First and Third Party Defined

1. First party lenses are NOT interchangeable with cameras from different manufacturers: a Canon lens will not attach to a Pentax camera and vice versa.

2. The lenses are interchangeable with different camera models from the same manufacturer: a single Canon lens will work with every Canon digital SLR camera.

The third party lenses, there are really only three major players: Sigma, Tamron and Tokina.

The same third party lens can be attached to cameras from different manufacturers, so long as the lens mount is correct.example, the Tamron 28-70mm f/2.8 zoom comes with a Canon mount (to attach to all Canon digital SLRs)

Once you’ve bought a lens with a specific mount type it won’t attach to cameras that don’t share the same lens mounting system

First Party Advantages

1. Quality – the build quality of first party lenses (especially those made by Canon and Nikon) is part of the reason why many professional photographers don’t use anything else.

2. Compatibility – since all modern lenses are electronic, it makes sense that the camera manufacturers are the one who can make lenses that are most compatible with their cameras.

Third Party Advantages

1. More Options – camera manufacturers can’t make a lens to suit every need, which is why the third party companies are able to step in and fill the gaps.

2. Lower Prices – in order to be competitive with the big camera companies, many third party lenses don’t cost as much as the first party alternatives.
The quality of third party lenses has also improved, so many of them are now indistinguishable from a similar first party lens.

Third party lenses is that they favor the two leading manufacturers: Canon and Nikon. If your digital SLR is made by Pentax, Olympus or Sony, it will be much easier to find a first party lens.

Which One To Choose?

When you have a complete picture of the lens you would like to have, see what’s available.
If a third party lens is a closer match to your ideal lens than a first party, then I would recommend you buy the third party lens without hesitation.
if there is a first party lens that is also a strong contender, then compare the two side-by-side

More info visit http://rebeldigitalslr.com

Popularity: 50% [?]

What you must do is to resolve within yourself what are your priorities when purchasing a new Digital Rebel.

Oh, almost forgot to tell you. But you probably know already. There is no Rebel X1i. . . yet.

I have no idea how the camera makers are equipped with cameras in their names, but it certainly is not clear, is not it?

There is a long line of rebel digital, from the original Digital Rebel 300D. At that time there were combinations of 3 characters to remember, as XSi, XT1 or JQ2. These letters are difficult to keep in mind if you do not already have one of the devices they represent. One thing has remained constant is the number system that Canon uses. It ’started with the Rebel 300D, and each new voice added 50. Then there was the Digital Rebel 350D, 400D, and now we are up to the 500D is the T1i.

So this article really know if you need to buy a Digital Rebel 450D and 500D.

Historically, Canon has added to the Rebel line of cameras every 2 years.

Each new item have been some significant improvements over its predecessor.

That is, until you get the latest offering, which hit the market about a year after the previous version.

The result is, in the opinion of many experts, that improving the Rebel T1i are not sufficient to justify a person to buy the latest model.

Now, there are a couple of good reasons to buy the latest version of the Rebel:

I checked with some very reliable sources to reach the conclusion that the previous version of Digital Rebel (XSI) is very reliable, and digital camera that takes pictures that are considered among the best at this level and price range.

There are some differences I noticed:

OK, it seems that I am totally against the Digital Rebel T1i.

But it is not.

I think both cameras would be a great fit for anyone but extreme amateur or professional photographer.

Digital Rebels have always given them the fantastic images. Mine certainly did. And these devices are not different. Both are highly recommended.

We hope that you are better informed today than you were. Buying a new camera has always been an exciting adventure for me. There are so many options and features that guests techy look pro. But, in my opinion, it all boils down to this – that the photo does not do what you do.
For more info and review of Canon DSLR visit http://rebeldigitalslr.com

Popularity: 100% [?]

