Looking for some advice before buying.

ispyej wrote:

Hello everyone- first post here. Hope I'm using this right.

I've had experience of photography before, as I own a m4/3 camera and have used DSLRs before (both Canon and Nikon). I want to take my photography to the next level, and after some (a lot!!) of research, I concluded that the feel, image quality and AF performance of the 760D is the right combination for me.

So my situation is this. In Britain the 760D (body only) is £509.

Because I've experienced the limitations of kit lenses, I've made the decision to spend a little extra of my budget on a decent lens. Again, after research (and trying it on the 760D), I believe the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 fits the bill at an extra £279. I feel this will be a great all rounder for my landscape, close-up and wildlife shots. I know 50mm isn't long enough for most wildlife, but in my area there are some very friendly squirrels/birds! Also, down the line I plan on adding a 55-250mm to my kit.

My question to you guys is this: Do you think the Sigma 17-50 is the best value lens for this Canon body?

It is a very good lens, and the best f2.8 zoom bargain.

The ability to get more shallow DOF than the f3.5-5.6 kit lens is valuable in my opinion, and I would go for the Sigma over the kitlens for sure. Also, the Sigma has a bit better optics (I saw someone above post it does not). So, sure, go for that Sigma.

A few downsides to the Sigma choice though:

DPP 4 will not offer a lens profile so no deconvolution and lens correction functionality for RAW files with that lens. And with flash photography it may give misfocus when using the flash gun's IR fcous grid pattern.

Do you have any other suggestions? I'm open to considering two cheaper lenses that add up to around the budget of the Sigma's price tag.

Not if f2.8 is what you are after.

It is a lot of money, and although I think I've done as much research as I can before writing this, it'd be great to get any opinions of yours before I take the plunge on Black Friday (hoping there'll be a good deal!).

Thanks!