megafranz's reviews

  • Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF SP AF

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Image quality, price
    mechanicly not 100%

    @ slice4e

    I took a look at your images, well I think your lens is OK, the picture of the bird is as sharp as your camera can record the images. The one with the dolls is sharp at the one with the green glasses.
    For the others I think your focussing is not 100%.
    Try to use a diafragma of 5 to 11 for best results
    Also try to shoot in raw, that will increase IQ.

    Also keep in mind that when you view the images on screen at 100% your actualy looking at a large picture of around 70x100cm, from very close by.

    - Well I own this lens now for a few months, mounted on a Sony A350, this realy is a sharp performer. deforming and CA are easy adjustable
    Contrast is fine, but for the color I think it is a little blueish
    I am not saying that it is the best lens but for ihe price you get a lot of lens.

    Mechanicly, I am not 100% satisfied, the lens feels just a little bit loose. My Sigma 10-20 feels more solid. At a certain moment I found out that the frontring whobled for 2 mm, not a big problem it was easy repaired by flipping of the coverring and thightening the screews. No big deal, but it shoudn't have happened.

    Anyway I am very happy with this lens and can recoment is to any non-pro

    reviewed May 17th, 2008 (purchased for $380)

  • Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Image quality, price, well build
    uhmmm, didn't like the the printquality of the black box it came in

    !!WAW!!
    a big bang for the buck

    Looking for a resanoble priced ultra wide lens I was
    this sigma 10-20 and the Tamron 11-18, But desided t go for the some more expansive Sigma, because I think the Yamron would let mee down. His glorry days where in the 8mp age so I was afraid that it could not perform at 14mp. Hewre in Holland the Tamron is cheap, but the price is forgotten, the quality remains.

    When stopped down to 5.6-11, I like the IQ a lot, sharp, little distortion and CA, easy adjustable with LR PS and PTLens.
    I only have the impression that is is not as sharp as my Tamron 17-50. But that is mayby due to the magnofication of the details.

    I especialy like wide angle photography and what a fun lens this is for architectural and landscape photograpy.
    I have now idea how this lens compares to the Canon's and Nikons, but I don't think there is a big difference, so I can recommend this one to any none pro.

    reviewed May 17th, 2008 (purchased for $500)