Hi all, I'm new here and like you I'm very much enamoured with the world of photography.

I have a 400d with a kit lens and the thrifty fifty (50mm, 1.8) and i'm looking into the next level of lenses for my camera.

I am interested in the elusive combo of practical price (read cheap enough) and good image quality. While I know no zoom lens will be able to match the quality of a good prime, i'm looking for the best compromise.

I'm looking at the following non canon options:
1. Sigma 17-70 f2.8 to 4.5 DC Macro
2. Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC Macro
3. Sigma 18-200 f3.5 to 6.3 DC

As you can see, my budget is only in the P18k-P23k range. ideally i'd love a Sigma 18-200 with OS but this isnt out yet and will surely cost close to P40k. I've read the threads and it seems like the first option sounds best, but nothing really conclusive based on actual users. I've also seen a review that rates option 1 very favorably against option 2. So basically with all the information available to me...i just got more confused. hahaha...

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input you could provide.

Thanks in advance.

Hi GV,
Since you have the kit lens(18-55mm) already plus the 50/1.8, you may want to consider the Sigma 50-150 f2.8 EX DC HSM too/instead.
It will effectively complement the focal length of your existing lenses(18-55, 50, 50-150) and it focuses faster and silently. You can go wide and take the medium tele-photo shots by having this lens-combo.
I don't have the Sigma 50-150 f2.8 so I'm also waiting for the other forum members here who actually have used the lens to comment further...
Sure it will exceed your budget as it will cost you 34.5K but JT accepts credit card @Zero Interest or else, it's worth the price in my opinion...
Good Luck 'bro!

I bought the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 DC macro lens to replace my Sony Alpha's 18-70 kit lens! This Sigma is my everyday, walkabout lens. After that, I purchased Sigma's 10-20 f4-5.6 EX DC after seeing the possibilities with this lens and the wideangle shot that were taken with it. This lens is incredible!

Maybe this reviews can help you but I suggest purchase whats within your budget.:) http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php?cat=46

maybe you want to consider having a zoom lens sigma 70-300mm apo is a good buy its around 11k and speedlight 430ex also around 11k.

maybe you want to consider having a zoom lens sigma 70-300mm apo is a good buy its around 11k and speedlight 430ex also around 11k.
wait a minute, a brand-new (i assume) 430EX for 11k? maybe you can pm me where?

and just to stay on topic, GV, would you need the 300mm length from don's suggestion above? if so, then go for it. remember that your choice of lens would be largely determined by what you intend to shoot (and of course, your budget...:Grin: )

why don't you wait for the sigma 18-200 OS,, though i've been waiting for this lens since last year,, :)

of the threee i'd choose the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC Macro. :)

me, personally after the kit lens and the 50mm i got myself a tamron 17-50 2.8. :)
BUT, if i could only turn back time i would have bought a flashgun first. it will give your pictures a bigger difference than a new lens.

just my 2 cents!

ciao,
Ter

GV,

the correct thing to say is get a telezoom but from my experience, go and invest on the range you'll use the most. so i'll agree with your post in deciding which of the 3 to get...and as majority lsited, go for the 18-50 f2.8. much much better IQ and should you decide to sell it, the chances of doing so is much better with this lens.

oh...and try to squeeze out more for a speedlight! :)

I would get a speedlight first before any lens purchase :)

Take a look at Canon 28-105mm F3.5-4.5 USM Mark II at around P13,500 to compliment your kit lens

Dear Peeps,

I am overwhelmed by the response. I appreciate it a lot. Obviously i am a newbie and i'd really like to strategize my purchases. I do apologize for the noob questions...hahaha.

I think i overlooked the idea of the flash dramatically improving my low light shots at a cost that isnt too heavy a burden, assuming i get the 430ex.

Most of the shots i find myself taking are portraits and occasionally some low light cityscape shots. My portrait shots vary so much between night shots during parties, and outdoor shots of my family. I do tend to enjoy natural lighting more than flash lit shots. But I am aware that the ideal is I have a flashgun to handle the other instances wherein it is really called for.

Truth is I dont even have an idea of an ideal range i would use as I have never really used a lens that went beyond 55mm.

I've been really reading up on reviews, from fred miranda to several forums...and due to so many options, I get all the more confused. hahaha!

I guess that's the fun of this wonderful hobby. We all get to choose how we are going to produce that magnum opus of a shot. From the "eye" to the last bit of hardware.

Right now the options I'm looking at based on your inputs are:
1. Speedlight 430ex plus the Canon 28-105mm F3.5-4.5 USM Mark II
2. One of the good Sigma lenses previously mentioned
3. To sell my gear and go back to a point and shoot.

hahaha! kidding on the last one. I'm having too much fun just thinking of my available options to ever turn back. Now I know why there are so many of us here who love this hobby.

