On a tight Budget - Which Lens ???

[Bretski]

Hi All

I'm considering purchasing either of the following as a carry round lens for my 350D that will make all my current lenses in my bag obsolete and make romm for other gear...

I cannot afford $1000+ lenses and do not expect these lenses to give the quality of a $1000+ lens I am realistic but beggers can't be too choosy

Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG ASP IF Macro AF

or

Tamron AF 28-300mm 28-300 F/3.5-6.3 f3.5-6.3 XR Di LD

I can get my hands on either for under $500

Has any one had experience with either of these ???
Any serious issues or faults with either ???
Any alternate suggestions???

I look forward to reading your feedback

[Marvin]

I have the Tamron 28-300 for my D70. I bought it when I got the camera as I couldn't afford a zoom and I got it cheap. I still use it and although I find it a bit soft (now that I know better), I can still get perfectly acceptable pictures with it. Obviously you are aware of the limitations of the lenses and if you are willing to work with them I think you will be happy enough. (Until you get frustrated and learn more!)

[gstark]

Brett,

What are the lenses in your bag that this would replace?

Are there not any consumer grade Canon lenses that might be of interest?

Will it be possible to have a play with each lens on your camera prior to purchase? That would give you a chance to evaluate how each one would perform on your camera, and that might help lead you to a decision.

Purely on the basis of brand name and quality of build, I'd be looking at the Tamron ahead of the Sigma though, but I would liketo see your answers to my other questions as well, so that all of your needs can be fully assessed.

[Glen]

Brett, these all in one often have plenty of compromises, maybe just buy a quality s/h lens in the range you shoot most often. Petal, a Canon shooter here, proudly comments he bought all of his quality glass S/h, so it must be around

[Bretski]

Brett, these all in one often have plenty of compromises, maybe just buy a quality s/h lens in the range you shoot most often. Petal, a Canon shooter here, proudly comments he bought all of his quality glass S/h, so it must be around

I hear what u are saying Glen... I scour the second hand shops and eBay but to no avail as yet... In fact most of the second hand shops are dearer than new ex HongKong on eBay...

[rooboy]

Wouldn't you be better off buying something like the Canon 17-85IS, selling your old lenses, and getting a cheap tele zoom? I know it's 2 lenses instead of 1, but the quality (particualrly in the 'normal' range) would be far better.

[Bretski]

Brett,

What are the lenses in your bag that this would replace?

Are there not any consumer grade Canon lenses that might be of interest?

Hi Gary

My Current lenses are nothing special just basic base model canons:-

Canon 18-55mm 3.5-5.6
Canon 28-80mm 3.5-5.6
Canon 75-300mm 4-5.6

I have a 50mm 1.8 prime on order (looking forward to getting my hands on this one)

Yes there are a few canon consumer grades I like but even they are getting a bit Xie