as a final word think I should go for with all the conversation we have had?

 

[analog.universe]

I think we are getting a little off topic though...

Ahh its ok to get off topic a bit but with regards to final thoughts what do you all as a final word think I should go for with all the conversation we have had?

If you can afford it, 24L

if not, the canon 28mm 1.8 is safe, but not outstanding.. the sigma 30mm 1.4 may take some effort to get a sharp one, and is not full frame compatible, but it's quite fast for the price...

 

[tyler_h]

I get the feeling you are after something more versatile than an UWA zoom ended at ~25-30mm equiv. so I'd suggest the 17-55mm f/2.8. As mentioned picking it up used then reselling for similar will be handy if you want to go FF in the future.

I assume that this is a priority over the telephoto that you mentioned, or would 88eq fit that bill as well?

If you find you want wider and aren't looking to go FF the 11-16 tokina would complement it well (11-55 all at f/2.8...) If you want a little more reach there are a lot of options depending on what you are looking for with that.