sigma 70-300mm or 28-300mm? I just got a Canon 350D (Rebel XT) with the kit lens and would like my next lens to be a zoom telephoto.I think I've narrowed it down to between the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO and the Sigma 28-300mm 4/3.5-6.3. Does anyone have any suggestions on which one is better quality and/or more worth buying? sigma 70-300mm or 28-300mm? I just got a Canon 350D (Rebel XT) with the kit lens and would like my next lens to be a zoom telephoto.I think I've narrowed it down to between the Sigma... » Read More sigma 70-300mm or 28-300mm? I just got a Canon 350D (Rebel XT) with the kit lens and would like my next lens to be a zoom telephoto.I think I've narrowed it down to between the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO and the Sigma 28-300mm 4/3.5-6.3. Does anyone have any suggestions on which one is better quality and/or more worth buying? « Show Less
102791
Don't fool around. Go with the 28-300mm. Less lens changes and it just the perfect walk around lens. I know, I've been shooting for 35 years.
102792
You might want to look at the Canon 28-135mm lens. I shoot with a 350 D Rebel too, and was unhappy with 18-55mm lens that came with the camera. So after about 2 months of evaluating MANY lenses, I bought the 28-135mm and have NEVER looked back. I've had mine for nearly 6 months and it's a dynamic walk-around lens. It's decent macro to wide zoom and has proven to be fast enough to shoot at dusk and in the night to get full moon and fireworks shots. I am a fiend for shooting traffic late at night, this lens is GREAT for that as well. It's worth a 1st, 2nd and, 3rd look if you are in the market for great moderate priced lenses. You might want to look at the Canon 28-135mm lens. I shoot with a 350 D Rebel too, and was unhappy with 18-55mm lens that came with the camera. So after about 2 months of evaluating MANY lenses, I bought the 28-135mm and have NEVER looked back. I've had mine for nearly 6 months and it's a dynamic walk-around lens. It's decent macro to wide zoom and has proven to be fast enough to shoot at dusk and in the night to get full moon and fireworks shots. I am a fiend for shooting traffic late at night, this lens is GREAT for that as well. It's worth a 1st, 2nd and, 3rd look... » Read More You might want to look at the Canon 28-135mm lens. I shoot with a 350 D Rebel too, and was unhappy with 18-55mm lens that came with the camera. So after about 2 months of evaluating MANY lenses, I bought the 28-135mm and have NEVER looked back. I've had mine for nearly 6 months and it's a dynamic walk-around lens. It's decent macro to wide zoom and has proven to be fast enough to shoot at dusk and in the night to get full moon and fireworks shots. I am a fiend for shooting traffic late at night, this lens is GREAT for that as well. It's worth a 1st, 2nd and, 3rd look if you are in the market for great moderate priced lenses. « Show Less
537013
TVM,Thanks for the heads-up on the Sigma. A popular photo mag just this month had a review on a Sigma lens - 18mm/250mm. They gave it a big thumbs up so I'll keep checking up on Sigma for quality and suitability/cost-effectiveness for the T1i. I'll already start some reading up on the 150mm/500mm. BTW - that "500" # sounds juicy. Per Tech's comment (and I educated myself more on what he was talking about) what with a 1.4 or 1.6 mag ratio that 500mm max zoom should be more like in the 700's. I guess that means a quality tripod (read "triple digits") is in the cards too. TVM,Thanks for the heads-up on the Sigma. A popular photo mag just this month had a review on a Sigma lens - 18mm/250mm. They gave it a big thumbs up so I'll keep checking up on Sigma for quality and suitability/cost-effectiveness for the T1i. I'll already start some reading up on the 150mm/500mm. BTW - that "500" # sounds juicy. Per Tech's comment (and I educated myself more on what he was talking about) what with a 1.4 or 1.6 mag ratio that 500mm max zoom should be more like in the 700's. I guess that means a quality tripod (read "triple digits") is in the... » Read More TVM,Thanks for the heads-up on the Sigma. A popular photo mag just this month had a review on a Sigma lens - 18mm/250mm. They gave it a big thumbs up so I'll keep checking up on Sigma for quality and suitability/cost-effectiveness for the T1i. I'll already start some reading up on the 150mm/500mm. BTW - that "500" # sounds juicy. Per Tech's comment (and I educated myself more on what he was talking about) what with a 1.4 or 1.6 mag ratio that 500mm max zoom should be more like in the 700's. I guess that means a quality tripod (read "triple digits") is in the cards too. « Show Less
765802
The 70-300 is a manual focus lens. I shoot with a D5100, once you focus your diopter adjustment on the viewfinder and with a little practice, you can take some really cool shots.
