Short lenses

[Mictheslik]

Righty ho, here's the problem.....I desperately need a replacement for the kit lens....it's really soft, and since I dropped it onto concrete about a year ago it hasn't been able to AF properly. So, now I have some birthday / Xmas cash I should really replace it with something....so...any ideas?

It would have to go down to at least 18mm but preferably shorter (I like my wide angle stuff) but also have at least the range to get up to 40/50mm....

I have no idea what the sigmas and Tamrons of this world are like so any suggestions are helpful. The last resort is to pay for the canon 17-40L....but that's only if I don't find anything cheaper (but with acceptable optics) before I need to buy it....

So suggest away

.mic

[Hagar]

I recently picked up one of these nearly-new at a bargain price. http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Sigma-17-70mm-f28-45-Macro-DC

Might not suit everyone but I like it very much. Unfortunately the f/2.8 only works at the widest angle but you gets what you pays for.

One drawback is the filter thread size of 72 mm. This means that my existing filters don't fit & replacements add to the cost.

[Mictheslik]

I was looking at that one as quite a serious contender actually......glad to hear a first hand account of it though......how is it sharpness wise?

.mic

[mrjake2002]

Was also going to suggest the Sigma.... will be my kit replacement when I can afford it.  :)

[BAW0343]

I have no personal experience with a lens other then the kit. But the reviews on this site are so in depth that I feel like I've used the lens before Ive bought it. It also gives links to buy it so you can see the price quickly and easily.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/

Hope you find what your looking for!

[Hagar]

how is it sharpness wise?

.mic

I'm not the best person to answer that Mic. It's a big improvement on the kit lens. IMHO

[Omag 2.0]

check out the sigma 18-50 f2.8 or Tamron 17-50 f2.8, both are regarded good fast standardlenses, sharp from f2.8 on. They go for about

[Craig.]

i'm in the market for a decent lense before the autoshow, I think the kit lense is okay but just could do better for the show.

[Mictheslik]

Thanks for the tips omag....jessops is terrible in terms of prices......I'm best of checking the back pages of amateur photographer or the equivalent, and testing them at the local camera shop

www.bristolcameras.co.uk



.mic

[Omag 2.0]

Holy F! My intended update costs

[Mictheslik]

Well...the eurostar is less than

[Hagar]

[quote]Holy F! My intended update costs

[61_OTU]

[quote][quote]Holy F! My intended update costs

[Omag 2.0]

That would be a nice idea... as long as he doesn't ask for a dinner in "The Karmeliet", or my profit would vaporise...  ;D

Sadly my PC just crashed, so it looks like that will be a priority at the moment, but I'll keep the offer in mind!