sjms's reviews

  • Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    it is the optimum carry around lens in focal length
    the flare issue but the fix is coming. canon is backing their product

    despite the flare issues, which canon is in process of resolving with a service recall, this lens is pretty much what i was hoping for. it has become my standard on my FF body all the time. its range is good and the image quality is outstanding. the addition of IS is just a nice plus. relatively light in comparision to my 24-70 2.8L. putting the lens hood attach point on the end of the lens allowing it to move with the zoom is a definate big plus over the older fixed designs (rather large) allows for a smaller hood too. this was a major complaint by many resolved.

    reviewed October 28th, 2005 (purchased for $1,100)

  • Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO Macro

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    outstanding lens
    tends to run away on the AF every now and then

    excellent lens for my FF and 1.3 crop. allows me the room to shoot and light rather then being right on top of the subject. one of sigmas best products. gives canon a run for the money.

    reviewed October 29th, 2005 (purchased for $600)

  • Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp, Accurate
    Heavier then a Prime 300/2.8 but does more. lens foot mount needs a little rethink but adequate.

    required no "focus adjustment" out of its box on delivery on a D4s or D810, at least for me.
    I sold my Nikon 300/2.8 VR to purchase this dense chunk of optics. except for the added weight (near 0.4 lbs) this outperforms the prime due to its overall versatility. works well with the Sigma 1.4x TC. I wish they produced an intermediate TC (1.7x) like Nikon has for that little extra reach. the 2.0x is just a bit too much take for me. Alloy hood vs Composite adds a little weight but greater durability and lower replacement $. The ability to "program" the lens via the "Dock" has yet to be investigated. Sigma has been thinking good things and turning them into reality

    reviewed August 17th, 2014 (purchased for $3,400)

  • Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    excellent "standard" walk around lens. quite a versatile piece of optics
    hood and lens cap have weak points in their designs.

    this lens replaces my previous 17-70/2.8-4. it is lighter, smaller and gives better overall results.

    optically and mechanically improved over the previous version which was pretty darn good to begin with.

    very nice in close up

    it is a more modern approach in its design and feel. no longer (at this point) needs the lens zoom lock due to heavier dampening of the mechanism.

    the 2 mechanical weakness in it are the hood and lens cap. the hood is a is a good design but when slotted into the camera it has a rather weak connection so one can be concerned about it staying one in relatively rough use. the lens cap works well when placed properly. the inset that drops onto the lip of the lens is difficult to put back on properly with the hood in place unless reversed. both issues are resolvable.

    reviewed June 9th, 2013 (purchased for $469)