How to test/purchase a lens

[Spooky]

Hello

I am looking at purchasing the Sigma 10-20mm lens. I have researched it a fair bit and note One Putts comments on this forum that he wasn't really happy with his. There does appear to be a fair bit of sample variation.

My question is how do I ensure I get a good one?

The pricing on this lens seems to be about $690 whether I buy it online or in a local shop. Say I go to a shop in Brisbane that has it in stock how can I evaluate it in the shop ? Is this even possible to do with such a lens?

Is anyone aware of an outlet that would let you try the lens and return it if not happy to swap for another or get a refund?

How does everyone buy lenses like this that are known to have variation, do you just take a punt? For me $700 is too much to take the risk.

Thanks

[owen]

Thats what I found when I did my research too... I ended up going with the Tokina 12-24 which had consistent good reviews. However your best bet is to probably do what you've done and wait for people with the lens to reply as some people have taken excellent shots with the sigma.

[Zeeke]

Come to a M&G and try one out for yourself...

John had trouble with his 10-20 because it gave soft images... the 10-20 only has 3ft of zoom range before it hits infinity... I think thats mainly because the wide angle lenses are used to catch a single element up close.. and still capture the world around it.. with inifinity being over 3ft.. anything past that distance wont be razor sharp... but damn.. it still produces amazing images.. I got an email from Dug last night about it

Sigma 10-20mm lens scoops TIPA 2006 award (11:22:35 - 19th Apr 06) ??

The lens has been awarded the "TIPA best consumer lens in Europe, 2006" accolade, being described as an 'excellent investment for ownres of digital SLR's with APS-C format sensors'.




Press Release:
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM super wide-angle zoom lens, which is exclusively designed for digital SLR, wins "TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) best consumer lens in Europe, 2006" prize.


Currently, 31 publications from 12 countries are members of TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) organization and chief editors and technical editors of these publications constitute this organization. Since 1991, TIPA has presented many awards in several sectors, including imaging.?


TIPA has stated that with a versatile range of wide-angle focal lengths, a good optical performance and a budget price, the Sigma 10-20mm is an excellent investment for owners of DSLRs with APS-C format sensors. Its sharpness remains constant throughout the zoom range, and its compact size makes it an ideal companion for shooting travel, landscapes or architectural photography.

Hope that helps.. again.. come to a M&G... im sure someone will have one for you to try out!!

Tim

[birddog114]

I can tell you all and pls. note my words down somewhere for future reference:
- Go for the Tokina 12-24 if you want a good WA lens but can't afford the Nikkor 12-24DX or the old bulky Sigma 12-24

None of other WA zoom including the Sigma 10-20 will bring you joys regardless what TIPA or other agencies giving the awards, I tried them all with many tests, there's problem with Sigma 10-20 and always never do good on the real Wiiiiiiiidddddddddddeeeee as you wish.

[Dug]

For what I use mine for, I love it and could not be happier.

Yes if you pay more you will get more but bang for your buck go the sigma.

[birddog114]

For what I use mine for, I love it and could not be happier.

Yes if you pay more you will get more but bang for your buck go the sigma.

Is Tokina cheaper than Sigma (12-24/ 10-20)?

[Matt. K]

Spooky
Go to a camera store that stocks this lens. Take your camera. Ask them if you can put the lens on the camera and take some shots in the store and from the footpath. Go home and check the quality. If you are happy then go back and purchase the lens. This is how most pro's buy their lenses.

[Oneputt]

Spooky my initial reservations with the lens were probably more to do with my expectations rather than the lens itself.

[Dug]

For what I use mine for, I love it and could not be happier.

Yes if you pay more you will get more but bang for your buck go the sigma.

Is Tokina cheaper than Sigma (12-24/ 10-20)?

Not up here the sigma is a little cheaper and the sigma takes a normal 77mm PL filter about $100 the Tokina needs a thin one for around $300

[Dug]

Spooky
Go to a camera store that stocks this lens. Take your camera. Ask them if you can put the lens on the camera and take some shots in the store and from the footpath. Go home and check the quality. If you are happy then go back and purchase the lens. This is how most por's buy their lenses.

Note the serial number of the lens and make sure you get the same one if you do this

[Glen]

I go with Matt K's suggestion or bring a laptop

[birddog114]

I go with Matt K's suggestion or bring a laptop

No, a laptop is wasting and expensive!
An axe, a hammer or a baseball bat is lot cheaper

[Glen]

[gstark]

I go with Matt K's suggestion or bring a laptop

No, a laptop is wasting and expensive!
An axe, a hammer or a baseball bat is lot cheaper

Note that those were not my words.

Not that I'm in disagreement, of course.

[Dug]

I go with Matt K's suggestion or bring a laptop

No, a laptop is wasting and expensive!
An axe, a hammer or a baseball bat is lot cheaper

Are you testing the reliability of the lens or negotiating a cheaper price?

[Alpha_7]

Are you testing the reliability of the lens or negotiating a cheaper price?

Wendellfication.

[gstark]

I go with Matt K's suggestion or bring a laptop

No, a laptop is wasting and expensive!
An axe, a hammer or a baseball bat is lot cheaper

Are you testing the reliability of the lens or negotiating a cheaper price?

Actually, all that's needed for testing this lens is a few sheets of paper.

[whiz]

Spooky
Go to a camera store that stocks this lens. Take your camera. Ask them if you can put the lens on the camera and take some shots in the store and from the footpath. Go home and check the quality. If you are happy then go back and purchase the lens. This is how most pro's buy their lenses.

Bugger. It's how I waste time in camera shops..
I'm sure that most camera shops in Australia know that I'm a lens testing time waster by now...

But I've got some interesting photos taken with lenses I can NEVER afford to buy...

[Dug]

I just hate it when customers walk into the shop carrying an axe hammer and baseball bat.

You know they want a good price

[birddog114]

I just hate it when customers walk into the shop carrying an axe hammer and baseball bat.

You know they want a good price

In the near future, if you spot someone walk into your store with one of those devices, perhaps it's me

[Dug]

I assume you will have no objection to my chainsaw joining the negotiations

cheers doug

I had a woman in last week asking for a discount on a camera. She was wearing $200.000 worth of diamonds and a $10,000 outfit and was arguing over a $10 discount! She ended up paying full price

[birddog114]

I had a woman in last week asking for a discount on a camera. She was wearing $200.000 worth of diamonds and a $10,000 outfit and was arguing over a $10 discount! She ended up paying full price

This often happened

[whiz]

She was wearing $200.000 worth of diamonds and a $10,000 outfit and was arguing over a $10 discount! She ended up paying full price

But she only paid $199, 990 for the diamonds..

[Dug]

"Goodness! what wonderful diamonds"

"Goodness had nothing to do with these diamonds kid"

May West

My bet is she did not buy either the diamonds or the outfit!