Need Lens advice for Cannon Xti

[mag1]

I've been looking at some of the other lens suggestions, but still need some help. I bought my wife the Cannon Xti last fall and it came with the Sigma 70-300 macro lens. I need to get her a good everyday type lens, good for wide angle, family shots, ect... I don't understand much about f numbers, but have picked up some info. by reading previous posts. I've been looking at lens like the sigma 18-70 with macro. My wifes sister has that lens and she borrowed it and likes it. My budget is fairly tight, so I've been looking on e-bay, ect... Any suggestions for a decent, but lower priced lens? Thanks for any input.

[Rooz]

sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro. its a much better lens than the 17-70mm that you mentioned. save your money and get her a much better lens, you won;t regret it.

the lower the "f" number the wider the aperture which means you can shoot in lower light at faster shutter speeds. as your f number increases, it lets in less light which means your shutter speed must decrease to allow light to enter the cam for a longer time. slower shutter speed means there is more chance of camera shake and much more chance of subject motion blur.

the 18-50mm is capable of f2.8 throughout its focal range, the 17-70 which is f2.8-4.5 means that as you increase your focal length the maximum aperture decreases to f4.5.

[SpecialK]

I have the non-macro version of the Sigma 18-50 2.8 and it is kind of heavy, which might be a consideration for your wife's use. I like it and use it, but 17-70 range is handy, too.

But, the 18-50 blocks part of the built-in flash, and the 17-70 might as well, so that may affect your choice of flash use or require a separate one for the hotshoe...

[mag1]

So, If money was the object. Would I be better off getting the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 non-macro version, and add on the macro filter/lens adapters? How do these filters work incomparision with a macro lens? Thanks for any input.

[SpecialK]

The non-macro version has been replaced but is still available at Cameta Camera for $300.
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-18-50mm-...056599-9306501
I can get close enough to get about 5 keyboard leys in the shot.

[Honest Gaza]

I've got the Sigma 17-70mm Macro....I'm happy with it. It will also cover your range up to the 70-300mm you already have

[mag1]

Has anybody and experiance with the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 EX DC Macro? What are the main differences VS the Sigma 18-50 macro other than the 18 vs 24? Is that a big deal? As you can tell, I don't know much about SLR type camera's. Thanks for the input.

[coldrain]

Yes, that is a big deal. It means that the 24-70 lens more or less misses wide angle, and adds a bit at the long end of the zoom range.

If you want a standard zoom range lens, the 24-70 is not the way to go.

[mag1]

Thanks,
I'll continue my search for the 18-50.

[icec0ld]

i just received my sigma 17-70 a few hours ago and did some test shooting around the house. and i LOVE it. compared to the canon 28-105mm f/3.5 lens, its a lot better in my opinion. i may have had a poor copy of the canon, but this sigma feels like a quality lens. at least its built in japan and while the focus ring is slightly tight, it has very little play and feels solid.