marduk360's reviews

  • Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp center, good sharpness on the corners wide open through f11.
    No front filter to protect the FE.

    I found this lens to be sharp wide open up to f8/f11.
    Diffraction starts from f11 on my 40D, but still acceptable, beyond that, its noticeable.

    The size and weight is just right specially on the midrange SLRs (Canon xxD). The focus and zoom rings have no play and are stiff but smooth (not quite L smooth but still very good).

    Only real complaint is that due to the bulbous FE, it cannot be protected by filters.

    reviewed December 23rd, 2010 (purchased for $896)

  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Size and weight. Sharp from f/2 thru f/11 (APS-C).
    Soft at f/1.4, no hood.

    Best value 50mm from Canon. Its a better investment vs the 1.8 and not much lost vs. the 1.2.

    You would only be getting the 1.2 IF you really really need the aperture, build quality and bokeh.

    reviewed December 28th, 2010 (purchased for $446)

  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp, Fast and accurate AF, Lightweight without feeling cheap
    No Tripod ring, HIS (regular IS would have sufficed)

    Very sharp and fast/accurate AF. Focusing is very silent too. The focusing ring has a smooth feel to it, but somehow feels a bit too loose (imo only).

    The build quality is very good despite the material used.
    Feels solid but light for its size.

    Only gripe is that there is no Tripod Ring included.... the MSRP of the original is ridiculous. Probably would settle for a 3P solution.

    Another gripe, is that HIS is still not thoroughly tested to warrant being release to the public. Its only purpose in this lens (IMO) is to drive the price up and to differentiate it with the non-L 100 macro. I believe the normal IS would have sufficed for this release (for short telephoto use).

    reviewed July 16th, 2012 (purchased for $1,000)