When I first got my 30d I wanted to get this lens. I forgot about it until now. It's only $220. Is it worth it or will it be a waste of money? I really want the 70-200 F/4L but just can't afford it right now. Plus the extra 100mm will be nice.

<img src="http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog/images/sig70300apodg.jpeg">

on the 30d, it just sucks. it just doesn't seem to be happy on that body. Maybe it's just user error, but it seems that half of the images I grab with it are very soft or just plain blurry. But the ones that are sharp, are quite nice. Not a very contrasty lens, but the colors are nice.

Hey, I'll swap for the 24-70 as a trial if you want. =)

Too bad you're not local or we could trade for a weekend. ;)

This is also a "low-end" lens with loose tolerances, so that could amplify the inconsistency

You won't regret it.

I now have the 2.8IS and don't need my f4 anymore.

Here are two quick shots from it...

<img src="http://brianja.smugmug.com/photos/101821989-L-1.jpg">

<img src="http://brianja.smugmug.com/photos/101355319-L-2.jpg">

and the rest was user error. With the very same lens on the 30d, it's very hit or miss, mostly beyond 200mm. at 70mm its decent, actually quite sharp, and nice color, though a little flat. But what you'd expect for a $200 lens.

I actually have similar inconsistency with my thrifty 50 f1.8...

But, I have great results from my Sigma 18-125. it's quick, and pretty sharp, for the most part.

Yes, it's not L glass. I could have 4 18-125s for one piece of L glass. One day I might be able to justify it. That day is not today, or tomorrow.

:)

But one of the issues with third party lenses is that when Canon changes the algorithms on newer cameras, these lenses begin having issues.

This was especially problematic in the past when Canon lowered the current to the lenses - Canon lenses were always designed to require less current, but Sigma lenses weren't, so older generation Sigmas stopped working...

Ultimately, Sigma does not hold a license to Canon's EF mount - so they reverse engineer it, which sometimes creates issues

but I've also not played with it all that much, as I have not a lot of need for that range day to day. One other thing I noticed, teh focal plane is VERY sharp, so it's easy to have 'soft' images, which are really just missed.

is in need of calibration. I'd try some focusing tests with your 50 f/1.8 wide open and your Sigma as well...

If you find that your 30D does need calibration and if it's out of warranty, email me - I think I have Canon's $100 service certificate somewhere, this will probably cover half of it...

.. for the price, its a nice bang for the buck telephoto lens. the pics he took with it came out pretty good. its no L lens but you can still get some good pics from it. plus its not big for a long zoom.

I have the box, case and hood. The lens is in like new condition. No scratches or marks on it.

Also the tripod ring which is a $100+ option.

I would probably let it go for like $500 shipped (a really good price).

but it's generally fine wide open, but I think I'm more used to shooting at 18mm on long hand held exposures, so I get much more shake and movement in low light with the 50.

I guess it's time to run some tests with these other lenses. I admit that my playing is not very scientific...

It is useless to resist :-p

great combination. the only thing is that a blind man can focus on objects better.