Lens suggestions [Archive] - Welshot Imaging Forum Home Page

Starbugmel

27/08/2009, 21:08

I'm looking at buying a new lens for my camera, still using my kit lens and although I have a Tamron 55-200mm, I really fancy a lens that I can leave on for when I go out for the day or if I don't want to carry too much.

1st is Sigma 18-125mm 3.5-5.6. OS DC HSM
2nd is Sigma 18-200mm 3.56.3 DC OS
3rd is Tamron 18-200mm AF 3.5-6.3 XR Di ll

These are the only ones that are in my price bracket.
What the letters mean I have no idea!! :D

I like taking photos of architecture, landscape, people and veedubs!!!
My camera is a Canon 400D.
I did think of the Sigma 17-70mm 2.8-4.5 but the 70mm end doesn't give me much more than 55mm I've already got.

What do you reckon, any suggestions welcome :D

Mel

John Carnell

27/08/2009, 21:44

I was hoping for some suggestions from Len...........;)

Lee Iggulden

27/08/2009, 21:46

Mel. I am sure Eif will give you some help on this one, John and I are no help at all lol ;)

John Carnell

27/08/2009, 21:53

John and I are no help at all lol ;)

I'm not even sure what a camera is.........:confused:

Starbugmel

27/08/2009, 22:32

Oh my days...there's no hope :rolleyes:

:D

Eifion Williams

28/08/2009, 13:47

I have the original 18-125 sigma and have used it a lot with my Fuji S3 and can recommend it, the latest version has image stabalisation on it so it should be even better than mine.
I have spoken to a few people on the forums and they tell me that the 18-200 with the image stabaliser is a real cracker of a lens, and is quite a bit cheaper than the makers own lens.
The Tamron 18-200 XRDi gets pretty good write ups in the magazines, but, i have no experience myself as i generally either buy Nikon or Sigma.
As far as i can see it is really down to whether you need the lens to have a longer reach, they both start at 18mm, and have about £40 price difference .
Hope that this helps.

Eifion Williams

28/08/2009, 14:01

I shall do some research into the Tamron.
Will let you know when i have had a good look at it and then give you my opinoin, there is also an 18-270 tamron lens with image stabaliser, but that is priced at around £450.
Keep in touch.

Starbugmel

28/08/2009, 19:17

Thanks for all the info Eifion, I'm probably looking at spending no more than £270.

The 18-125 sounds promising, the 18-200 was also tempting but how much do the longer lenses 'travel' when using them? Do you know what I mean? I don't want to take a photo and find the lens barrel moving. Don't know if you've heard that at all.

Thanks for checking this out for me and I'll keep an eye on this thread.

Mel

Eifion Williams

30/08/2009, 23:12

Hi Mel,

Well, both the Sigma lenses have a lock on them to stop the lens creeping out when you are carriyng them on the camera, as does the Tamron.
But, the Tamron 18-200 does not have the stabaliser system, that's why it's cheaper than the Sigmas.
If i were you, and i wanted an all in one len's, i think i would go for the Sigma 18-200 with the stabaliser built in. It's around the price you want. If you went for the shorter lens to save money ( around £40 ) i think you would be dissapointed, because there are occasions when you need that extra reach, and for the sake of £40 it's worth it.

Hope this help's.

chrisj62

31/08/2009, 08:16

Hi Mel,

The DC letter after the Sigma lens basically means it's only compatible with cameras using the APS sensor whereas the DG letter on a Sigma means it's compatible with both full frame and APS sensors, so you'll be fine for the 400D with a DC lens unless you're thinking of upgrading to a 5D or above eventually. HSM basically means it has a silent motor for smoother, quieter focusing, but I don't know what the OS means. If you see EX on a Sigma, it means it's a professional lens like the L series on a Canon. I use Sigmas as well as Canon and never had a problem with them. Sorry I don't know anything about the Tamron.

Chris.

Starbugmel

31/08/2009, 14:47

Cheers for that Chris, and thanks Eifion for the suggestion.
I think I'm definately going to go for the 18-200mm, makes more sense like you say Eifion tat for £40 difference I might as well get a longer reach. I'm also glad that it has the lock on it.