1375143
if I were taking a photo across a regular type street. fairly well.. it will be clear but not seem that "close" some of the photos I have are very sharp . but I always felt like I would of liked to get closer.. my initial impression was I was disappointed . A 300 is better, but neither take a tele lens very well. if I had it over to do Id just go with a 600
1561300
So now I am wondering just what I am missing with regards to buying this lens for use on a DSLR like the Canon EOS 5D versus the much more expensive "EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM for EOS SLR"???
725617
I use my Sigma religiously! It has actually become my favorite lens! As far as a comparison, I do not own a Canon version and have not tried one. Many reviews here http://reviews.cnet.com/lenses/sigma-apo-70-200mm/4505-13038_7-35643871.html
801145
I would also like to hear about this from someone who knows. I was planning on getting the kit lens and buying the 70-300mm VR Nikkor lens with it thinking that the VR technology makes them superior, but most people are very unimpressed with the kit lens. One reviewer was raving about Sigma lenses for the D90, such as Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras. I am now seriously rethinking my lens purchase plan.
2173346
The best review of these two lenses in on Ken Rockwell's website. I currently have the Canon35 1.4 and the 35 2.0 non-is. I also had the 35 2.0 IS but sold it and then got the non-IS on eBay. Why? The IS is great but big and I was looking to put together a lighter combo than the 5DMK3 and 1.4. I have a 6D that fits the bill and thought the new 35 IS would work well as an everyday combo to carry around. The image quality is very good but it is big. So, I sold it, found a good version of the non-IS, and in combination with the 6D it meets all my needs. Good quality images, smaller lens, less weight.
103727
Rocky ... Good news! while I can't answer with certainty, the Sigma web site has a table for all their lenses including the 2X teleconverter and it's compatibility with your Sigma 70-300mm apo dg lens. I can also highly recommend calling and talking to a Sigma representative.
1732814
Not sure what kit you have. I have Pentax. From what I read, and judging by the price, the 18-35 1.8 may be better, but the 17-70 has a longer reach which comes in handy for a walkaround lens. I have the Pentax FA 50 1.4 prime, and the Sigma can match it at 50mm, so long as there is enough light and you can shoot faster than say 1/20. I have almost retired my 35mm 2.4, 40mm2.8 and 50mm 1.4 primes since I got the sigma, since I have on the Pentax K3 most of the time. Of course I will use the primes under certain conditions, but for a walkaround, the sigma does an excellent job. I considered the 18-35mm, but since I already have this one, I will be interested if the improve IQ is worth the extra money, since the 17-70 has the extra reach.
1647403
Sound like you have a nice kit, but does sound like and upgrade is in order For your t3 this would make a great but quit long portrait lens, and a good lens for some sports. Keep in mind though it is not a zoom. One person here mentions the 70-200 f2.5 zoom which is a great lens for what you should consider. I would put it on a full frame body or the 7d. One more thing I would not trade, as I said you have a nice kit. In yur shoes I would spring for the 7d body and this lens for starters. Keep your curent kit for backup. The 50mm f1.4 would be something I would want to great portrait lens for t3 and 7d. Sound like you have a nice kit, but does sound like and upgrade is in order For your t3 this would make a great but quit long portrait lens, and a good lens for some sports. Keep in mind though it is not a zoom. One person here mentions the 70-200 f2.5 zoom which is a great lens for what you should consider. I would put it on a full frame body or the 7d. One more thing I would not trade, as I said you have a nice kit. In yur shoes I would spring for the 7d body and this lens for starters. Keep your curent kit for backup. The 50mm f1.4 would be something I would want to great portrait lens... » Read More Sound like you have a nice kit, but does sound like and upgrade is in order For your t3 this would make a great but quit long portrait lens, and a good lens for some sports. Keep in mind though it is not a zoom. One person here mentions the 70-200 f2.5 zoom which is a great lens for what you should consider. I would put it on a full frame body or the 7d. One more thing I would not trade, as I said you have a nice kit. In yur shoes I would spring for the 7d body and this lens for starters. Keep your curent kit for backup. The 50mm f1.4 would be something I would want to great portrait lens for t3 and 7d. « Show Less
1357470