Amazon.com Price: $479.00 (as of 2010-03-10 04:15:08 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras
	Manufacturer: Sigma Corporation Customer Rating:   List Price: $640.00 Sale Price: $479.00 Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now
Product Description
Optimized for Nikon digital SLR cameras but also compatible with film SLR cameras, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 medium telephoto lens allows a greater working distance between the lens and the subject, helping it excel in all shooting ranges. The increased working distance of the lens is ideal when taking the picture of a flower among several branches, or an insect on a leaf. The narrow angle of view helps simplify the background, while the shallow depth of field makes it easier to handle the composition. The lens also offers a super multi coating that reduces the flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras, helping create crisper, sharper photos. And thanks to the Dual Focus (DF) system, the lens is easy to hold during autofocusing, but also offers smooth and positive action should you choose to focus manually on images. Other features include a minimum aperture of f/32, a screw-in lens hood that supports the use of circular polarizing filters, and a minimum focusing distance of 12.3 inches. Offering a 35mm equivalent field of view of 178mm on a digital SLR camera, the lens carries a one-year warranty. Specifications Focal length: 105mm Maximum aperture: f/2.8 Lens construction: 11 elements in 10 groups Angle of view: 23.3 degrees Number of diaphragm blades: 8 Minimum aperture: f/32 Minimum focusing distance: 12.3 inches Maximum magnification: 1:1 Filter size: 58mm Corresponding AF mounts: Nikon Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.8 inches long Weight: 16.1 ounces Warranty: 1 year
Product Details
Compact and lightweight medium telephoto macro lens. Optimized image quality for Digital SLR cameras. Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces the ghost caused by reflections Maximum magnification of 1:1 Focus Limiter Switch that limits the AF range so improving the speed and accuracy of auto focus Dual Focus (DF) system that is designed to make the lens easy to hold during auto focusing
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Worth every penny   Review Date: May 15, 2006 Reviewer: Gary Gray, I've been using this lens for about 3 months now on a Canon EOS-350D and the Canon 5D. It has supurb optics. At f2.8, it is sharp. From f3.0 it takes off and stays sharp up to about f14. The focus mechanism is a little different from most other lenses, but actually I've grown to like it. With a push-pull lock at the end of the lens for manual-auto focus, you can put this thing in manual mode two different ways. If you're focusing in, pull the mechanism and you don't have to worry about the camera trying to change focus and you don't have to take your hand off the lens to find the manual button. Really cool actually, just a little different at first. It is light enough that weight has never been an issue, though it does extend out pretty far when focusing. Focus speed is not as fast and there is a little more motor noise, but this too is never an issue as all my close work is manual focus. As a telephoto, it works very well, but the autofocus speed comes into play here. It will hunt in some conditions as a telephoto, but it is pretty accurate. Save some money and take great SHARP shots with this lens. Highly recommended! I am absolutely loving this lens!   Review Date: April 27, 2008 Reviewer: Z. Henneman, Originally I didn't want to stray from Nikon products, but Sigma definitely has my attention. This is an excellent lens in both build quality and function. It works flawlessly on my Nikon D40, metering perfectly and in addition, even though it's manual focus on my camera, it is spot on with the auto-focus indicator light (lower left corner of view finder). I highly recommend this lens to anyone who is looking to get into macro! Don't be scared if you're a Nikon D40 user, I was at first, and now I'm hooked on this lens! Do yourself a favor and buy one! Sharp and clear   Review Date: February 8, 2007 Reviewer: M. Olson, Tucson, AZ Of all my Four-Thirds compatible lenses this has become a favorite. The Sigma is sharp, reasonably compact and features an actual manual focus mode. Yes, the 50-200mm Zuiko covers this range and is just as sharp, but this lens is much smaller and lighter than the Olympus lens and is, of course, a macro lens that focuses much closer than the Zuiko 50-200mm. Despite being optimized for macro photography, this lens works quite well for general photography and has a bokeh that is a bit more pleasing than many of the admirably sharp Zuiko lenses. In macro operation the lens often gives a greater distance from the subject than the Zuiko 50mm macro lens does, but this lens is not (as far as I can tell) able to mount the Olympus ring flash for macro work so I use it strictly for outdoors and ambient light macro work (Edit: I have since purchased the Olympus twin flash and it works very well with this lens via an easily obtained step ring adapter.) The build quality of the lens is not up to the level of the better Zuiko lenses and it is not a weather sealed lens but it is certainly of a higher quality than the Olympus kit lenses that normally ship with cameras like the E-410/510. It's also a higher quality lens than the inexpensive Sigma zoom lenses that have been available for Olympus and other Four-Thirds applications for some time now. I would say that it has a nice feel to it both in heft and in operation. Due to optical designs that I do not pretend to understand the front element of this lens is remarkably deeply recessed into the lens housing. In fact, it's so deeply recessed that I don't feel the need to use the supplied screw on sun shade (which is a poor design in my opinion) nor do I feel the need to use a clear filter in order to protect the front element (it would be difficult to bang it on anything given how far from the front of the lens it is). One might view this as a money saver as well as a convenience but that's a very subjective opinion I do admit. Finally, the lens features a fully manual focus mode that works very well but unlike the 'fly by wire' Olympus lenses that many are familiar with this lens requires that you throw a switch on the side of the lens housing in order to disengage the auto-focus motors. This is not terribly convenient, however with practice one certainly can train themselves to operate the switch without taking one's eye from the viewfinder. To sum it up, I did not expect great things from this lens given that some of the Sigma lenses in the Four-Thirds mount have been a disappointment but I was pleasantly surprised by this lens. It is sharp at maximum aperture, it is moderately priced, it is an excellent macro lens, and it is a fine medium telephoto lens on top of it all. I can highly recommend this lens as a handy addition to any Four-Thirds DSLR camera kit provided weather & dust sealing is not required. Sharp and well-built   Review Date: January 14, 2008 Reviewer: d80shooter, I debated between this and the 105 Nikkor but at $ 350 versus $750, I decided to try the Sigma and return it if it was not satisfactory. The build seems good with a very solid feel and, while the autofucus is a bit slower than the AF-s Nikkors, it is fine for all but the macro shots which need manual focus anyway. Comparing sharpness at f8, it is about as sharp as my 18-135 at the center and much, much sharper as you move from the center. Overall, I'm very happy I saved the $450. super sharp, a great value compared to other brands   Review Date: December 16, 2006 Reviewer: Michael, Paris, France I previously owned the sigma 150 macro. It was super sharp and awesome in any way, just kind of big and heavy. So I decided to get the 105mm because it's cheaper and lighter, more likely to stay in my bag. The 105 lacks HSM but that's not really a problem for macro where you use manual focus, or for portraits where you don't need fast focusing. The min focus distance is about the same. I didn't get the 60-70mm macros because I also want to use the lens for portraits and 105 is better. I researched the tokina & tamron equivalents but I choose sigma cause it was cheaper. The reviews say they're all about the same. I agree the Tamron 90 macro is better but it's a lot more expensive. Plus I think 105 is better for portraits. Overall I highly recommend this lens for nikons. For canon bodies, the sigmas typically front focus and I would only buy canon lenses (canon has a good 100mm macro).

