sigma 24-70 2.8 or canon 24-85 3.5-4.5

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now. I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max) find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Hello

I have the 24-70/2.8 Sigma and it works well.

Try to serach this site, there has been ather issues on that lens.

Roine

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

[email protected] / http://www.roine.nu

The Sigma is the one to get. Build quality is much better. AF much faster. 2.8 is fine throughout the range. Go for it.

Rich

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

I also have the Sigma. It's a decent lense. A little noisy at times especially in low light when the AF hunts but it is quick. My experience with Canon lenses is they're quieter. My 70-200 USM is very smooth and quiet. The 24-85 is USM and should be the same. I like the speed of the Sigma though. It just helps stay out of the 800 and 1600 ISO ranges and keeps the grain down. I think the lenses are close to the same size so travel should be about the same. At time it would be nice to have the lense that goes to 85 so I don't have to change lenses but, it's a matter of give and take. I opted for the speed. I don't regret it. One more point, the 82mm filter size of the sigma renders the pop up flash almost useless at any focal length greater than 28mm or pics taken at close range. Good luck.

RichW said:

Rich

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Been there done that.....and in this case surely the Sigma 24-70 2.8EX DG. Read January's Popular Photography for a review of the Sigma. They agree..

Sigma. Don't even think about it. It's good lens.

All pictures below are made with this lens. What interesting, I found my Sigma a bit sharper than my Canon 28-135. I did not believe my eyes.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/62CA84A01CB2A48

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

Hello again

I also have the 38-135 IS from Canon, but stop using it.

Roine

Andrei said:

All pictures below are made with this lens. What interesting, I
found my Sigma a bit sharper than my Canon 28-135. I did not
believe my eyes.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/62CA84A01CB2A48

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

[email protected] / http://www.roine.nu

I can't say that I've stopped using mine completely, by definitly I found out that the Sigma is attached to my D30 now much more than Canon 28-135. As to me it was deliberate choice: I've analized very carefully what and how I've been shooting for the last year with my Tamron 20-40 and Canon 28-135. I found that most of my pictures are in 22-80 range. Yes, Canon 24-85 was also a good choice, but I also shoot indoor a lot and I prefer to have more ambient light, what means 2.8. That's why I chose Sigma's fixed aperture 2.8 and its 24mm.

I wish Sigma to be a bit lighter though But with monopod in many situations the life is just happier.

To cover the range past 70 I've ordered today Canon 70-200 F4.0 I can't say It was easy decision. I've already been ready to buy Sigma 70-200 F.8 (It's good, it's BLACK (who and why did Canon's L lens white ?????), it has fast AF and it's 2.8. But, guys, it weights like artillery shell ) And taking into consideration that I need this range mostly outdoor, I've finally decided to go for the Canon's F4.0 light weight.

Now I'm looking at my Tamron 20-40 2.7-3.5 and Canon 28-135 and deciding if I should sell it or keep it. Dilemma though

Roine Karlsson said:

I also have the 38-135 IS from Canon, but stop using it.

Roine

Andrei said:

All pictures below are made with this lens. What interesting, I
found my Sigma a bit sharper than my Canon 28-135. I did not
believe my eyes.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/62CA84A01CB2A48

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
[email protected] / http://www.roine.nu

Click to expand...

I don't have the Sigma lens, but I do have the Canon lens. All I can say is that the Sigma lens fits my need better. I would take the Sigma lens even though I have not used it before.

Chieh
--Camera Hacker - http://www.CameraHacker.com/

Only avg rating and heavy -see link below. I'm sticking with primes since I have the 50 mm also -- debating on the wide though -- you can get the canon 20 mm f2.8 at Delta for just about the same money.

MAC

http://www.photozone.de/

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the feedback!

Looks like I'll be going with the Sigma 24-70 F2.8 EX DG. I'll be sure to post some pictures with my new lens. Thanks again

I had a Sigma 24-70mm/2.8 and was unhappy with it. I bought a Tokina 28-70mm/f2.8 and i am much happier with it

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

Why were you unhappy with the Sigma lens? I've heard great things about the Tokina lens, but I thought the 24mm wide angle would give me better range considering the 1.6x effect.

Thanks,
riva

Scott Sanders said:

I had a Sigma 24-70mm/2.8 and was unhappy with it. I bought a
Tokina 28-70mm/f2.8 and i am much happier with it

Click to expand...

If you are gonna get a Sigma get the 28-70mm/2.8. The 24mm has more distortion and more flare. I went ahead and got the Tokina since it is a little better built quality. Of couse it also depends on what model you get. Check this page out http://www.cmpsolv.com/cgi-bin/output2.cgi?Manu=2.+Canon+EOS+compatible&Type=2.+standard+Zooms&Aperture=2.+f%2F2.8&Sort=1.+overall+Performance It has the lens rated for best to worse

Riva Milliken said:

Thanks,
riva

Scott Sanders said:

I had a Sigma 24-70mm/2.8 and was unhappy with it. I bought a
Tokina 28-70mm/f2.8 and i am much happier with it

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Riva Milliken said:

Hi all,

I'm a d30 newbie and so far only have the 50mm 1.4 lens. I've
learned so much using this lens and I love the sharpness and color
I get with it. However, I'm finding I need a mid-range zoom now.
I've done a lot of research and with my limited budget ($500 max)
find that these two lenses appear to fit my needs. I mostly take
family photos and but also need a good travelling lens.

Because of the 1.6x mulitplier, I'd like to have 24 mm for wide
angle. I like the range of the Canon better, but I also like the
constant 2.8f of the Sigma (though I'm not sure if it's usable
through the whole range.) I'm also concerned with the build and
quailty of each. Eventually, I'd like to graduate to a 24-105 2.8L
lens (if that ever materializes) but I'm hoping this lens will make
due in the mean time.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
riva

Click to expand...

I have the 24-85 canon zoom which I use for professional work, and it is superb. I have a feeling that if you use non canon lenses you won't get as much help from canon (Although I have to stress that this is only my opinion) when you need their support. I had an error 84 messsage on my D30(lens communication problem) and the first thing they asked me was whether the lens was canon or not. The constant 2.8 aperture of the Sigma would be nice though--Chris Clark