tinke Offline Upload & Sell: Off
|
p.1 #1 · Sigma 24 EX DG, 3rd's A Charm! | |
Well, the first one arrived in what appeared to be in open box shape, It seemed very sharp, but obviously used! I was very disappointed. I had already waited almost three weeks to get the lens, due to one or another of a series of extended holidays observed by the seller. So, back went the Sigma 24mm f1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro.
Try number two: It arrived less than two weeks after the return of copy one (no holidays, whew), but it was so soft that it was unuasable. It should never have left the factory in this condition. It should be noted, however, that neither of these first two lenses exhibited any front focusing issues whatsoever (as many Sigma lenses are reported to do). So, back to the seller copy two went for one least try - so far with Sigma I have always stopped with three attempts.
Copy number three arrived today, in a crisp box that crackled when I opened it. Was this going to be some kind of indicator? Took it out, and all mechanical functions worked properly. A few puffs, and onto the camera.
My, my, my - third time can really be a charm! I have owned the 24L, and sold it after only a few indoor trial uses. It was just too soft in the corners for me for the amount it cost. Granted it was very sharp in the middle, with everything else an L should be, but that just wasn't enough. So, this time I laid out 325 bucks, and got everything I have been looking for in a 24mm prime lens all along. This copy is very sharp in the middle, with correspondingly sharp edges, and color and contrast to compare to the shots I looked at tonight that I I took with the 24L. I am pretty certain that nothing in the Canon lineup compares to this lens if you get a good one - notwithstanding a great copy of the 24L (for four times the price).
Kudos to Pixel Perfect, as this was a tip that I originally got from him, and it was a good one! I heartily recommend anyone that can handle returning a copy or two to try this gem out - for double the money it would still be an amazing value!!! My copy is a gem and is an absolute keeper in my bag for good !!! It would take something much much better to replace this kind of quality and value, and I don't see that happening in the foreseeable future.
P.S. Be careful of which Sigma 24mm f1.8 lenses you order if you choose to do so, as there are several versions of this lens, some of which I understand do not work on a digital body.This lens is the new macro version, with a nine blade diaphram, and 77mm filter size.
Edited by tinke on Jun 10, 2008 at 02:48 AM GMT
Edited on Jun 09, 2008 at 09:48 PM
|