Sigma Lens

[Rebbecca Castillo]

Ok all you lens gurus out there- I am looking at purchasing a Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 aspherical macro lens. I have a Sony a230 and have found this lens dirt cheap on Amazon. Don't want to pass it up if it is any good, but don't want to be stuck with a crappy lens either. Online review range from excellent to fair/poor, so what are your thoughts? Thanks guys

[Richard R Tuckey]

is there any way you can get a money back guarantee

[Chris]

Not sure about that particular one. However, I do have a Sigma 10-22 Ultrawide, and I absolutely love it. It was half the price of Nikon's 12-24 Ultrawide. For my amateur eye, absolutely no complaints. From the wallet too.

[Karen]

As sony users, we have an awesome resource in dyxum.com. It lists 2 versions of the lens, both discontinued, and don't rate either very high. Is this a used lens? I have a sony a55 and some of the Sigma lens don't work with the newer SLT cameras. Sigma will fix current lens but not old ones (depends how old). While this lens would work with your current camera, it may not be compatible with future cameras.
Here's the page on dyxum with the info about the lens:
http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/resultsAdv.asp?txtMaxFocal=&srto=def&txtName=&Submit=Search&selDLens=sAll&selSLT=sAll&chbLensType=3&txtMinFocal=&hdFormSubmited=Submited&selProduction=sAll&selCoverage=sAll&selAFDrive=sAll&chbManufacturer=3&offset=30

[Rebbecca Castillo]

@moncooga thanks Chris! I'm really more interested in having the macro function, and for the price it sound pretty darn good.

@rrt Thanks Richard- I with Amazon it does have a manufactures warranty, and if I'm not satisfied with it I guess I could ebay it.

[Josh Sudweeks]

I'd stay away from this lens. The sigma lenses that aren't in the EX line are very poor quality.

If you're looking for a good all around lens, I'd go with this one -- http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-17-50mm-Aspherical-Minolta-Digital/dp/B000EXOXUQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1297732058&sr=1-1

And if you're looking for a budget macro lens, try this one -- http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-50mm-Macro-Minolta-Cameras/dp/B0002P19QM

I really like Sigma, I've owned 6 different sigma lenses, but if it's not an EX lens, it's no good. (and I'm not a big fan of a few that are EX)

[kelli tolocka]

i have the sigma 105mm macro lens and absolutely love it. i have several photos on my 365 that i used it for. great quality and have never had any issues with it.

[MattyB]

I have no problem with a 3rd party lens but since I have started this project I have really started to understand the convenience and importance of having a low aperture number throughout. With that said, I PERSONALLY am going to shoot for a 'fast' lens (2.8 or lower) for my next purchase. I have a 70-300 4.5-5.6 and I can't use it unless it's sunny out or I have a flash on it. Just a thought.....take it for what it's worth. I have no experience with that lens or a macro, so I am sort of limited, I just wanted to add my 2 cents!!

[Stephen]

@rebcastillo77 What is your current lens line-up?

[Rebbecca Castillo]

@mattyb @agthunderbird Thanks guys I currently have the stock 18-55mm that came with my Sony, as well as a 50mm f/1.8 which I love, but I'd really love to have a macro for snow flakes and flowers (MAN how girlie do I sound LOL).
@kellitolocka Thanks Kelli- I'll take a look :D
@sudweeks Thanks for the info and links

Also I have just purchased a macro light ring as well as an off camera flash, so I'm hoping these will help off set any lighting issues.

[Sue Beatty]

Rebbecca, I have a sigma 150-500 and I get some incredible shots (wildlife) with it. Mike Yip who does Vancouver Island Birds recommended it to me - he has the one that goes up to 800 and he's pretty famous in these parts. However, it is awful in low light - I was shooting brant geese and a juvenile eagle yesterday and not one turned out. Now, I was shooting in sports mode which often works well for me and I think in manual and time to meter I would have been ok.

I'd say if you're shooting macro with it you'd have time to set up your shot and it'll work for you. As I say, I love mine when the conditions are right or I have the time to set up a shot but with wildlife that's not always the way it goes.

Have you considered the kenko tubes? I tried them before I got my true macro lens and they were good.

[Carlita Edwardo]

@moncooga what body does it go on?

[Carlita Edwardo]

I have the Sigma 150mm macro (also bought a macro light ring ... still to trial) and it's a corker! looking at the 24-70 EX ect et al. range for my canon ... understand the wider ones vignette too much on a full frame

[Chris]

The 10-22 I have (if that is what you are referring to, is for my Nikons. However, I think they make it for other bodies too.