I never owned 28-70 but been told that it's a great lens with excellent image quality. I have the 24-70 and it's my go-to lens for all purpose shooting on a full-frame body. Superb IQ at premium price but has no VR.I believe 28-70 is slightly heavier, shorter and fatter than 24-70; however, build quality of both 28-70 and 24-70 is excellent. Are you not satisfied with the IQ of 28-70? Do you need something wider than 28mm? Are you using DX or FX body? Like the last commenter, I too would miss 24mm wide angle if I had 28-70. If I had a 28-70, I would sell it and buy 24-70 Nikon, but that's me.http://betterfamilyphotos.blogspot.com/2012/04/nikon-28-70-28d-vs-nikon-24-70-28g.html I never owned 28-70 but been told that it's a great lens with excellent image quality. I have the 24-70 and it's my go-to lens for all purpose shooting on a full-frame body. Superb IQ at premium price but has no VR.I believe 28-70 is slightly heavier, shorter and fatter than 24-70; however, build quality of both 28-70 and 24-70 is excellent. Are you not satisfied with the IQ of 28-70? Do you need something wider than 28mm? Are you using DX or FX body? Like the last commenter, I too would miss 24mm wide angle if I had 28-70. If I had a 28-70, I would sell it and buy 24-70 Nikon, but... » Read More I never owned 28-70 but been told that it's a great lens with excellent image quality. I have the 24-70 and it's my go-to lens for all purpose shooting on a full-frame body. Superb IQ at premium price but has no VR.I believe 28-70 is slightly heavier, shorter and fatter than 24-70; however, build quality of both 28-70 and 24-70 is excellent. Are you not satisfied with the IQ of 28-70? Do you need something wider than 28mm? Are you using DX or FX body? Like the last commenter, I too would miss 24mm wide angle if I had 28-70. If I had a 28-70, I would sell it and buy 24-70 Nikon, but that's me.http://betterfamilyphotos.blogspot.com/2012/04/nikon-28-70-28d-vs-nikon-24-70-28g.html « Show Less
198487
I'm using Sigma lens on my Rebel T4i. I bought them for my Canon Rebel XT years ago. These lens have Canon mounts on them. I didn,t get enought time with this camera to see if it is as good as the older Rebel
1069243
I own both. This is sharper and faster to focus than the 70-300. With either lens, "faster" is not a consideration. Both lenses are sharpest at f8 and require plenty of bright light. BTW, the lens hood from the 70-300 works on this version for those wondering...
464449
For me its the lens I hd to have and I'm very happy with it. 35mm equivalent is one of my two favorite focal lengths 85mm (new XF 56) is the other. I also like the clutch based manual focus. The 23 is the lens I use the most. Only take out the 18-55 when I need to travel lighter.
1936613
The 55-300 takes nice, sharp photos, and focuses fast enough if lighting is good. It's easier to lug around if taking a lot of pictures. I own the 55-300 and know its limitations, and it is a fine lens for the price.From what I've read about the 70-300:The 70-300 is a step up in build quality, focuses faster but you'll feel the weight if you are lugging it around for awhile.So it depends on what you are going to use the lens for.If you really want the best in quality, go for a fast 2.8 lens - great quality pictures with shallow depth of field and fast focusing. NOTE: Lenses are a long-term purchase more than cameras are. I have a Sigma HSM 70-200 2.8 lens I bought long ago that still works great with my d90. The 55-300 takes nice, sharp photos, and focuses fast enough if lighting is good. It's easier to lug around if taking a lot of pictures. I own the 55-300 and know its limitations, and it is a fine lens for the price.From what I've read about the 70-300:The 70-300 is a step up in build quality, focuses faster but you'll feel the weight if you are lugging it around for awhile.So it depends on what you are going to use the lens for.If you really want the best in quality, go for a fast 2.8 lens - great quality pictures with shallow depth of field... » Read More The 55-300 takes nice, sharp photos, and focuses fast enough if lighting is good. It's easier to lug around if taking a lot of pictures. I own the 55-300 and know its limitations, and it is a fine lens for the price.From what I've read about the 70-300:The 70-300 is a step up in build quality, focuses faster but you'll feel the weight if you are lugging it around for awhile.So it depends on what you are going to use the lens for.If you really want the best in quality, go for a fast 2.8 lens - great quality pictures with shallow depth of field and fast focusing. NOTE: Lenses are a long-term purchase more than cameras are. I have a Sigma HSM 70-200 2.8 lens I bought long ago that still works great with my d90. « Show Less
305386
I recently purchased an XT myself. My understanding is that if your not making posters, those 2 MP are not worth the difference in price. In all the research I did (and I did a lot), most everyone has said save your money for the lenses. A good lens is what's really going to make the difference in photography with the Canon Rebel.