given that sigma is notorious for having sub-par qc issues, would be advisable to buy sigma lenses abroad?

following from this, if i get a sigma lens abroad, brand new and all and find backfocus/frontfocus issues, will jtphoto be willing to repair it?

All this "sup-par" QA issues are overblown, for every one complaint you hear, probably 100s will be sold and will be good copies. Even OEM lenses have focus QA issues, that's why many higher-end cams can calibrate lens/body combos already.

Don't fret too much about it. Just check local prices and internet prices, if the difference makes sense after shipping and taxes, go get it from abroad.

thats what i was thinking. i have a sigma 24-70 2.8 and the first copy i tested was really good. actually, with the prices abroad, can pay jtphoto up to 10k for calibration and still have saved well over 5k.

the pricing of JT photoworld is actually really competitive. you'd be getting your local warranty also plus you'd be supporting your local retailer. get it locally and don't cheap out on your lenses.

I have compared JT's price w/ Sigma lenses in HK. The difference on their popular mid-zooms and wide lenses are just P3T-P5T. The tele-zooms are another story (almost P10T) yet I got from JT since there is a warranty plus the attractive 0% for 6mos. If only CDSC did this hehehe...

the pricing of JT photoworld is actually really competitive. you'd be getting your local warranty also plus you'd be supporting your local retailer. get it locally and don't cheap out on your lenses.

I agree. Got my 18-200 OS HSM for 20.9k wherein US price is something around 18K++.

With the price difference, I'll not worry with the warranty. And I've tested it well before I got my copy.

I have compared JT's price w/ Sigma lenses in HK. The difference on their popular mid-zooms and wide lenses are just P3T-P5T. The tele-zooms are another story (almost P10T) yet I got from JT since there is a warranty plus the attractive 0% for 6mos. If only CDSC did this hehehe...


Even if CDSC offers 0% monthly installment, I'll not get lens from them. Heck the price will still be a lot bigger than buying it from hidalgo, charge it direct to your CC, pay the monthly you want. even you add the surcharge and finance charges monthly. I believe cdsc price would be much greater at 0% installment.

Where is JT anyways? Is it an online shop?

Where is JT anyways? Is it an online shop?

www.jtphotoworld.com

Hi, if you're in Makati-

The landmark is Philippine Daily Inquirer (blue building cor Mascardo Street), and JT Photo is on the same side as PDI (they have a big Sigma sign, but hard to notice).

And they're great! I tried 4 lenses, had photos taken, which i was able to evaluate before making a decision. Joy is nice, keeps on giving me lenses to try. Kudos to JT Photo.

I tried the 105mm macro, 150mm HSM macro, 10-20mm UWA, and 70-300mm HSM.

I ended up not buying anything, but it's ok with them. I'm going back there someday and buy once I figure out which one http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/cheesy.gif

They have parking. A bit tight, but it still is parking and very convenient because there's no street parking along P. Tamo.

Oh... they have a sale on Sigma lenses up to the end of the month.

need clarification on sigma lenses. i often hear (read) statement saying, "make sure you have a good copy" of that particular sigma lens. why is this so? does that mean, quality of sigma lenses differ? if this "good copy" statement is true, then getting the lens locally would make sense even if it is a bit expensive. getting it abroad might be problematic if and when you find out you dont have a good copy and need to exchange it.

what do you think guys? been contemplating (and saving) to buy the 10-20mm lens.

Hi Nick, I would buy from local Sigma (JT Photo) due to support/warranty availability alone. I've played with 4 Sigma lenses- 10-20mm UWA, 105mm macro, 150mm HSM macro, and 70-300mm HSM. I really wanted to have a macro lens, but the 105mm has no internal motor and can't AF on my D40. I was not confident of my manual skills.

On the page 2 & 3 of my Flickr page, I have posted the sample shots I took with those four lenses. You may want to take a look.

Hi Nick, I would buy from local Sigma (JT Photo) due to support/warranty availability alone. I've played with 4 Sigma lenses- 10-20mm UWA, 105mm macro, 150mm HSM macro, and 70-300mm HSM. I really wanted to have a macro lens, but the 105mm has no internal motor and can't AF on my D40. I was not confident of my manual skills.

On the page 2 & 3 of my Flickr page, I have posted the sample shots I took with those four lenses. You may want to take a look.

Can you post your flickr site? I'd like to check.

Ugh, my signatures don't appear... Here it is - http://www.flickr.com/photos/arnold_cruz/page2/

Sorry about that...

Ugh, my signatures don't appear... Here it is - http://www.flickr.com/photos/arnold_cruz/page2/

Sorry about that...

Thanks man!

need clarification on sigma lenses. i often hear (read) statement saying, "make sure you have a good copy" of that particular sigma lens. why is this so? does that mean, quality of sigma lenses differ? if this "good copy" statement is true, then getting the lens locally would make sense even if it is a bit expensive. getting it abroad might be problematic if and when you find out you dont have a good copy and need to exchange it.

what do you think guys? been contemplating (and saving) to buy the 10-20mm lens.


hey nick, i actually got a sigma 24-70 2.8 macro today. :)
i think the issue with the "good copy" thing goes for all lenses. I mean, all brands have lemons once in a while. I guess you just have to check it and handle it careful just like other lenses. Quality wise, i'd say they're pretty good. :) actually happy cause i can't find a decent macro lens from nikon. so i went to sigma.
REALLY NICE. :)

Hi Arnold, I hope you don't mind, but i think the 70-300 which you tried has a built in motor for D40/x, D60 but not yet HSM. I agree with you that the people there are very nice... even the owners, not to mention their competitive prices!:)

I bought an apo dg 70-300 macro on ebay last year. Bought it second hand got mine in excellent condition. swerte swerte lang when you buy online. I suggest you buy locally just to be sure.

JT sells their 18-200 dc os hsm for 25,500. I can get it online with shipping roughly around 20k with customs tax.

Im just scared if i get the good copy or not. How will you know if i get the good one or not?