Camera Labs

I just bought a 50D body in replacement for my aging Rebel 300D. I am using a Sigma 18-125, 3.5-5.6 none IS lens that was on the Rebel for the past 4 years. After more than a thousand shots, I realize this lens cannot exploit the full potential of the 50D as my photos are far from being sharp

After reading many post I had made up my mind on the Canon 17-55, 2.8 IS even if it is not quite long enough. But, when I saw the size and weight of this lens, I realized that it is not suitable for my needs. I do a lot of landscape and nature photography, walking for miles and often in difficult situations and this lens is definitely too heavy. Switching lens is also out of the question.

I saw one that would probably more adequate, the Sigma 17-70, 2.8-4.5 macro. It is a tad bigger than the 18-125. At 17mm it is wide enough and at 70mm well, considering the cropping factor of the 15 mp 50D, it would probably be just as long as the 18-125. I understand that it is not stabilized but, I don’t think one is made in that zoom range.

So, my question is, would the image quality of the Sigma 17-70 be that much better than the 18-125?

Hi ADP,

May I offer you a warm welcome to the CameraLabs forums.

PhotoZone have reviewed the Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC macro here. I've had a very brief glance at it but I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

I own two lenses of comparable weight and when I go walking I carry camera plus the "lens for the day" in a Lowepro toploading bag slung from my belt. The camera is very accessible and I don't notice the weight. Your choice, of course, but I think it would be a real shame to compromise the quality of your 50D's sensor unless there is no workaround you can live with.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

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Please continue here.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.