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05-09-2011, 12:09 PM   #1
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Standard zoom lens choices

I'm having trouble deciding between which wide-standard/short tele zoom to buy. This will pretty much be my walk around lens when I don't feel like using my M42 lenses. So these are my choices so far, they all range between the $300-500 price range
Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD-IF
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS
Sigma 24-60mm f2.8 EX DG Lens
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO (AF Lens)

I've been shooting mainly with primes 35mm and 50mm, so I'm not quite sure if I need anything as wide as the Sigma 17-70mm. But, I added it into the list even though its missing the constant f/2.8.

I've read the reviews in the lens database, but just wanted to hear more opinions on which will suit me better. I shoot mainly portrait and candid shots but the added macro/close focus feature on some of these catch my interest.
So, other than that, which lens is best in terms of optical quality closest to that of primes like my SMC 50mm/1.4 & which is easier to manual focus if need be?

05-09-2011, 01:49 PM   #2
YJD
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I have the sigma 17-70 and I love it, but my Pentax K100D Super is in AF, I cannot change the focus manually. Don't know if it's my camera or the lens. With that lens you can do close focus which is the reason I have it.

The Tamron 28-75 is great too for portraits but I don't have it, which I could have it!
05-09-2011, 02:15 PM   #3
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I have the tammy and i'm in love with it...close focus is a good added feature that is very handy (my real macro lens is having less use since i bought the tam).
I like the range for a walkaround (and since i got a 8-16 i rarely miss the 17-28 range missing on the Tammy) and the constant aperture.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Close focus example.

I think that constant f2,8 aperture is a great asset for a zoom lens...(even if f4 is just a stop away).
05-09-2011, 03:00 PM   #4
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I think 24-xx or 28-xx is not wide enough. I'd go with a 17-70.

05-09-2011, 03:09 PM   #5
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Thanks for the replies, very nice shot there Coeurdechene. Not having a constant 2.8 aperture like the others is kind of what's swaying me away from the 17-70 even if it's just a stop difference.
So far though, searching around online, the Tam 28-75 seems to be topping my list at the moment.
I'm thinking I won't miss the UWA too much as I plan to buy a dedicated prime for that in the future anyways. Possibly the da14 or da15 b/c of a certain lens club thread feeding the LBA monster inside me.
05-09-2011, 03:39 PM   #6
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Gpoing to have to go with the 17-70 out f those choices the 27ish isn't wide enough in my opinion for the aps-c sensor for film it might be good.
05-09-2011, 03:45 PM   #7
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I have the Sigma 17-70 and, well, I admit I simply hate it. I can't wait to swap it for a Tammy 28-75. I can't understand the love for the 17-70.

I do have some nice shots taken with the 17-70, but it's pathetic under f5.6 and the colours and contrast need work in PP to make the image acceptable. The AF is hit and miss, and the zoom ring goes the wrong way.

I guess I've been spoiled by other lenses I have in the 17-70 range; DA21, FA31, DA40, DA70, DA*50-135. It's not a fair comparision I know, but once you have any of those lenses you will never want to shoot with the Siggy again.

05-09-2011, 10:15 PM   #8
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You pretty much sealed the deal on the tammy 28-75 for me. What also sums it up is that you have the prime lenses I plan on buying. Only exception is either the da50-135 or sigma 70-200, but that decision will have to wait another time, hehe.
05-09-2011, 10:53 PM   #9
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I have the Siggy 17-70 2.8-4.5 as well, and while it is not my favourite lens, it's not that bad, but Twitch is essentially correct. (I have taken some really good shots with it).

I have recently acquired an original (I think) copy of a Tokina 28-70 F:2.8 to see if it will replace the Sigma. so far the colours and contrast and sharpness have impressed me.

I like the Tokina lens a lot, though I admit the Siggy has the advantages of extra width and the Macro function.

Maybe you could have a look around for a 2nd hand copy of the Tokina, if you are interested in the Tamron 28-70
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