Popularity: 19% [?]

Amazon.com Price: Too low to display (as of 2010-03-10 04:15:12 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR
	Manufacturer: Tamron Customer Rating:   List Price: $644.95 Sale Price: Too low to display Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now
Product Description
This Tamron AF 18-200 F/3.5-6.3 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (if) Macro is a great all around lens for all ocassions. With it's wide zoom capability from 18-200 the focal length will meet most needs. It also has a built in motor for fast accurate focusing. Designed exclusivly for the new APS sized sensors, you can be assured it will give you sharp results. In addition to its wide zoom range, it also incorporates aspherical elements in it's design to ensure the highest quality images. Features a slip resistant textured rubberized focus and zoom rings. This lens comes with a manufacturer's 6 year warranty and lens hood.
Product Details
Built in Motor For Use on The New Nikon Cameras Includes lens hood, Zoom Lock 6 year Tamron Warranty 62mm Filter Size
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Popularity: 34% [?]

Amazon.com Price: $499.00 (as of 2010-03-10 04:15:15 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
	Manufacturer: Sigma Corporation Customer Rating:   List Price: $499.00 Sale Price: $499.00 Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now
Product Description
Designed for Nikon digital SLR cameras, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 prime lens is ideal for a wide range of applications, from landscape photography to portraiture. The lens offers an extra-large aperture that guarantees superior peripheral brightness, helping create sharp images with high contrast even at the edges. The molded glass aspherical lens, meanwhile, perfectly corrects for coma aberration to ensure that images look sharp and crisp against a nicely blurred background. And thanks to the integrated Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), the lens enjoys a silent, high-speed autofocus system. Other features include a super multilayer lens coating that reduces flare and ghosting, a minimum focusing distance of 17.7 inches, and a maximum magnification of 1:7.4. As with all Sigma lenses, this 50mm lens carries a one-year warranty. Specifications Focal length: 50mm Maximum aperture: f/1.4 Lens construction: 8 elements in 6 groups Angle of view: 46.8 degrees Number of diaphragm blades: 9 Minimum aperture: f/16 Minimum focusing distance: 17.7 inches Maximum magnification: 1:7.4 Filter size: 77mm Corresponding AF mounts: Nikon Dimensions: 3.3 inches in diameter and 2.7 inches long Weight: 17.8 ounces Warranty: 1 year
Product Details
Standard lens with large maximum aperture of F1.4. It creates sharp images with high contrast and ensures superior peripheral brightness. Incorporates molded glass aspherical lens, perfectly correcting coma aberration and creating superior image quality. Super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensuring silent, high-speed AF.
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Popularity: 16% [?]

