Lens adivce please

[Goatsmilkuk]

Does anyone use or have a working knowledge of the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro?

I now use a 40D and am about to buy a Bowens 500w 2 head kit as I want to start taking portraits (sold my 1200 bandit to fund the project), I have purchased myself a 50mm F1.8 which I will use most of the time, but would like something with wider options to use indoors when I don't have the room to step back to get group shots in the frame.

I have asked this question of others and they tend to recommend the Canon 17-40L, 24-70L or 24-105L. I do worry that the 17 which will be 27mm on my 40D may not be wide enough at times, I still have my 18-55 kit lens from my 300D and like the range it gives me but would like something optically better.

I want to get all the kit together and practice, practice, practice on friends and family (already got some who are willing) before I go near any real customers.

Is the Sigma worth getting or does it have to be L glass?

Thanks in advance

Stu

[Goatsmilkuk]

No Sigma 18-50 users here then :\, looks like taking my camera to the shops getting some shots with the different lenses and taking it from there I think.

[Stephen]

Check this site out Stu http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1008/cat/2

I'm not a Sigma user, though they generally have a good reputation. Patrick has several and he seems to swear by them

[Josh Bear]

Hi,

I used to have a sigma 18-125mm with my 20D. I was very very happy with it. In fact hardly came off the camera.

Today my primary lens is a canon but I do have a sigma 70-200 2.8 and the quality is superb. Sorry this is not about the actual lens you are looking for but IMHO sigma produce good lenses.

Best Regards

Josh

[Goatsmilkuk]

Cheers both

I have a couple of Sigma lenses a 50-500 and 55-200 I find them both very good, I suppose this is one of the many reasons I am leaning that way, I know that Canon L lenses are very good and many swear by them, but I do wonder if they are that much better in the long run, as the lens will be used mainly for shots of people then if it's not over sharp I imagine this will be a bonus, as I believe softer may be more flattering for some.

Thanks again

Stu

[Patrick]

Hi,

I used to have a sigma 18-125mm with my 20D. I was very very happy with it. In fact hardly came off the camera.

Today my primary lens is a canon but I do have a sigma 70-200 2.8 and the quality is superb. Sorry this is not about the actual lens you are looking for but IMHO sigma produce good lenses.

Best Regards

Josh

I don't have the particular Sigma you planning on buying, but as Stephen says I swear by them, I have four and one is the 70-200 f2.8 mentioned by Josh and I concur it a top notch lens. As long as its an EX lens, and the one you are looking at is then I would go for it, I bet you will be pleased.


Patrick

[Patrick]

Cheers both

I have a couple of Sigma lenses a 50-500 and 55-200 I find them both very good, I suppose this is one of the many reasons I am leaning that way, I know that Canon L lenses are very good and many swear by them, but I do wonder if they are that much better in the long run, as the lens will be used mainly for shots of people then if it's not over sharp I imagine this will be a bonus, as I believe softer may be more flattering for some.

Thanks again

Stu

It will be sharp don't worry about that.

Patrick