Beginner Macro lens?

[jasony8]

Been looking in to some marco lens :P What do you guys think of the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM?

Any past experiences with similar sigma marco lens? Any comments?
If you guys think that this not a good lens ;( Any other recommendations? (Suitable for wide landscape shots & Marco photography)

Lastly what do you guys think of this lens for landscape photography (Since it is a marco lens)?

One newbie question: A key feature of Marco lens is the ratio are commonly 1:1 as well as a small minimum focal distance right?

Thanks guys!

[OsmosisStudios]

That's not a macro lens. It's a standard zoom with a close focusing ability, which allows marketing to claim "macro". No zoom will provide true macro functionality. At best these get to about 1:3

[Joseph S]

The 105mm sigma macro is a brilliant lens giving 1:1 magnification.

[jasony8]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

That's not a macro lens. It's a standard zoom with a close focusing ability, which allows marketing to claim "macro". No zoom will provide true macro functionality. At best these get to about 1:3

O..I think i understand now So later on I should aim to invest on a prime 'true' marco lens and possible get a Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM or 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM for landscape wide angle shots?

Thanks for your comments !

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by jasony8

O..I think i understand now So later on I should aim to invest on a prime 'true' marco lens and possible get a Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM or 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM for landscape wide angle shots?

Thanks for your comments !

That is the way to go

[natek313]

Originally Posted by jasony8

O..I think i understand now So later on I should aim to invest on a prime 'true' marco lens and possible get a Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM or 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM for landscape wide angle shots?

Thanks for your comments !

You could do that. Or, you could get the macro lens now and the wide angle lens later.

If you have the budget, I would recommend Canon's EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens. I think you would really enjoy it. It is a great lens!

[jasony8]

Originally Posted by natek313

You could do that. Or, you could get the macro lens now and the wide angle lens later.

If you have the budget, I would recommend Canon's EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens. I think you would really enjoy it. It is a great lens!

The price of the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens is quite high in comparison to the Sigma lens right?

Thanks for the recommendation

[OsmosisStudios]

When you're comparing lenses from first-party manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, etc) to third-party manufacturers (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina), there are a few things to consider. THe first is quality: while some third-party lenses are quite good, they're often pale in comparison to their first-party counterparts. This includes things like optical performance (the quality of the optics), build quality (the way it's put together), quality control (it is often less reliable), as well as other features (image stabilizer, max aperture, macro function, etc).

In the vast majority of cases, the first-party lenses offer significantly better image quality, better build quality and are more reliable at keeping things consistent. That's why you often pay more for it. Keep in mind, this is in MOST cases: there are exceptions

Not to mention, when you go to sell the lenses, first-party lenses bring a higher price on the used market.

[jasony8]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

When you're comparing lenses from first-party manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, etc) to third-party manufacturers (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina), there are a few things to consider. THe first is quality: while some third-party lenses are quite good, they're often pale in comparison to their first-party counterparts. This includes things like optical performance (the quality of the optics), build quality (the way it's put together), quality control (it is often less reliable), as well as other features (image stabilizer, max aperture, macro function, etc).

In the vast majority of cases, the first-party lenses offer significantly better image quality, better build quality and are more reliable at keeping things consistent. That's why you often pay more for it. Keep in mind, this is in MOST cases: there are exceptions

Not to mention, when you go to sell the lenses, first-party lenses bring a higher price on the used market.

Thanks for the great tips I have not owned any 3rd party lens but I have messed around my friends and I already felt some significant differences but I was just interested in getting a short focal length (marco/wide angle landscape) lens :P Found this sigma lens to be very popular Just wanted some comments on it

Thanks so much!

[tolyto]

I purchased a Sigma lens (it wasn't a macro) and it made a weird noise (at the connection site - if that makes sense) that was too distracting for me. I returned it and purchased its equivalent Canon. That is my only experience with a 3rd party. I'll stick with Canons...