Sigma lens on Canon DSLR?

[Seafood]

Looking at getting into a DSLR. Following up on a previous thread comparing the Canon XT and Nikon D40 I have a few questions.

First I was going to buy a Nikon D50…decided I didnt have the $.
Then I looked at the D40..again..not enough cash.
Then I really liked the Fuji S6000..I can afford it…but it is a compromise.
Now I am considering a Canon XT or XTi…with the following question possibly making my decision really easy.

I have a Canon EOS Rebel film SLR with a sigma 18-55mm lens. Will this lens work on the new Canon DSLR? Could it possibly work on the D50?

I know the Nikon faithful can use old lenses that have been around forever (I think) on some of their DSLR models.

Also, what is more expensive…the XT or the XTi?

Thanks all.

[Ray Schnoor]

Your Sigma lens should work on the XT/XTi. It will not work on the Nikon D50. I am unsure of the quality of this lens, though, as it is not on the Sigma website. It is probably an older lens that may not have all of the new multi-coatings engineered with digital SLRs in mind. I would take the lens to a shop and try it on the XT/XTi to be sure you will be happy with the results.

The XTi is the new and improved version of the XT and will be more expensive.

Ray.

[coldrain]

There is no Sigma 18-55mm lens as far as I know. So, what lens do you actually have?
If the lens is not too old, it will work on an XTi or XT. Older Sigma lenses are inaccurate electronically and give errors on digital EOS cameras.

[Seafood]

OK...my apologies.

The lens is a Sigma DL 35-80 1.4-5.6

Sorry for the confusion.

Will this work on an XT or XTi?

[Rhys]

OK...my apologies.

The lens is a Sigma DL 35-80 1.4-5.6

Sorry for the confusion.

Will this work on an XT or XTi?

It's an EF lens which should work on any Canon camera.

[Ray Schnoor]

I still do not find this lens on the Sigma website, so I am guessing that it is a discontinued product. I have found some user reviews of this lens stating that it is not a very good lens. Being an older lens, it will not have the coatings found on current lenses which reduce flaring/abberations when used with a dSLR.

Since you use this lens on a Canon EOS film camera, it should work with the XT/XTi. I would, however, suggest getting a new lens to use with a dSLR. At the very least, bring the old lens to a shop and try it on the XT/XTi to see if you would be happy with the results. Who knows, it may be suitable for what you want.

Ray.

[Seafood]

Thanks for the info.

At the very least would you all agree that if it fits the camera it makes sense to stick with Canon (vs. Nikon) and use my sigma lens for a year or so until I can afford a new lens?

[coldrain]

Well, first it must be f4-5.6, not f1.4-5.6.
Second, since it is an older Sigma, it may be one of those lenses (high probability) that are somewhat electrically incompatible with digital Canon EOS cameras. The older film SLRs were a bit more tolerant, but the wrong impendance will give an error when you try to make a photo and the aperture needs to be closed, locking the camera up.
So... this lens probably will not be totally compatible (that is just the way with older Sigma lenses).

thirdly, this lens is nothing special, you can get a comparable lens for very little, and it should not be a deciding factor.

The XTi is a more complete and better camera than the D40 from Nikon. The D40 from Nikon misses among other things an internal focussing motor that Nikon traditionally uses, making it incompatible with most 3rd party lenses and incompatible with almost all prime (not zoom) lenses from Nikon.

So, if the choice is between a D40 or an XTi (or even XT), go for the XTi no doubt. If the choice is between the XT and XTi, go for the XTi, its AF system is great.

[Ray Schnoor]

Thanks for the info.

At the very least would you all agree that if it fits the camera it makes sense to stick with Canon (vs. Nikon) and use my sigma lens for a year or so until I can afford a new lens?
Just how long have you had the EOS film camera/Sigma lens combo. Probably over 5yrs, maybe even 10 years? In that time, have you ever even thought to get another lens? If the answer is no, I would not even think twice about the D40 not having an internal lens motor since you will only be using the kit lens that comes with the camera. You will have a little more zoom range with the kit lens than you have had all this time with your Canon/Sigma and it is probably a better quality lens.

It looks like your choices are the XT, D50 and the D40.

If you stay with Canon, you should definitely go with the kit lens, as it is probably better than your Sigma lens. If I was correct in the previous paragraph, then you would probably end up just using the Sigma lens and never buying another lens anyway. That is "if" it even works correctly on the XT.

If you go with Nikon, the question is moot, since you will need a lens anyway.

I'm not sure where you are located, but there is not a lot of price difference among the cameras at B&H. The D50 seems to be in short supply, though. I would suggest going to a local store, trying all 3 and getting the camera which you seem to like best. They are all capable of giving you great photos.

Ray.

[Seafood]

a few more short questions on this topic

1. Could my Sigma lens work on a Pentax?
2. Is the "seal" system on the Pentax k10d effective and worth the money. (I will be using this outdoors...hiking and fishing)
3. Does the Pentax k100 have the same seal system that the 10d does?

thanks

[coldrain]

1. The sigma lens is VERY cheap anyway. The kit lens will be as good at least.
2. It will not work on a Pentax
3. Have you EVER needed sealing before? No. It is a marketing gimmick.
4. No, the K100D does not have the same weather sealing.

[DonSchap]

Seafood: No ... the Pentax K10D sealing is completely new to the line. The K100D does not use it.

I doubt you should consider using your old lens on anything ... and (I really do hate saying this) opt for the "KIT" version of whatever camera you decide upon. That old lens should be abandoned as "risky" and there is no sense screwing up a brand new camera to use it.

Consider these cameras, since you are effectively starting over (not necesarily in this order):

Canon XTi kit
Nikon D50 kit
SONY A100K
Pentax K10D kit


Good luck and lose the old glass :D