Thanks for all the help,

Mel

Starbugmel

14/10/2009, 00:49

ok, throwing another into the thoughts - spotted a Canon 18-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS and was wondering if anyone knew anything about this? Is been sold as a kit with the 7D at the mo too.
Wondering if it has a front rotating focus ring? I'm so indecisive...
Still unsure about all these lenses as it's going to be a lot of money for me to spend out and want to get the right one - would rather a better quality one to a longer reach as I also have a 55-200 lens but would like a lens to walkabout with rather than carry loads of stuff. I wish I could just chose ONE!!!

Lee Iggulden

14/10/2009, 10:38

I have nudged Eif Mel. See you are not wasting your time off being bored ;)

Eifion Williams

14/10/2009, 10:51

Hi Mel,

I have sent you an e-mail containing all the details about the lens you mentioned.
Looks good to me, has a good stabaliser on it .

I think that it would be a good lens for yopu to leave on for most of your photography , is it in your price range??:thumbsup:

Starbugmel

14/10/2009, 12:16

it could be in my price range. found a shop online which is selling it for £230 but would have to be shipped from Hong Kong. It's one of those lens split from a 7D kit. What do you think? Or should I just pay a bit more and get it from a known online shop.

Eifion Williams

14/10/2009, 15:09

Hi Mel,

Your price sounds better than mine( Warehouse Express price ), but i think i would be a bit wary as its half the normal price, and there is a bit of juggeling about to get it.
Myself, I would be inclined to go to a reputable dealer, then if there was any problems you could always go back to them.

Sorry , but you did ask my opinion. :wave:

Marian J

14/10/2009, 15:20

I would read up a little on grey imports http://www.ephotozine.com/article/All-you-need-to-know-about-Grey-Imports--62 and http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/830433/an/0/page/0 have some info. Not saying that they are necessarily bad or anything, it is just something that I tend to avoid.

Lee Iggulden

14/10/2009, 15:39

I would tend to avoid them as well Mel (hey I'm a poet lol)
Also you would have customs to deal with as well wouldnt you :(

Now I feel as if I'm bursting your "Happy Bubble"

Eifion Williams

14/10/2009, 15:46

Hi Mel,

I think that you probably know what my reply is going to be.
Yes, i would prefer to go through a known dealer, then if you do get a problem then you can always go back to them .
On the down side it will be more expensive, but for that bit of security i would rather pay more and know that i am going to get the service.

Your choice Mel, but you did ask. :thumbsup:

JohnTudor

14/10/2009, 18:38

I too would like some advice on wide angle lenses, my camera is EOS 5D, the lens I was looking at was a Sigma 10-20mm, but this is not for a full-frame, the one canon offer is a 17-40mm, anyone got either of these two or maybe a different lens again.

Paul Smith

14/10/2009, 19:18

I'm going to stick up for the ebay sellers. Why pay £390 for a lens when the same lens from the same factory with the same international warranty can be had for £230 plus customs? Even allowing for VAT It's not a small difference is it?

You obviously have to be careful who you buy from but there are traders who have been operating for years with tens of thousands of sales and over 99% positive feedback. In my experience they are far more helpful than the chains in this country.

And that epz article has some right nonsense in it, you can tell that was written by a manufacturer keen to make sure we keep blindly paying the UK rrp.

:)

Lee Iggulden

14/10/2009, 19:26

Hey, is this another debate lol :) I like it :)

I think Eif means stay clear of those dodgy grey importie thingies.... the ones where you dont get any paper work.....

I was thinking about looking for gear on Ebay for the academy evenings for members to use.... But I have NO idea how to start going about it....

And....

Isnt it addictive....

So....

You lot really wouldnt want me to be doing that all day, so if anyone is willing, could they keep an eye open for any really cool banana deals :)

Paul Smith

14/10/2009, 19:29

Not seen any bananas cheap but I'll drop you a line with some dealers I know are legit and trustworthy.

