Which lens?

Wires · 30 Apr 2011 at 21:25

I am looking to get a new everyday lens. I currently have a 18-55mm kit lens.

I have been looking at a Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM.

As for what kind of photos I take can be totally random so I do not have a preferred subject or need for the lens it really is everyday use.

Would this be a good lens to get or is there better with similar range for around the same price?

Price I have found is around £400

Thanks

Razor-BladE · 30 Apr 2011 at 23:09

I'd avoid superzoom lenses as IQ isn't going to be great. If you're looking for more range have a look at the 15-85 or the 17-85 as they seem to be quite well taken.

Wires · 1 May 2011 at 10:54

Thanks though I read some reviews and people are saying the 17-85canon lens is only better than the 18-55 lens I currently have because of the range and that image quality is much the same.

box · 1 May 2011 at 11:21

Wires said:
Thanks though I read some reviews and people are saying the 17-85canon lens is only better than the 18-55 lens I currently have because of the range and that image quality is much the same.

This is also the general consensus I've come across. The 15-85mm is meant to be in a whole different league though. Not sure if it's within your budget, but certainly worth a look. I was in your situation recently, albeit with a slightly lesser budget. I picked up a second hand Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5 for under £200. Am yet to receive, but all the reviews are very good.

mithrandir · 1 May 2011 at 13:54

Get yourself either a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 non-VC or Sigma 18-50mm f2.8.

Both seem to be highly regarded (and on top of my want list!)
Spare change can go towards the (relatively) cheap 50mm f1.8 prime lens (what I usually use) or a zoom lens.

btw, is it a Canon or Nikon you have?

Wires · 1 May 2011 at 16:09

I have a Canon. I was thinking of getting a sigma 150-500mm later in the year as a zoom lens. I already have a Canon 50mm f1.8.

Stupot_ · 1 May 2011 at 16:31

Wires said:
I have a Canon. I was thinking of getting a sigma 150-500mm later in the year as a zoom lens. I already have a Canon 50mm f1.8.

Do you need a 150-500?

If you take pictures of a bit of everything then I think you can make do with a standard 3 lens kit, no need to go for something with a large focal range that weighs a ton, you just won't use it.

I would recommend one of the 17/18-50's to replace your kit lens. Or, go for a sigma 17-70 if you want more range.

Later in the year go for something in the 200-300 ish range. i.e. canon 70-200 f/4. It's lightweight and versatile, super lens.

Combine those two with the 50mm you have and you cover most scenarios. Replace the 50mm with the sigma 30 f/1.4 and you've got a super set up

(the 30 is a much better focal length on crop sensors)

The people buying something like the 150-500 have a use for it, i.e. a 'budget' safari lens. It's not really for everyday use.

Wires · 1 May 2011 at 16:41

The 150-500mm would be more for bird photography not for everyday use. I do currently have a Tamron 70-300mm lens that also came with the camera bundle but I find the image quality is not so good.

Stupot_ · 1 May 2011 at 16:44

Ah ok, well birds can be pretty pesky little things

Some others to look at might be the canon 300 f/4, 400 f/5.6 and 100-400. All excellent, the 400 prime is particularly well regarded as a birding lens. I have the 300, which does fall a bit short most of the time for birds but can usually solve that with a TC.

Tysonator · 1 May 2011 at 20:00

The Sigma 17-70 is a cracking lens. I have the 1st generation which is the non OS HSM version. However the IQ is damn good for the price !

D.P. · 1 May 2011 at 21:06

Wires said:
The 150-500mm would be more for bird photography not for everyday use. I do currently have a Tamron 70-300mm lens that also came with the camera bundle but I find the image quality is not so good.

Well, don't expect too much form any of the Sigma xx-500mm type lenses, in general you will get better quality from the Canon or Tamron 70-300 .
Of course if you need 500mm, which for small birds is often the case, then you will need a bigger weapon.

If you have to go for a sigma super zoom, then the only one that has adequate IQ is the 50-50mm Bigma.

However, I would more seriously consider a 300 f/4.0 IS lens with a 1.4 or 1.7 TC, or even the 400 5.6 lens.