Amazon.com Price: $1,359.95 (as of 2010-03-10 04:15:18 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Nikon 85mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
	Manufacturer: Nikon Customer Rating:   List Price: Varies based on product options Sale Price: $1,359.95 Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now
Product Description
85mm lens for Nikon SLR cameras
Product Details
85mm focal length is considered the optimal choice for portrait work using a 35mm SLR camera F/1.4 D-Series for Nikon mount cameras
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Popularity: 16% [?]

Amazon.com Price: $799.00 (as of 2010-03-10 04:15:21 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
	Manufacturer: Sigma Corporation Customer Rating:   List Price: $799.00 Sale Price: $799.00 Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Now
Product Description
Enjoy improved optical performance while retaining close-up ability with the large aperture Sigma 70-200mm macro zoom lens. The lens--which offers a minimum focusing distance of 39.4 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5--is suitable for a variety of subjects, including portraits, landscape shots, and macro photos. The lens offers two special low-dispersion (SLD) and three extraordinary low-dispersion (ELD) glass elements, providing excellent correction for all types of aberrations and creating high-quality images throughout the entire zoom range. The super multi-layer coating, meanwhile, reduces flare and ghosting. Finally, the lens incorporates a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), which ensures a quiet and high-speed autofocus (AF) as well as full-time manual focusing ability. Other features include inner focusing and inner zooming systems, a removable tripod collar, and a 77mm filter size. Specifications Focal length: 70-200mm Maximum aperture: f/2.8 Lens construction: 18 elements in 15 groups Angle of view: 34.3 to 12.3 degrees Number of diaphragm blades: 9 Minimum aperture: f/22 Minimum focusing distance: 39.4 inches Filter size: 77mm Hood: Petal type Corresponding AF mounts: Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony/Minolta, Pentax, Four Thirds Dimensions: 3.4 inches in diameter and 7.3 inches long Weight: 48.3 ounces Warranty: 1 year
Product Details
Improved optical performance with a minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in and maximum magnification of 1:3.5 Two SLD and three ELD glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting HSM ensures quiet, high speed autofocus with full time manual focusing
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Popularity: 15% [?]

Amazon.com Price: $433.96 (as of 2010-03-10 04:15:24 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
	Manufacturer: Nikon Customer Rating:   List Price: $623.99 Sale Price: $433.96 Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now
Product Description
60mm lens for Nikon cameras
Product Details
Nikon's most compact Micro lens for close-up and general photography Close Range Correction system provides high performance at both near and far focusing distances Nikon Super Integrated Coating for minimized flare and ghost, providing good color balance Close-up to approximately 8.75 inches 90.4-millimeter working distance
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Popularity: 14% [?]

