Rate This Lens: SIGMA 70-300mm

[iRyzzz]

Im looking opinions on this lens as I might buy it.

Im on a tight budget and want something to play with for a few months and the sell it on and buy a better lens because I know its not going to be the best.

But whats your thoughts on it? Ive heard good and bad reports about it. I know to keep it below 250mm to get the best out of it.

Its for a Canon 450D.

All I want it for is walking around, snapping people, cars, landscapes etc along with my 18-55mm Kit Lens.

Thanks

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by iRyzzz

Im on a tight budget and want something to play with for a few months and the sell it on and buy a better lens because I know its not going to be the best.

...

Then wait and buy the right one the first time?
Or, if you NEED it now, rent it.

[iRyzzz]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

...

Then wait and buy the right one the first time?
Or, if you NEED it now, rent it.

Thanks for the input but its not what I asked.

I HATE when people say that. WAIT and save your money for better lens?

WHYYYY?

The thing ive noticed is if I buy a lens brand new at £200, If I keep it in great condition I can sell it again for £180 or so.

Your not loosing much money, your just gaining experiance with different lenses

[OsmosisStudios]

A fool and his money are soon parted.

Knock yourself out, then. But don't ask for advice.

[SusanH1970]

I have that lens. Don't have time now, but I'll post some photos later I've taken with it. It's not a great lens by any means, but it's not total crap, either. I also use it with a 450D.

[ChrisPhilip]

I have also used it with a 450D, it is a little soft at the longer range but a pretty nice lens for the money. I bought it, used it for a year, then sold it. Like you said, didn't really lose much money on it.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by iRyzzz

Thanks for the input but its not what I asked.

I HATE when people say that. WAIT and save your money for better lens?

WHYYYY?

The thing ive noticed is if I buy a lens brand new at £200, If I keep it in great condition I can sell it again for £180 or so.

Your not loosing much money, your just gaining experiance with different lenses

This is only true if it's a good/desired lens to start with and you don't keep it long.
Make sure you compare reviews from other Canon users, preferably 450D users.

Nikon users may have different results overall.

[karen_s]

That sounds like the lens I had a couple of years ago. It was a Sigma 70-300 and cost about $180 US. I used it on my old XTi.

Here was my experience:

Cons:

Color was kinda weak. I spent a good deal of time in post processing trying to get colors to resemble real life.

I discovered quickly that anything shot at much over 200mm was soft. Shots at 300mm, for me anyway, often ended up in the throw away pile because of the softness.

I became quite frustrated with it after only a few months. I started leaving it at home and eventually sold it for about $100. (In all fairness though, I did not spend a lot of time learning this lens like I probably should have. I still would have upgraded because it just wasn't that great for shooting action, but I probably could have gotten more out of it with time.)

Pros:

You get what you pay for and it's really not bad for the price.

The 70-200mm range was pretty decent for sharpness.

If you are a beginner and not too picky yet, it may serve you well. Cheap can be a good way to learn and figure out what will suit your needs should you decide to upgrade.

It sounds like you know the lens will have it's share of limitations so if you can learn your away around them, well, it might be a good buy. You can get some keepers with it, you just might have to work a little harder for them than if you waited and purchased better glass.

If you eventually upgrade, you will find yourself appreciating the good glass more than ever.