Thanks for all the inputs!

it depends on where will you use it, for me i like landscapes and architecture, most likely ill go for the wide angle lens, ill go for the 17-40 f4L or the 10-20 of sigma

400d din ako...i used to have kit lens. 2 hours ago i got my sigma 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 APO DG Macro ....Very satisfied!

http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/image/73735460/original

price is not really that expensive pa...

wait a minute, a brand-new (i assume) 430EX for 11k? maybe you can pm me where?

and just to stay on topic, GV, would you need the 300mm length from don's suggestion above? if so, then go for it. remember that your choice of lens would be largely determined by what you intend to shoot (and of course, your budget...:Grin: )

Mark
try this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=2609&A=details&Q=&sku=397664&is=GREY&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

i also assume that it is almost same price here :)

Sir, how much is the sigma 17-70mm f2.8 macro. What is your feedback about the lens.

I bought the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 DC macro lens to replace my Sony Alpha's 18-70 kit lens! This Sigma is my everyday, walkabout lens. After that, I purchased Sigma's 10-20 f4-5.6 EX DC after seeing the possibilities with this lens and the wideangle shot that were taken with it. This lens is incredible!

Sir, if it's ok, how much is the cost of sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5 dc macro. What is your feedback about the lens.

Unfortunately, I'm not from the Philippines and when I bought that Sigma lens I had a $30 off coupon that I used towards it's purchase. If I remember correctly, it was about $470 (before the coupon and before 15% taxes).

The lens is great. Like all Sigmas, once you take it out of the box the zoom is smooth, but rather tight. After constant use, that loosens up very nicely too. I guess to combat this, Sigma added a lock to prevent zoom creep (my other Sigma lenses don't have a lock). The construction is very nice using good quality, thick, texturized plastics. Like so many lenses today this lens is not an internal focusing lens, but what is nice is that the front element does not turn while focusing making it easier to use a CPL.

Image quality was excellent with very good sharpness and I haven't noticed any CA. Bokeh is good, but not as nice as my KM "beercan".

The main reason why I bought this lens was because I wanted something faster and of better construction than my Alpha's kit lens, and this was it.

my suggestion , get a speedlight and a Sigma 18-125 .

400d din ako...i used to have kit lens. 2 hours ago i got my sigma 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 APO DG Macro ....Very satisfied!

http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/image/73735460/original

price is not really that expensive pa...

How much is the sigma 70-300mm f4.5-5.6?

How much is the sigma 70-300mm f4.5-5.6?

Hi there the sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro sells for 11800 in JT:D

i have one myself and im pretty satisfied with so far

Take a look at Canon 28-105mm F3.5-4.5 USM Mark II at around P13,500 to compliment your kit lens

hello ernmitanyo, i am quite interested in this lens for its positive reviews at fredmiranda and its price. Unfortunately it is not available in hidalgo for the moment.

Does anyone know where i can find this lens?

@GV,

JTPhotoworld has stocks of this lens.

@GV,

JTPhotoworld has stocks of this lens.


Thank you very much! will check with them! :Grin:

i checked 70-300 apo at hidalgo (watson) the other day but they didn't have a stock. the price is 10,700 but the referred me to JT w/c they can also give the same price.

Thank you very much! will check with them! :Grin:


Unfortunately the 24-105 lens is not available at JTphoto. :Scared:

i just borrowed a sigma dc 18-200mm, quite nice.

but am bent in buying the 300mm apo. actually, i am now contemplating between the two what to buy.

any input from those who have experience in 18-200mm sigma?

i suggest the 70-300 APO the 20mm is just about 5 steps difference of zoom... hehe

Sir, how much is the sigma 17-70mm f2.8 macro. What is your feedback about the lens.

The Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 costs P20,500 at JT Photoworld in Makati.
Review at , http://photo.blogger.ph/index.php?s=sigma+17-70+2.8+macro+wedding
some pics at, http://www.pbase.com/alextsung/minter_gardens

The new and updated Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC macro costs P23,500.
http://www.pbase.com/infinity_dream/18_50_sample

hope this helps. :)

my suggestion , get a speedlight and a Sigma 18-125 . JT is no longer selling this lens JT claims it will be replaced by 18 - 200.

Keep it coming guys! I share the same dilemma as GV and it seems like you are all giving a good feedback. Thanks for these! (Though I am really poised to get a 5xx speedlite weeks from now. :))

Thanks for all the suggestions! I also have a better idea now on what my next lens purchase will be (likely the Sigma 70-300mm to complement my kit lens). :D

After the kit lens, the 50mm f/1.8. Value for money.

GV,

Perhaps would you like to consider 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM. It's good for walk around lens. . .:)

if no enough cash why not sigma 18-50/3.5-5.6? http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_1850_3556/index.htm

GV,

Perhaps would you like to consider 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM. It's good for walk around lens. . .:)


Thanks Gents, I have to satisfy myself for now with a 28-105 for now. I'm actually amazed by the quality i got for the money. :Grin:

Thanks for all the advise gents. I might spring for the 28-135IS next if I get frisky. Does anyone think this will be a significant jump up considering its more than double the price?

Thanks all and more power!