sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM for Nikon

[blacknstormy]

Ok - I know sorry, but I have to ask ....

I've been eyeing off wide lenses for a while, and this one is currently on ebay (finishes in 3 hours) .....

at the moment , it is $355 ....

Now the hard part - Damian is asleep (we worked bloody hard this morning ) ..... do I bid , or is it a load of shit ???????

Hugs
Rel

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... &rd=1&rd=1

[gstark]

Rel,

At that price, it should be a good deal.

The problem is that, being on ebay, will it remain at that price?

I wouldn't want to be be paying too much more than that for a pre-owned unit, given the new price here is under PP800.

[johnd]

Rel, if you can get if for $355 then it sounds like a good deal. The Sigma 12-24, Tokina 12-24, Nikon 12-24 all seemed to be regarded as similar quality wise but the Nikon is substantially more than the Sigma and Tokina. There's heaps of comparitive reviews around. Some people hold the opinion that if it's not Nikon it's not as good. I've just purchased a Tokina but it was a toss up between that and a Sigma. Poon's price is $780, but that's new with warranty etc, but if you want to take the 2nd hand/warranty risk it sounds like you may get it for half new price. Although ebay stuff tends to go ballistic in the last few minutes.

Good luck if you decide to bid.

Cheers
John

[glamy]

Make sure you do want a 10-20 to be able to use a filter

[johnd]

Make sure you do want a 10-20 to be able to use a filter

Good point Glamy.
Rel, I just checked Ken Rockwell's review. The Sigma 12-24 doesnt have a front filter thread as the front element bows a long way out. The Sigma 10-20 can take a filter but not the 12-24. Rockwell isn't too flattering about the 12-24, it's the 10-20 that he likes better (and the Tokina and Nikon). So I'm not sure why the seller is including a 82mm filter unless there is some way of attaching it to the front of the lens hood.

Might be worth asking the seller.

Might be worth a quick read of Rockwell's review:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/digital-wide-zooms/comparison.htm

Cheers
John

[blacknstormy]

Thanks everyone - and yep, emailed the seller to see what the go is with the filter

I'll just sit tight, and see where it goes ......
and Gary, you're right, ebay usually goes apesh*t just before the finish

hugs
Rel

[Oz_Beachside]

interesting answer. I wonder if the 10.5FE has a similar solution?

Thanks for you question, The fliter attatchment (see photo) slides over the front of the lens and is a genuine Sigma part that came with the lens - no modifications have been made to this item.

[digitor]

I see your answer re the filter is already posted up!

One of these in similar condition finished the other day at $468 - http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220071221502&rd=1&rd=1

Cheers

[stubbsy]

interesting answer. I wonder if the 10.5FE has a similar solution?

Thanks for you question, The fliter attatchment (see photo) slides over the front of the lens and is a genuine Sigma part that came with the lens - no modifications have been made to this item.

The 10.5 Nikkor fisheye takes a REAR filter (but I've never seen one). Anything in front of the lens would be at great risk of coming into view or at least causing vignetting.

Rel - good luck

[Glen]

Rel, I have this lens, good value under $450 or so, no chance of effectively using filters, large but nice straightish lines at the wide end

[gstark]

The 10.5 Nikkor fisheye takes a REAR filter (but I've never seen one). Anything in front of the lens would be at great risk of coming into view or at least causing vignetting.

Our 300mm also takes a rear filter: a 39mm that is a part of the optical path. It fits into a drawer towards the rear of the lens. Remind me to show you next time we catch up.

[sirhc55]

The Sigma 12-24mm lens hood is threaded to take a filter but not recommended below 15mm.

Gary try the focus test with your 300mm with the filter in and out - there is a difference

[Killakoala]

My 500mm takes rear filters too and nicely comes with three in the case.

I have the Sigma 12-24 but the main reason i bought it was that i still shoot on film and this is the only super-wide angle lens that is not a DX style lens. I does still work fine on an APC CCD camera.

The lens does bulge a bit but the attached lens hood should stop you getting too close to any subject to scratch the end of the lens.

The price is excellent. BTW, the filter DOES NOT fit behind the lens on this kit. It fits on an extra lens hood and unless the filter is very thin, it will cause vignetting. The extra lens hood causes vignetting at 12mm, but not much.

[gstark]

Gary try the focus test with your 300mm with the filter in and out - there is a difference

Exactly what I would expect.

[digitor]

 BTW, the filter DOES NOT fit behind the lens on this kit. It fits on an extra lens hood and unless the filter is very thin, it will cause vignetting. The extra lens hood causes vignetting at 12mm, but not much.

Well, yes and no - the Sigma has a filter holder behind the rear element - not like the slide-in ones on big teles though, you've got to take the lens off to change it. It takes a gel filter, and the lens comes with a metal template so you can cut one out the right size! Not really very useful for much, maybe OK for a yellow or red filter gel for B&W.

Cheers

[Mj]

Rel,

If the price stays low (it still is right now) I'd grab it.
Filters aren't really an option but at that price you can live without... ask Chris and Glen... they both have that lens and I reckon they rarely if ever regret the lack of filters... as always it depends on what you plan to use it for.

Good luck.

[blacknstormy]

Pipped at the post
Oh well, there will always be more

Thanks everyone who helped me out - much appreciated ....
hugs
Rel

[DeonJ]

Sigma 12-24mm will shine on FF format, not Nikon DX format. IMO my Nikon DX AFS 12-24 is a worth while investment.

cheers.

[fishafotos]

Don't use a filter on anything less than 15mm, because of the angles of refraction/reflection it ruins the quality if you do.