[mseigafuse]

Originally Posted by Mr Guy

Definitely rent first. There's only three inches difference in the minimal focal length between the DA* and the Sigma you've got, and you'll be annoyed if you spend close to a grand and get the exact same problem. I get the nagging feeling you aren't going to find ONE lens that solves both problems. I'm curious what it is about your table top studio set up that makes you want to get physically closer and use a 100mm over zooming with a 300mm?

Also, keep in mind compared to what you've got that DA* is going to feel like a bazooka. It's difficult to resist the urge to project one's own needs and preferences onto someone else. If it was me, I'd say you've got three options really:
1) Go for versatility over quality and get one of the very high quality 18/28 to 200/250's out there,
2) Go quality, price, and size combo (which is what I actually DID do) and get the best prime at your most common shooting length and then round out with a less expensive 2.8 zoom
3) Chuck price and size out the window and get the DA* 60-250mm and work on upper body strength and monopod technique...

*Sigh* There's nothing I like better than recommending how other people spend their money. I wish I had some...

On wanting to get physically closer - it is purely a space consideration, for a grand and only 3 inches difference I can make do . LOL at option 3! Thanks again for your insight - you are really making me think about the problem I am trying to solve and as I myself have told people many times in my IT career - throwing money at the problem isn't always the best solution. I think I need to more clearly define my "problem" first.