Marian J

14/10/2009, 21:34

With respect, I didn't say to not get from Hong Kong, I simply suggested reading up some on grey imports. It often isn't clear in the description what the additional costs might be (need to read the small print) and this is also true of a lot of US advertised stuff on e bay. I use eBay a lot myself, and have bought a few lenses off there. It is often simpler to work out the level of integrity of e bay sellers than it is with some online stores, I didn't have the best experience with the first camera that I bought online, and that was not an ebay sale.

Will let you know how I get on with the 5dMk2 I have just ordered off eBay

Paul Smith

14/10/2009, 22:24

Apologies Marian, didn't mean it as a swipe at you, just got a bit cross with epz when reading it.

Starbugmel

15/10/2009, 00:35

thanks for all the info peeps! It did say there was no paperwork so I'm going to keep away i think, but it wasn't on ebay I saw it, it was an online shop but not one I'd heard of before. Have seen the Sigma 18-125 second-hand on ebay instead for a good price so think if I win that I'll be a happy bunny. :-)

Photo Imaging

15/10/2009, 09:33

[QUOTE= the lens I was looking at was a Sigma 10-20mm.[/QUOTE]
I bought this a few months ago, and can honestly say it's a cracking lens

Joan

TonyHoward

15/10/2009, 09:56

A response to John's query about wide angle lens. I bought a Canon 20mm f2.8 lens earlier this year - £365 from Martins Cameras. It has received mixed reviews on the web. Criticisms particularly relating to vignetting and lack of definition at wide apertures.To my relief I have actually been very pleased with the lens. I have put some pictures taken in Bangor Cathedral on my very new flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43458114@N04/
which were all taken with the 20mm lens on a Canon 5D mkII at f2.8. Vignetting and definition look OK to me but happy to be corrected on this.
I wonder whether there has been batch variation in manufacturing to explain the mixed experiences. Personally I would recommend it, particularly, if like me, you need a wide angle lens that can provide wide apertures for interiors. I have also found that using the 20mm I have never felt the need for a zoom to expand focal length capability with the sort of things I use it for.

Eifion Williams

15/10/2009, 10:59

Hello John,

As a Nikon worker i'm afraid i can't really speak from personnal experience,but, if you have a look at the Warehouse Express site they have reviews on products, the Cannon 17 - 40 being one of them.
I have included the link for you to have a look, hope this helps.
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-canon-ef-17-40mm-f4-l-usm-lens/p12832

JohnTudor

15/10/2009, 12:21

Thanks guys, after posting on here last night I found a review of a sigma 12-24mm which is for full-frame cameras http://www.juzaphoto.com/eng/articles/sigma_12-24_review.htm there about the same price from what I can tell, if someones got any comments before I spend my pennies I would be grateful, the photographer does talk about a slight yellow cast.

Starbugmel

15/10/2009, 15:12

Just paid for my Sigma 18-125 lens so fingers crossed it will arrive by Monday ready for Chester Zoo a week on Sunday. Well chuffed, all excited now!!!!!!

Paul Smith

15/10/2009, 18:33

Congratulations Mel. Sure you'll be chuffed to bits with it.

Lee Iggulden

16/10/2009, 10:40

Well done, and we have reached page three on a thread too ;)

Starbugmel

16/10/2009, 12:55

ooohhhhh!!!
had an email saying he's dispatched it and he's chucked in a polariser and UV filter too! so should be here by Monday and I can test it out then.

I've dusted off my printer too and had a go at printing from Lightroom. Had some cac results and then I played around a bit with the settings and got an ok print eventually but need to play a bit with it. Will have a try on the lovely free papers I got when I joined the Academy later :D
Now all I've got to do is choose which ones to print! :P

Paul Smith

16/10/2009, 13:26

or upload to flick even :)

Starbugmel

16/10/2009, 15:44

or upload to flick even :)

you're sooooo funny!!! :D I only just about upload onto my vw club website!!!
I promise I'll have a go, honest!

Starbugmel

17/10/2009, 15:12

:D:D:D:D:D

My lens has arrived all in one piece and working perfectly! Going to have a go at painting with light with it tonight and see how I get on. I'm a happy bunny now! :yahoo: