New lens - Sigma vs. Canon

[MTL18]

Hello,

First post on CR! Been a long time follower.

I have a 60D with an 18-200mm and 50mm f/1.8. I'm buying my next lens this spring and have my eye on the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8.

I have weighed the options of the fast lens vs. IS of the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 and am leaning more to the sigma. Primary reasons are that I am unsure how useful IS really is in the 18-35 range and with my 50mm f/1.8, I don't really care about the reach difference between 35 and 55.

I should also add that I own a tripod and am interested in the 18-xx range because my 18-200 is not very good at the 18 range. I take lots of pictures of family and this range is very nice on the crop sensor.

Does anyone have any input on this? Any reason to not buy the Sigma? Just trying to make sure I don't spend $1000 on the wrong lens.

Appreciate any replies.

 

[Loswr]

Welcome!

I think the 17-55/2.8 is the best general purpose lens for APS-C. The Sigma 18-35 doesn't really fit into that category, since 'general purpose' is typically considered moderate wide angle to short tele, and 35mm on crop is still 'normal'.

However, if I still used a crop body, the 18-35 would be very tempting. If you don't mind swapping lenses when you need more reach, the Sigma is a great choice.

 

[Dylan777]

I had 17-55 back in 2008, was shooting with 40D & 60D. This is a GREAT lens.

Haven't touch the Sigma 18-35 f1.8 yet, no comment. As Neuro mentioned, "the 18-35 would be very tempting"

Will be diff. decision

 

[AcutancePhotography]

Image quality, the 18-35 is great. But this is a big and heavy lens. Go to a shop and try it out to see if it is light enough for you to carry around. I was surprised at the size and weight, but not surprised at the imager quality.

 

[MTL18]

Thanks for all the replies. I tried both and bought the Sigma. It was heavier, but the metal construction and internal movements justified the weight. I really liked that the lens didn't expand/shrink as zoom changed, and the image quality was excellent.

So far I am very impressed with the colours in the pictures. They appear so bright, vivid, and crisp. I'll learn more over time but so far so good!

 

[mackguyver]

Thanks for all the replies. I tried both and bought the Sigma. It was heavier, but the metal construction and internal movements justified the weight. I really liked that the lens didn't expand/shrink as zoom changed, and the image quality was excellent.

So far I am very impressed with the colours in the pictures. They appear so bright, vivid, and crisp. I'll learn more over time but so far so good!

MTL18, welcome to CR and congrats on the new lens. It looks like quite a package from what I've seen. There are lots of photo threads on this forum and people are positive and friendly with feedback 99% of the time, so we'd love to see your work as you start using the new lens.