Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 EX DG

[996GT2]

After using my 18-55mm VR for a while, I find it too slow to use in situations with moderate to dim lighting. The f/5.6 aperture at 55mm cripples the lens for indoors use, since I have to use ISO 1000 or more to keep the shutter speeds above 1/15 sec or so. Thus, it's only really useful for stationary things even with decent indoor lighting. I've been looking at the Tamron 17-50mm for a while, but recently just saw the Sigma 24-60 for only about $235 (even less if eBay cashback works). It's not as wide at 24mm, but it does maintain the constant f/2.8 aperture.

Other advantages of the Sigma to the 18-55mm I have now: internal focusing, no rotation on focusing, a real focus ring, better build quality, and works with FX as well as DX (not that this last point is particularly important to me since if I upgrade it will be to a D90, not a D700).

Has anyone used the Sigma lens personally? How does it perform?

 

[ElFenix]

why wouldn't the sigma work with a 35 mm format camera?

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
why wouldn't the sigma work with a 35 mm format camera?

I never said it didn't. The Nikon 18-55 VR I have only works with DX, but the Sigma works with DX, FX, and 35mm.

 

[ElFenix]

oh i read that backward

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
oh i read that backward

It's all good

I'm surprised the lens is priced so low ($235), since it's MSRP on the Sigma website is $570.00.

 

[ElFenix]

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews...php/product/202/cat/31

seems like that's just about the normal price.

 

[randomlinh]

sigma's MSRP's are always crazy high. I've heard it's a decent lens, but seems like an odd focal range. The biggest complaints are the lack of a swift quiet motor.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
sigma's MSRP's are always crazy high. I've heard it's a decent lens, but seems like an odd focal range. The biggest complaints are the lack of a swift quiet motor.

Canon and Nikon make lenses in similar focal ranges; for example, the 24-70mm f/2.8L. It's not really that wide at the wide end, but I'd be willing to trade the extra 6mm for a constant f/2.8 aperture. If it focuses anywhere near as fast as my 50mm 1.8 on my D70, then I don't see any issues with the lack of HSM.

The price is just the lowest I've seen yet for a f/2.8 zoom. The well-liked Tamron 17-50 costs 2x as much, and even similar Sigma lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8 cost quite a bit more.

 

[ElFenix]

the tamron 17-50 costs more than it's 28-75 counterpart.

odd that i can find the sigma 24-70 and 28-70 on adorama but not the 24-60. i guess the 24-60 is an older design

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the tamron 17-50 costs more than it's 28-75 counterpart.

odd that i can find the sigma 24-70 and 28-70 on adorama but not the 24-60. i guess the 24-60 is an older design

It does have an aperture ring, so I do think it's a few years older.

Seriously debating whether to get this after I sell my 18-55 VR

 

[angry hampster]

It's *very* highly regarded on the POTN lens forum. Here's reviews at FM:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/rev...3&sort=7&cat=37&page=2

I say go for it. I've owned Sigma's 24-70 EX for about three years and still love it. I'll be selling it this winter to get their new version with ring focusing. (HSM)

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: angry hampster
It's *very* highly regarded on the POTN lens forum. Here's reviews at FM:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/rev...3&sort=7&cat=37&page=2

I say go for it. I've owned Sigma's 24-70 EX for about three years and still love it. I'll be selling it this winter to get their new version with ring focusing. (HSM)

Yeah, I think I'm most likely going to get this.

First things first though...gotta get my 3 week old 18-55 VR sold

 

[Kelvrick]

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-24...&qid=1223358238&sr=8-1

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-24...&qid=1223358238&sr=8-1

Won't do much good on a Nikon.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: angry hampster

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-24...&qid=1223358238&sr=8-1

Won't do much good on a Nikon.

Thankfully the Nikon version costs the same and apparently doesn't seem to have the AF issues that affected the Canon EF version (maybe due to being driven by the camera AF motor and not having its own AF motor?)

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: 996GT2

Originally posted by: randomlinh
sigma's MSRP's are always crazy high. I've heard it's a decent lens, but seems like an odd focal range. The biggest complaints are the lack of a swift quiet motor.

Canon and Nikon make lenses in similar focal ranges; for example, the 24-70mm f/2.8L.

I know they have them, and I feel it fits better for more useful zoom range. To me, it just seemed teh 24-60 is an odd addition in the lineup. But it is pretty cheap

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: 996GT2

Originally posted by: angry hampster

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-24...&qid=1223358238&sr=8-1

Won't do much good on a Nikon.

Thankfully the Nikon version costs the same and apparently doesn't seem to have the AF issues that affected the Canon EF version (maybe due to being driven by the camera AF motor and not having its own AF motor?)

Didn't even notice.

Don't forget the sigma also makes the 24-70, but its more expensive and heavier.

 

[kingoffighers890]

24-70 mm is the best !!!

 

[996GT2]

Just sold my 18-55mm VR for $135 and got the 24-60 f/2.8 from Cameta Camera with Hoya 77mm filter, cleaning kit, 1 year PC Photo subscription, and other accessories for $235 shipped...so only $100 to upgrade.

Will post up some shots when I get it in a few days.

 

[Kelvrick]

If this was slickdeals, I'd ask for a rep.

What kind of hoya filter? If you're interested in filters, hvstar.net usually has some good prices. I plan on ordering some b+w polarizers from them soon.

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
If this was slickdeals, I'd ask for a rep.

What kind of hoya filter? If you're interested in filters, hvstar.net usually has some good prices. I plan on ordering some b+w polarizers from them soon.

Agreed. I always get my filters from there.

 

[randomlinh]

hvstar seems so sketchy. it's not always clear if you're getting a hoya HMC or not. I've bought from them before, but I still prefer to go w/ 2filter. I know I'll get it in a few days too, heh.

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
hvstar seems so sketchy. it's not always clear if you're getting a hoya HMC or not. I've bought from them before, but I still prefer to go w/ 2filter. I know I'll get it in a few days too, heh.

? How is it unclear? Their site is pretty easy to navigate.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
If this was slickdeals, I'd ask for a rep.

What kind of hoya filter? If you're interested in filters, hvstar.net usually has some good prices. I plan on ordering some b+w polarizers from them soon.

I think the filter that came with the lens was just a Hoya G-series 77mm UV filter to be used more for protection than anything.

I know I'll probably be needing a circular polarizer down the road, so I'll checkout hvstar to see how their prices are compared to other places.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: 996GT2

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
If this was slickdeals, I'd ask for a rep.

What kind of hoya filter? If you're interested in filters, hvstar.net usually has some good prices. I plan on ordering some b+w polarizers from them soon.

I think the filter that came with the lens was just a Hoya G-series 77mm UV filter to be used more for protection than anything.

I know I'll probably be needing a circular polarizer down the road, so I'll checkout hvstar to see how their prices are compared to other places.

The thing is, since you're going to leave it on the lens for protection, you should get a nice multi-coated one so it doesn't affect quality. Your call though.