Guess I've waited long enough...

[ottor]

3 yrs into this venture (hobby) and for the last 3 years, I've been yearning for some better lenses other than the 'kit' stuff that came with my XSI.. Guess I've always set my sights a little too high, and was looking at the Canon 10-22 f/3.5 wide - Over $700+, and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS version - Approx $2000+..

I just can't afford them..... and can't see in the near future when I ever would.. so - How about these for a compormise?

Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 ..... about $450, and, or
Tamron 10-24 f/3.5-4.5.. about $475

and...

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 - about $750 and,or
Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 about $730 - neither stabalized..

I've always had champagne taste with a beer pocketbook - so instead of going without, I thought I'd throw out these options for your input.. suggestions about either option that I've proposed?

thanks,

r

Oh, and I already realize that if I put a couple of bucks away for these last 3 years, a actually could have the lenses I want, but... there always seems to be another priority...

 

[waynegz1]

actually could have the lenses I want, but... there always seems to be another priority...

Ain't that the truth. I am in a similar boat, I've always had my eye set on the Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR I, but after reading tons of reviews and renting a few lenses, I will be going with the Sigma 70-200 2.8. It looks to have great resell value, as when funds do free up, someone wanting to develop as a photog will jump on this.

just my thoughts.

Let us know which route you take.

 

[KenC]

Do you really need f 2.8? From what I remember of your posts, they are mostly tripod shots (or easily could have been), and no shallow dof effects. If you can live with f4 your reasonable options expand considerably. I have the Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS ($550 2 yrs. ago) and am very happy with it. Yes, it is probably about f5 at 200 mm, the long end of the 70-200 zooms, but the IS more than compensates for any camera shake from hand-holding (good for at least 3 stops). So, if you're not shooting action or looking for very shallow dof, why not?

 

[ajkramer87]

actually could have the lenses I want, but... there always seems to be another priority...

Ain't that the truth. I am in a similar boat, I've always had my eye set on the Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR I, but after reading tons of reviews and renting a few lenses, I will be going with the Sigma 70-200 2.8. It looks to have great resell value, as when funds do free up, someone wanting to develop as a photog will jump on this.

I almost went with the sigma 70-200. Ive read a lot and talked to a lot of people with that lens that say its soft 200. I couldn't bring my self to spend that kind of money on another soft lens. I picked up a used Nikon 80-200 2.8 that is tack sharp at 200. I spent 750 and it looks brand new. Maybe you should consider going that route.

 

[Overread]

The Sigma 10-20mm is a very popular wide angle lens choice, being as its very much in line with the image quality of the canon whilst having a far lower price tag:

Juza Nature Photography

the 70-200mm front is a slightly similar story:
Juza Nature Photography

 

[Formatted]

I've got a 70-200. But there is always something else for instance I really want a 600mm f/4 but that will be my student loan gone in a day

 

[Syntax]

I would drag it out saving little by little until you get it. One thing you need to remember with camera equipment, NEVER settle for something cheaper than what you want. You'll always kick yourself later thinking "Man If I had just waited, I could've had it by now."

I know about having other priorities too, man, I'd have so many L lenses by now if my car didn't love being an attention hog. (Normal Maintenance, not supping up)

 

[ottor]

OK - I took the leap and just ordered the Sigma 10-20 f/4... Should be here Tuesday... after all these years, I can't believe I'm finally able to upgrade a little....
Holding off on the 70-200 .... am finding some really good Canon offers on Ebay right now ... Theres also a Sigma 120-400 OS version for under $800... We'll see what that brings, but I'm glad I finally took the plunge..
Thanks for all your input .. ! :thumbup:

 

[GeorgieGirl]

You will love the Sigma you chose. If I thought the Canon was better I would have chosen it, but I bought the Sigma.

 

[Light Artisan]

The Sigma 70-200 did me well for the time I had it until I was able to upgrade to the Nikon version.

Soft at 200? I dunno, is this soft?

Wide open @ 200mm


Oxbow Walk by Light Artisan Photography, on Flickr