thomasjohnlynch's reviews

  • Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    price, quality, speed
    no canon logo?

    Being new to SLR 35 and having just an XTi I am very nervous about wasting cash or not getting any value or return on a "toy part" for this hobby. I took about 2,485 pictures last year and have save and been taking digitial photography since the mid 90s when my son was first born. I have been swapping out the plastic freebie and bought a Sigma 70:300 zoom for outdoor sailing and wildlife and now picked up this lens for close up and indoor and flash. This is a very well constructed, fast and accurate lens! Bought out here on Long Island for under $200 new. I also picked up a Bowers .42X fisheye to get a little bit more data in those close shots with just a hint of distortion, it has a Macro lens for this Sigma which just gives a more Swiss Army knife use to this lens. Picked up a Bowers SFD35C flash ($134.95) and some 2900mAh rechargables) after sticker shock on the Canon stuff. This lens and that flash work GREAT. Not sure how to post samples shots so maybe Ii can put that in my profile.

    reviewed January 6th, 2009 (purchased for $190)

  • Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    price, quality, speed
    no canon logo? maybe TOO complicated to work as GREAT lens.

    I would agree with those who say this is an above average lens. My use is for ALL outdoors, sun, so fast shutter (no need for IS) and also I can take the high F need. All of these features of this lens mean it's a specialty lens. there are a lot of stuff in there and every element cuts it down. The 300 zoom is not as good as the lower magnifications. However, for this price point who cares? You get the shot. I got a 2X Magnifier for this and I think when zooming in for that single bird (in center of field) it is perfect and exactly what I needed. Macro has been great for small wildlife and undisturbed shots. I am very happy with this lens and can go buy 3 more of other sizes to play with for what the Canon would have cost me.

    reviewed January 6th, 2009 (purchased for $190)