sigma 18-50 2.8 anyone?

[ampguy]

Anyone try this lens, pref. in K-mount? I think there are 2 versions for N/C, and recently K-mount af, but not SDM.

There is an old one non EX/DC/macro for around $200 from a place called Cameta through Amazon, and then $300 or so for a macro EX DC model.

I've read a few net reviews, and I guess they may be a better bargain than the Pentax SDM, but vary quite a bit from sample to sample.

If anyone's tried them, is the newer EX/DC/macro version worth the extra $100 or so if the older one can still be found?

 

[Charly]

I had one in Canon EF mount. Didn't rate it. My brother has the updated version (I think "macro" was added to the name and a slightly larger filter thread added) He didn't rate it and sold it a while back. I'd buy the pentax.

 

[Kin Lau]

I have the older non-Macro version, and except for the vignetting wide-open, it works very well.

The newer one is 72mm filter vs 67mm, and has closer-focus, hence the macro designation.

Both the newer and older lenses are EX DC.

I've dealt with Cameta before, and got good service. $200- is a good deal.

 

[ampguy]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks Charley and Kin Lau,

Don't use the DSLR enough to justify the price of the Pentax, and have also read that the Sigma's have less distortion at the extremes, but I may give the Cameta Sigma a try, as the kit lens, while fine for outdoors in bright light, is quite unusable in low-light or indoors.

 

[Ken Ford]

I've been reading up on the independent maker 18ish-60/2.8 lenses, and the Tamron seems to get the nod from most users and reviewers. I'm considering one myself as I really can't afford a Nikon 17-55/2.8 right now.

Cameta is great - I've bought several things from them over the years, most recently my new D300 last week.