Amazon.com Price: $1,499.93 (as of 2010-03-10 00:46:32 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
	Manufacturer: Nikon Customer Rating:   List Price: $0.00 Sale Price: $1,499.93 Availibility: Usually ships in 24 hours Free Shipping Available Buy Now
Product Description
Nikon is a precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities. The Nikon name is equated with extraordinary photographic performance, innovation, precision and optical quality.PRODUCT FEATURES:The world's first constant f/2.8 3.2x zoom lens developed exclusively for use with Nikon DX Format;3.2x zoom covers from a wide angle of 79? to a narrow angle of 28? 50' (equivalent to 25.5mm to 85.5mm for 35mm format) and is ideal for architecture, landscape, groups shots and portraits;DX design enables a combination of wider angle-of-view with optical characteristics that are optimized for Nikon digital SLR camera sensors;Nikon DX design produces a smaller image circle (the size of the image that is projected by the lens on to the sensor) enabling smaller lens diameter, lighter weight and optimal image quality from center-to edge-to-corner on the image;3 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration and provide higher resolution and superior contrast;3 Aspherical lens elements for minimized distortion;Lightweight and compact design: similar to 17-35mm f/2.8 lens;Exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation;[M/A] and [M] modes allow rapid switching between AF and MF operation;Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance;Nikon D-type design provides precise distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes;Rounded diaphragm to make out-of-focus elements appear more natural;G Type DX Nikkor is designed exclusively for use with Nikon Digital SLR models;Fully Compatible with D1, D1X, D1H, D2H and D100.
Product Details
Constant f2.8 3.2x zoom lens developed exclusively for use with Nikon DX Format, optimized for Nikon digital SLRs Dust and waterproof rubber sealing mount High optical performance by aspherical lenses and ED glass elements Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation M/A mode for quick switching between autofocus and manual operation
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Customer Reviews
Why this lens. . . .   Review Date: January 23, 2007 Reviewer: Deborah S. Hall, Rochester, New York United States Reviewers below have already described how great this lens is -- I add my voice to the choir but wanted to write here about the decision process that led to 17-55. As others have also said, choosing the camera is relatively easy but choosing the lens (or lenses) is mind boggling. I spent the better part of two weeks researching online and going to photo stores. The 17-55 was barely in my peripheral vision when I started. Of course the first thing I considered was the 18-200VR. All the reviewers like it -- Rockwell was practically orgasmic -- and softly bashed the 17-55 as a heavy, expensive and overkill for most. I looked at many options and kept coming back to the 18-200 as the best all round but something wouldn't let me pull the trigger. And it's this: I like natural light. Many of my photos are references for painting, and I do a lot of portraits and some landscape. Getting the best color, in natural light is my highest priority. In amongst the 18-200 reviews there were a few hints about it being a bit dark at the 200 end (even with VR allowing slower shutter) and about "creep" of the lens when held vertically. I liked the possibility of a one-lens for all situations but began to wonder if I would get my use out of the 200 end without flash or tripod. Came to the 17-55 and dismissed it several times until finally tried it in a photo store. In retrospect, the reviewers suggest focusing on your priorities and for me the 17-55 made the most sense. I admit that I am partial to the simple feel of the lens -- phrases like "built like a tank" carry a lot of weight with me. I'm careful but do use the stuff. I also got an 85 1.8 for portraits so for the two lenses spent double the price of the 18-200VR -- not what I had planned on. But this selection focused the dollars to the heartland priorities and perhaps eventually I will bracket these with a 12-24 (third party) and a longer Tamron. The value of SLR, it seems to me, is to choose the options that match your needs. A great lens for Nikon digital SLRs   Review Date: December 28, 2005 Reviewer: Ben, Pittsburgh This is a great lens for photojournalism, weddings and general photography. I've not had the opportunity to shoot landscapes with mine yet but I expect it to excel in that aspect as well. Wide open, the lens is very sharp - When opening images in Adobe photoshop, there is often no need for sharpening. The lens balances well on my Nikon D70, and is very comfortable to use - the zoom and focus rings are adquately sized and have a nice consistent resistance throughout their respective ranges. Additionally, the lens focuses very close (about a foot from the subject), allowing a lot of creative flexibility. I purchased this lens as an upgrade to the D70 kit lens (18-70 f/3.5-4.5) and can honestly say it was worth it. I shot a low light wedding (my first) with this lens and an 85 1.8 and found the 17-55 indispensible. The fast 2.8 aperture is great for low light while the 17mm end (appears similar to a 27mm on film) allows for a much wider angle than comparable 