Nov 4
Gear talk
I’ve had a few Sigma lenses in the past and I didn’t like any of them, so I swore that I will never get another. But last spring when I was on the lookout for a real wideangle, I thought the 15mm diagonal fish-eye would be a fun lens to challenge my usual narrow field of view. It had gotten good reviews and I wasn’t disappointed, I think it’s just about as sharp as expected. Except, I’ve failed the challenge so I haven’t used the lens much. Just can’t figure out those darn wide angles!
So, having finally gotten a Sigma lens that was up to something, I thought I’d take my chances with another EX lens with rave reviews. I chose the 150mm over 180mm mostly due the lighter weight, but I also wanted an f2.8 instead of f3.5. I’m hoping that this lens will spare me from choosing between the 100mm and 300mm lens for my outings. I had to give up lugging both of them because it’s just too much weight for me to carry up a mountain and then down again.
I was planning to post some sample pictures with the new lens, but I’ve hurt my back and I’m in no condition to leave the house and carry the camera and tripod with me, so the pictures will have to wait. Yes, the new lens is heavy enough to require a tripod so I won’t be able to do as much hand-held macro work as I used to with the 100mm lens, we’ll find out next summer if I can live with that.
Other new gear I’ve bought to replace old is an L-bracket for the 40D. It’s a lot bulkier than the 20D ditto, owing to the change of construction with the remote socket in the camera. And having mentioned the 20D L-bracket, I’m selling it - just let me know if you’re interested!
Other stuff I have to sell is a pile of step-up rings and filters that have accumulated over the years (ad). Once I get rid of these odds and ends, I’m done with the gear exchange. Until I find something else that I absolutely must have…
Ok, now we are talking about Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Good for you, bad for your wallet
I had a bad experience with the Sigma 150, but probably I just waited too much AND shot with too small apertures! The lens I tested was excellent with large and moderate apertures. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the lens! Hope you get better soon too.
I have gone through a BIG issue with my gear. First I was planning to get the new D3 full frame body, but then I started thinking I’m gonna loose some reach. So, no go. Then I was dreaming of the Sigma 500/4.5, and got a very good offer for it. Didn’t take that route either but went with the 300/2.8 VR instead. The lens is big and heavy but also very fast and sharp. Got it for a very good price, bargain I’d say. Few weeks ago I bought the 105/2.8 VR macro lens, but I’m not sure if I like it or not. The VR is nice but of little use in close-up work. The lens produces a bit CA which I do hate, my old Tamron 90/2.8 is optically better. I might be trading that lens into Tamron 180/3.5 or Sigma 150/2.8, who knows…
Wow 300mm f2.8… I hope to see some pictures soon! My travel partner in Canada had the Canon ditto and it sure was big. I have to go for the lighter lenses, because a lens that’s too heavy to carry is a lens I never I use. Luckily, my wallet also prefers the lighter lenses.
But then of course there is the question of aperture - I’d sure pick f2.8 anytime if I had the choice.
I never think about getting a full frame body either. Macro or wildlife, I’m happy the focal length gets an automatic 1.6x extension!
Without getting into any Canon vs Nikon arguments, I think the 105mm VR macro lens would be the one thing that would make me choose Nikon over Canon if I would have to start from scratch now. I used the 100mm macro hand-held a lot, and I hope that one day Canon will make a macro lens with IS. I wouldn’t think twice about getting it, almost regardless of the price tag on it!
I hope I got lucky with my copy of the Sigma, I’ll try to find something to shoot with it next weekend…