Newbie questions...

[Fink2008]

Hi, I want to buy my first DSLR. I really like the Canon 550D but I think it is a little too expensive for me. But I have a Sigma lens (28-200mm) which my father used on his old SLR, Canon eos 1000f. Can I use this lens on the 550D? What kind of pictures can I take with such a lens? Will it work correctly? Or should I just buy the 500D with the kit lens?

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by Fink2008

I have a Sigma lens (28-200mm) which my father used on his old SLR, Canon eos 1000f. Can I use this lens on the 550D?

Probably not. Early Sigma lenses needed to be "rechipped" to work correctly with later Canon SLRs and DSLRs. Unless this was done, the lens will probably only work "wide open".

Sigma is no longer rechipping old lenses, so if it wasn't already done it's too late.

[Fink2008]

Ok thanks. As far as I know this lens wasn't rechipped. What does "wide open" mean?