28-7x lenses. I've heard of sample variation, but have had no problems with mine. Highly recommended. One of the best Nikkor lenses ever built...but Pros and Cons   Review Date: December 3, 2006 Reviewer: RonAnnArbor, Ann Arbor, MI United States I have been using Nikon cameras for 30 years, and their digital SLR's for the past 5 or so...this is far and away one of the best Nikon lenses I have ever used - amazingly well built, excellent image quality, fast focusing, wonderful glass. The downside is primarily the price -- it's as expensive as a full camera, and the weight -- this is a two pound lens. If your budget can accomodate this lens, get it, you will be thrilled. If your budget can not, get the Tamron 17-50 which has similar image quality, weighs less than a pound, and sells for 1/3 the price of this lens. But wow...once you try this lens, you will kick yourself for getting anything lesser....Warning: filter size is 77, so most of your existing filters probably won't work, and do your self a favor and get yourself an UV filter/lens protector out of the box before you put your fingers on your 1300.00 lens. A lens that makes a difference   Review Date: October 30, 2007 Reviewer: Tom Iancu, Bucharest After one year with my trusty D80 I finally jumped and got this lens. I have to tell you that probably some of you will argue that for less money people can get a f/2.8 Tamron (click here:Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens with hood for Nikon-D DSLR Cameras) or a f/2.8 Sigma (click here: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR), but such comparisons are completely off track. First of all, a $800 difference it's not just marketing. It is reflected by a totally different image quality, a better build (metal and sealing), the speed of the AF system and the overall feeling of holding a real pro lens. Secondly, the Tamrons I was contemplating into buying all had some problems with flash overexposure on TTL and TTL BL modes on my SB800 + D80 combo. I am not quite sure why it happened with the Tamron, but I have no such problems with the DX 17-55. Moreover, Tamron has inferior AF speed and this can be observed especially in lowlight. Try focusing with the 17-55 in ambiental light from a 60W light bulb and you will have no problem. Then try the same with a Tamron and you will. Another thing that is annoying is the CA I've noticed with the Tammy, even when the lens was stopped down. I personally hate strong CA because it makes my photos look very P&S-like. However, the 17-50 Tamron is a good contender and may be an option for anyone on a tight budget. Please keep in mind that I saved for the Nikkor and I got it actually one year after my first decision, but I believe the waiting was worth every penny. Now back to the 17-55DX: My experience with it is connected to a D80 camera. The lens is very, very, very sharp, even wide open at 2.8. It is almost too sharp at f5.6 which should make you never use the in-camera sharpening at other setting than normal and this may create some problems for portraiture work if you will like, for example, to soften a bit some undesirable details on your model's face... The sharpness is due mainly to the superb optics of the lens but also to the excellent microcontrast this lens is able to render. The overall microcontrast translates into very natural-looking images and excellent rendition of difficult hues and tones as skin tones have (for example). Under direct bright sun, it tends to exhibit a slight magenta cast but this is easily correctable either with a filter or by postprocessing (pp) when using raw (NEF) files. I'm not sure if this is due to the lens alone or - more probable - the lens + antialising filter + sensor of the D80, so results may be different with other nikon cameras. The lens is quite obviously coated for neutral gray rendition on a 6000K color temperature, the one you will get with flash, for example. BTW, it is a good ideea to use manual white balance on 6000K when using D80 + 17-55DX + SB800 and A mode on the flash. I got best results with these settings. Also about camera settings, the 17-55DX is a very contrasty lens so this may give you some hard times when shooting jpegs on a bright sunny day with huge image dynamics. My advice is to set your camera tone settings on low or lowest (-1 or -2) and mode I or III sRGB. No problem on raw as dynamics could be corrected in Capture NX. These issues are nonexistent with filtered or diffuse light (cloudy, diffusers etc). Overall, this lens makes for each penny you spend with it. It has a superb build quality which will impress you from the first moment you'll hold it in your hands, excellent sharpness, color rendition and image quality that equals the actual scene characteristics in naturalness and color. It is environmentally sealed (internal and at the flange with a rubber ring), the AF runs extremely fast and it is a good investment in a superb optical system. Solid build and smooth operation   Review Date: March 20, 2007 Reviewer: M. Czajkowski, Hamilton, NJ USA I am a photojournalist and bought this lens to use with my Nikon D200 digital SLR. It has the best combination of focal length range, speed and quality of any lens available for the job. Yes, it is certainly a whole lot more expensive than the typical kit lenses sold with some of the other Nikon D-SLRs but to have an effective aperture of f2.8 across the entire zoom range is a tremendous plus especially in my line of work. This lens is also considerably larger and heavier than the slower kit lenses but it's a perfectly acceptable tradeoff for the speed and quality of build you get with it. Granted, this lens is not for everyone but it oftens makes the difference between getting the shot or not getting the shot. I am very pleased with this lens and highly recommend it.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Amazon.com Price: $529.00 (as of 2010-03-10 00:46:15 GMT) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
