Camera Labs

I have a Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM in my collection and now I saw Sigma has released a version II for this lens. It's not an EX lens any more and it doesn't look (don't know how it feels) as robust as the older version but now it's weather sealed (very nice!), has a filter thread (82mm) and it sounds like the optics were upgraded.
As the first version's pictures look a little bit soft (not dramatically but it could be improved) I wonder how the two lenses compare but I couldn't find a comparison, yet.

Has anybody seen something like that? My problem is it's pretty expensive at the moment. I'd just like to know if I want to "upgrade" someday in the far future

To me it sounds like the upgrade from the Canon EOS 50D to 60D - technically the 60D is newer, better etc. but the body... The 12-24mm II looks kind of plasticky but...

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Canon EOS 500D + Canon EOS 5D Mark III + Canon EOS 33v
Canon EF 24-105mm 4L IS USM + EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM + Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II + Nissin Speedlite Di 466

I think Sigma now reserves their EX tag for contstant aperture lenses, it doesn't have much to do with build quality afaik.

Anyhow, I wouldn't upgrade. It gives you nearly nothing new, and for that money you might be better off buying a lens that gives you new possibilities.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

I'm not going to upgrade in the near future but if the image quality is noticable superior I might think of it in a few years...

The next lens I'm going to spend my money for is the EF 24-105mm F4L IS USM. With that my lens kit is complete* and then I'll go for a better camera (or two: crop and full frame). After that I might think of upgrading my lenses (EF 50mm 1.8II --> 50mm 1.4 USM | Sigma 12-24mm --> II?). I'm just interested in the difference. I could just kick the new version from my "future plan list" if the image quality is very similar.

*
Wide: 12-24mm
Normal: 24-105mm
Tele: 100-400mm
fast 50mm
Macro lens (EF 100mm 2.8L)

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Canon EOS 500D + Canon EOS 5D Mark III + Canon EOS 33v
Canon EF 24-105mm 4L IS USM + EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM + Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II + Nissin Speedlite Di 466