Sigma Lens?

Enygma

Hi,

I'll be buying a Digital SLR of some sort in the new year, probably the 350D. I'd like to get a telephoto lens also maybe something around the 200-300mm mark. Prefereably as big as possible really.

I see Sigma lenses everywhere and they seem really cheap, what's the story? Are they low quality or is it just a branding thing. I don't really care for IS, and AF would be nice but isn't absolutely necessary.

I read somewhere that you should look for lenses that have as small a range as possible, is that true?

I want to shoot surfing mostly so I'll need a fairly decent telephoto lens that'll work in fairly low light. What would you recommend?

Also would you recommend the extra expense of the 20D? 5fps might just win me over.

DotOrg

if you want to shoot surfing, autofocus is essential and IS would be a huge help

the 5fps of the 5D would be very useful for surfing too

sigma lenses are good but not as good as the Canon L series.

if you buy a "superzoom" (ie a huge range of focal lengths) you sacrifice quality over the amazing quality of something like a canon 70-200L

what else apart from surfing do you want to shoot as 300mm lenses have limited uses

do a search for surf at http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_index.html

rymus

While trying to seem as least pedantic as possible.. the 20D is 5fps whereas the 5D is only 3fps. But I'm sure thats what you meant

The Canon L's are great if you have deep pockets (and if you get a good copy). So far I've found every Sigma I've tried to be of excellent quality and very well built. The 24-70 2.8 is a little noisy but it's livewithable.

If money is no object and you like your long lenses, you could always get a Canon 300 prime

Enygma

Thanks for the advice.

I meant the 20Ds 5fps over the 350D's 3fps. The 5D is a little out of my range at the moment. Money is an object I'm afraid

I'll definetely be taking mostly surfing shots, it's my main interest. That's the only "speciality" I'll be going for and I really want to get the best lens possible (within a reasonable budget) for that.

I was thinking a DSLR with a kit lens and a 75-300mm telephoto. This search shows up some fairly ok prices (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=search&Q=&b=8&a=700_6184&shs=&ci=8454&ac=&Submit.x=14&Submit.y=8&Submit=Go)
I'd pay the $420 for the IS alright.

What would ye recommend?

DotOrg

i meant the 5fps of the 20D, i've the 5D on my mind at the moment.....

surfing photographers generally use 200mm and longer as you don't want to be standing next to the sea for long periods with a non-weather sealed camera

this lens is good
but when shooting at 300mm the 5.6 might mean the shutter speeds are getting too low to freeze the surf

IS wouldn't be a huge issue as a monopod would be easy enough to use

this is the cheapest lens i can find which i'd say is useable for surfing

Enygma

Thanks for that. Better start saving I'd say!

DotOrg

there's loads of proper photographic forums out there with people who have experience doing exactly what you want to do, go google surf photography and look at the wealth of info there is out there

nesf

A question, have people who've bought cameras/gear from the US gotten hit for VAT?

I'm just curious, because if VAT is added onto the prices, the cameras and gear are cheaper in the UK (on amazon.co.uk for example) and you get faster delivery.

Zombrex

I have a 70-210mm Canon compat. lense from Sigma and the auto focus is terrible ... but the lense only cost my €99 so as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

The image quality is grand, and I don't use it for action shots anyway, so very fast autofocus isn't a big deal for me. It is something to be aware of if you want to shoot action, a cheap Sigma lens is probably not the way to go.

rymus

indeed.. I have a museum piece sigma 75-300 for an old canon film slr and you could quite literally nick off and have a cup of tea while youre waiting for the thing to focus.

I wouldnt mind trying out the 50-500 sigma for a few surfing shots.

Nesf, I bought a portable storage drive from the US recently and had to pay €30 duty on it. But then again if it's something you can't get over here....

I've found ebay to be the winner hands down so far; you just have to know who you're dealing with so you dont get shafted.

Enygma

I wouldn't like to spend too much on ebay. I guess it's ok if it's one of those Power Sellers with loads of stock.

I'll be in California in Febuary so I'll be buying it out there and bringing it back, shouldn't have to worry too much about customs. I read in a separate thread that Canon won't service US bought bodies though.