	Manufacturer: SIGMA Customer Rating:   List Price: $800.00 Sale Price: $529.00 Availibility: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Now
Product Description
The SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM incorporates Sigma's original anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. For the camera have anti-shake function in the camera body, this lens's Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provide not only anti-shake function for the camera body compensation, but also provide the function to compensate the image shaking in the view finder of the camera like anti-shake compensation built in the lens. Incorporating four Special Low Dispersion glass elements and three Aspherical lens elements provides excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7 inches) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1: 3.4 reproduction ratio, making it ideal for close-up photography. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters and the supplied petal-type hood. Incorporating super multi layer coating reduce the ghost in the backlight photography.
Product Details
Equipped with Sigma's own unique OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology Four SLD elements and three Aspherical lenses provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range Minimum focusing distance of 45cm/17.7 inches and a maximum magnification of 1:3.4 makes it ideal for close-up photography Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting For Nikon digital SLR cameras
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Customer Reviews
Excellent Lens...   Review Date: May 11, 2009 Reviewer: Ghassan Bedaywi, Kuwait Actually my review is somewhat similar to the previous review by W. Cooper. I, like him, didn't find much resources about this lens, but was confused between the Tamron & the Nikon long range lenses, I was about to go with the Nikon 18-200mm because I felt that the Tamron 18-270mm lens didn't really get good reviews and I didn't like the fact that it was slow in focusing. And boy am I glad that I waited for this one. I think I gambled (being an early adopter) and it worked. Its really a great all around lens which is exactly what I was looking for (I hate changing lenses). The best thing about it is that its really pretty fast in focusing at 250mm, maybe even faster than my D90 kit lens the Nikon 18-105mm. It really is a HSM equipped lens, I saw a few threads in forums about ppl debating this fact, so rest assured it has a motor. The OS is working as it should at maximum zoom as well so no issues here. I have been using it for a couple of days only to be fair, but I'm very excited about it and about the quality of the images I have took so far. I'm taking it out for a full test in the next few days, if I feel that things weren't perfect I will update this review. I didn't notice a lens creep (yet!), but in any case there is a lock switch on the lens, this switch will only work when the lens is at 18mm. I noticed that when you are trying to shoot close-ups at 250mm, the lens wont focus properly if you are too close to the subject, manual focus will still work though and you can take a clear sharp picture. The make and the body of the lens feels nice and durable as well, it doesn't feel cheap at all. In the end I have to say that this baby will beat the Tamron 18-270mm lens hands down, and surely the Nikon 18-200 if you want a bigger zoom. And the price is surely worth it and acceptable. Update: I think I was wrong about close-up focus, it still focus pretty well and fast at close range while at maximum zoom. Update 2: I have uploaded some pics in Picasa, plz see comments for link. The images don't look good after uploading to Amazon. Update 3: I have to confirm again my initial statement that sometimes it fails to auto focus at close range (according to my tests), I would have to use manual focus. Going back to auto focus it would then work, it seems it needs a reset from time to time! Update 4: It weighs around 650g or 1.43 pounds. All around winner for an all around lens.   