Just realized the non VC version is $100 less (~$389) vs the VC version (~$499). Is the VC a must have?

Not really, at those focus lengths and the fact that it's f2.8

If you can afford it, the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 seems to be a killer new fast kit lens.

I'm thinking of trading in my 17-70 for one! :)
Although I'm also looking at the 18-50 which is less than half the price but of course you lose out on the OS and the HSM

the focus is pretty awful on my friend's 18-50

i'd go for the 17-50, and test it thoroughly in a store. you can read up on the QC in flickr forums

I have the Sigma 18-50 and it's great. No problems focusing, etc.

Sigma did used to have QC problems - but that was many years ago. I wouldn't expect you to have any issues with any that you buy now...

The Tamron 17-50 non-VC is supposed to be just as good though, maybe even marginally better for around the same price? I only went with the Sigma because of the 72mm filters, and I had a few filters already from my Sigma 17-70.

hey guys,

I need a good walk around lens

is the Sigma 18-55 DC f2.8 (non macro) lens good? I found one for $150 OBO with a broken aperture (stuck at F2.8). I figure if I buy it and spend $50-$100 fixing it I'll get a pretty nice lens thats right in my budget ...otherwise there's no way I can afford this lens. I need it for a project I'm doing with a friend and we're trying to stay as low budget as possible. It's going on a t2i .. yay or nay?

is that 18-55 a very old model? i've only heard of the 18-50, and the newer 17-50 OS. i don't think an out of warranty fix from Sigma is $50-100.

Nevermind, fail on me. For some reason I kept thinking it was the newer model :speechless:


Eff I'm lost. I just need something that's a good slightly wider lens, that's fairly fast, and has a decent range of zoom (My kit lens would be perfect if its image quality wasn't absolute garbage/it wasn't so slow). It also needs to be fairly sharp (I'm pretty content with the overall sharpness of my cheap prime 50mm f1.8) I'm going to be using it for some portraits, but also going to be used for making movies (Some in low light conditions). I tried looking myself but there's hundreds upon hundreds of lenses that fit my description. My only other request is that it be reasonably priced ~$500. Suggestions? Canon EOS mount please (t2i)

I do not mind buying used at all, if someone on RS is selling something that fits my needs, please let me know! (Rather deal with rs-ers than randoms off craigslist)

ur only choices around 500 is the tamron (non-VC for pictures, VC for video), and the sigma 17-70 2.8-4 macro i think. either will not be anywhere as sharp as your 50 1.8 at their larger apertures.

tamron 17-50 is the only way to go for your price point.

Sorry for the multi, but it's actually the Sigma 18-50 F2.8 .. he made a mistake when posting.

Look at attached pics and advise me please ... I looked around and it seems like a decent lens for the price ... thoughts? Or should I just save up a bit more and go for a nicer lens that's brand new/has warranty?

Meet the seller, bring your camera & laptop so you can pixel peep the quality of the images?

Will do,

I looked it up and it'll cost me ~$50 if the blades are sticking inside the lens, which is pretty reasonable. It'll be more if the actual motor inside is malfunctioning but how can I find out if the motor is malfunctioning? Is the Aperture motor somehow connected to the Autofocus motor, so if it autofocuses I'm good?

Do you guys know off hand/ball park figure how much it'd cost to get a new aperture motor put in? (I've read it ranging from $90 - $170 thru sigma)

This will be replacing my 18-55mm kit lens (Which is a piece of crap imo) which is my walkaround lens. Maybe I can throw that on ebay and recoup a bit of the cost.

whooops, nevermind wrong mount

Anyone using a Nikon 24-70mm F2.8? Consider purchasing that as my next lens. Is it worth the purchase?

Do you have a FX body? It's an FX lens. For FX zooms, you really can't get much better.

Oh, hell yes. We have 5 of the Nikon 24-70 & 4 of the Canon 24-70. The Nikons are all noticeably sharper than the Canon lenses for sure.

Hmm wonder if the Sigma HSM for focus is any faster. That's the only thing I don't like so much on the Tamron.

I'm using a crop. But might eventually upgrade to FX in the future, so if I invest into this lens, I can use it on future bodies.

If Senna says "hell yes", this makes stronger consideration for me to purchase :fullofwin:

He gets commission. :troll: jk
Posted via RS Mobile

Which flash should I get?

I have wireless triggers but haven't had time nor money to buy a flash, and now I have the budget to do so. Budget is $500 incl tax, and I'm shooting with Canon 7D.

I can either stick with Canon (430EX II or a used 580EX I/II) or maybe a Nikon SB-600.

OR.. should I pick up TWO flashes?

Suggestions please! Off-camera flash is new to me. :)

Nissin's Di-866 flashes are quite nice, and they're more than $100 cheaper than the 580EXII. I have one if you want to take a look at it.

Ahhh does your store or anyone else have this locally in stock?

Will try to drop by and check it out, I'll let you know beforehand.