Wow, don't know how I screwed up that link. Yeah that's what I meant. I'll post some quick test shots, and if it's a dud I'll return it. Haven't seen many people talk about it yet.
rmackphoto wrote:
Wow, don't know how I screwed up that link. Yeah that's what I meant. I'll post some quick test shots, and if it's a dud I'll return it. Haven't seen many people talk about it yet.
I think it's really new and thats why no one is talking about it.
Post some pics when you can. Would like to see them.
Looks like photozone thinks very highly of it. Keep us posted.
And for the record I've owned 6 Sigma lenses and 2 Tamrons and never had a QC issue with any, and yet I've returned 3 Nikkors for 2nd copies. Go figure.
Interesting performance at the Photozone link. I wonder if the border/corner softness will be relevant in use, it seems very similar to the Tamron with VC. It's disappointing no one can touch the performance of the discontinued non VC Tamron at the borders except the Canon offering.
I don't think the corner sharpness will be too much of an issue unless you're doing landscapes wide open. At least that's what I'm hoping.
I noticed this lens actually tests quite a bit sharper than the Nikkor 17-55 although they tested that with a D200, so I'm sure that factors in.
If it had proper HSM full time manual override focusing like the 10-20 and every other EX Sigma I've had I would be a lot more interested in this lens.
I am glad I waited on ordering the Tamron 17-50 VC. Please let me know how this compares to the tamron optically. I have a feeling I will end up picking up this lens simply because of the AF speed.
OK, some preliminary results: I am mostly happy with the lens. The AF is definitely faster and quieter than the Tamron 17-50. There is some CA as you can see in the full images at the bottom. As for sharpness, I'll let you guys decide on that.
Here are a few shots, all at 2.8 and 17 or 50mm, because that's where I usually shoot. pretty much every lens nowadays is good stopped down. Bicubic reduction in Photoshop, no sharpening:
The boke character really gives it some 3D umph in the 1st fruit photo and the 1st dog photo.
Looks like it could use some sharpening and you just have to remember to stop down if you want sharp edges. The sharpness falloff on the garage door is rather extreme, all of the sudden it's just blurry. That could get you into trouble if you don't compose with that in mind.
Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your new lens! Post some people photos when you get a chance
Thanks for the update! Looks like I will be picking up this lens very soon. Does anyone know if Sigma offers rebates and if they do, how often do they do it?
Well I've never owned a VR / OS lens, but is this typical? At 17mm the rear element is flush with the lens mount area.. but at 50mm it's retreated quite a ways into the lens, leaving a gap which exposes what I am assuming are the innards of the OS system.
rmackphoto wrote:
Well I've never owned a VR / OS lens, but is this typical?
It's typical of this type of zoom lens, you can't see circuitry on all of them or anything like that, but rear elements do move. Something in there has to move as you zoom about!
I don't recall seeing that on the 2 VR lenses I own, guess one should remove the lens at 17mm . This lens looks good, I think I may give it a try also. I really would like to speed up the old 18-55mm VR.
Does the focus ring turning during AF bother you at all or affect the handling?
VTHokiEE06 wrote:
Does the focus ring turning during AF bother you at all or affect the handling?
Not really. The lens is not that big, and doesn't require much support. Most of the time I'm barely touching it. I do wish it didn't move though, and had full time MF over-ride. Oh well, it's easy enough to flip the switch.
Well, some disappointing news. The AF simply stops working once in a while, and the lens needs to be re-seated for it to work again. The lens hood was also so loose it would fall off sometimes. I'm returning it to Amazon, and haven't decided whether I will buy another or look for something else. I really hoped this would be my new every-day lens..