Review Date: May 28, 2009 Reviewer: D. P. Murray, SC I just recently bought this lens primarily for its Optical Stabilization technology. My past lens the Sigma 28-300 was a great all around lens but it didn't have the image stabilization that this lens does. This lens with the range of 18-250 actually works better for an all around lens. I was a bit skeptical about the OS (IS Canon) technology but after using a Canon 70-200 2.8 IS. I couldn't go back to my sigma 28-300 without OS. I mean the difference was and is well worth the extra cost. I zoomed in all the way with the OS and without the OS on a rusted mailbox. The OS showed all the rust particles, the Non-OS showed blurred particles. That convinced me it was worth it. That extra crispness makes all the difference. Also, the price for this lens was outstanding when compared to the closest competition. I didn't really want the Tamron, and I wasn't about to pay 2,300 for the Canon 28-300 IS 3.5-5.6 that's nuts. Closer to 1,000 I might have. But this lens as far as I can tell is just as good as the Canon for a lot less expensive. I have NEVER and I repeat never had a problem with my previous Sigma lens. I had the 28-300 for about 3 or more years. And the image quality was always right up there with my Canon lens. I work with a 24-70 2.8L and a 70-200 2.8L IS, as well has 16-35 2.8L, my sigma photo quality kept up with if not is equal to them. Though the L series are built very heavy duty and are really great lens all around. The image quality is not all that superior if any. With the OS on this new lens the only advantage to a L series Canon would be the better build and better dust and weather resistance. But by all means the Sigma 18-250 is a all around winner for anyone wanted an all around lens. so far, so good!   Review Date: September 4, 2009 Reviewer: A. Rubin, Pennsylvania Just got the Sigma 18-250mm and am happy with it so far. Tried a variety of indoor/outdoor shots, and all are very sharp. See no difference in sharpness compared to my Nikon lenses. Focuses very fast, feels very solid. Was worried it would be heavy (it is heavier than the Tamron 18-270 and Nikon 18-200, according to specs), but it barely seems heavier than the 18-105 lens that came with my D90. Not much bigger, either. I tried it on my D60, and with that smaller camera, the lens made the whole camera feel unbalanced (lens-heavy). But with the D90, it feels balanced. Notice very slight zoom creep in the 80-135 range so far, but no big deal. Hope I will still be happy with it after my upcoming travels. Decided on this lens (vs. Tamron 18-270 or Nikon 18-200) because of price, and also because the Sigma has less distortion at 18mm than the others. So far it seems like a great deal, especially given its price relative to the Nikon. If you have a D40 or D60, besides the unbalance issue mentioned above, be aware that if you use this lens with the built-in flash with a focal length of 18 to about 22mm, the lens will cast a weird shadow in your images. The D90 -- to my surprise -- does this too, though it is not nearly as bad and could be cropped (at 22mm it is very slight). This same problem would happen with the Tamron and Nikon with the D40/60, but not sure about the D90. The Nikon is about .2 inches shorter than the Sigma, and I bet this makes a difference.) Anyway, chances are, you will not be using this lens at 18mm with the built-in flash very often. If you use an external flash, then there will be no shadow. Do research, and you'll find that the Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron all have their strong points. For me, the distortion of the Nikon and its much higher price, as well as some negative reviews about the focusing of the Tamron, made me choose the Sigma. Perfect for what it should be   Review Date: October 25, 2009 Reviewer: D. Lawrence, New Haven, CT So no super-zoom lens you buy is going to be as good as any comparable prime lens. With this is in mind, I compared this lens to the Nikkor 18-200mm. Some reviews on the web will compare a Nikkor 50mm prime to the Sigma's 50mm setting...of course the Sigma will lose (just about anything will lose, in my opinion). The question became for me: does the picture quality between the Nikkor and the Sigma justify the cost differential. I bought both and compared the shots side by side, and I gotta say the Sigma holds up just fine. Sure, the Nikkor gets a little bit brighter colors if you zoom things up to 200 or 300%, but does this matter? This lens is for walking around and taking nice pictures. You're not going to do studio work with it...of course. The extra zoom is nice. The build quality is fine. The optic stabilization is OK, but I like the stabilization in the Nikkor better (but if you're shooting in bright conditions or have a decent flash, this doesn't really matter). The only bone I have to pick is that the zoom ring turns the opposite way that I'm used to, so sometimes I've missed the shot of my kids running around cuz I zoomed in when I meant to zoom out. This may just be due to my own mental shortcomings, but it's annoying nonetheless. Bottom line: buy the Sigma (shoot, buy the Nikkor too -- and return it when you agree with me!) Great lens for the price   Review Date: September 7, 2009 Reviewer: Srini P, San Jose, CA Bought this lens as I can not imagine myself carrying two lenses and changing lenses in dusty outdoors. I was comparing this lens with Canon 18-200 and Tamron 18-270. Bought this for these reasons: 1. Cheaper than the other two. 2. Lowest barrel distortion 3. Better build quality compared to canon 4. Has HSM. No USM on canon 5. Hood included 6. Highest number of SLD glass elements Had it for 2 months now and used it in variety of conditions. Very happy with the result. I can only compare it with canon 18-55 kit lens. Surprisingly, sharpness of this lens is better than the kit lens. It has faster and quieter focus too (due to HSM). The OS works flawlessly. At 250mm I can see the image stabilize in the viewfinder after abt 1/2 second. Build quality and grip feel is very good. Hood is pretty solid too. Hood and filters do not rotate while focusing. Due to its weight I still use 18-55 indoors.

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