Any thoughts on either of these lens?

[lewdyan1]

I am new to the DSLR world and want a new lens since I feel limited by the kit lens. I don't want invest a lot of money until I know what the heck I am doing. Do you have any thoughts on either of these: Sigma 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DC Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras or Tamron AF55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di-II LD Macro Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras?

Thanks in advance!

 

[El Nebuloso]

I am assuming that since you are looking at the 55-200, that your kit lens is the 18-55 (but I could be totally wrong of cours). I don't have any experience with the 55-200, but have used my brothers Sigma 28-300 which is a great general purpose lens. At ~240, it isn't much more than the 55-200, performs well and gives you even more reach. You could then use your kit lens pretty much for wide angle use only.

 

[lewdyan1]

You are correct about the kit lens.

I looked at the 28-300, but it's about 6 or 7 ounces more and I really am trying to keep it light.

 

[boBQuincy]

None of the 55-200's are rated too badly, none are that great either. I have Canon's 55-200 and it can produce good results when stopped down a couple stops. Here are two photos taken with this lens:

 

[jann1033]

fwiw.....

a decent cheap lens is the phoenix( promaster, vivitar, it's the lens with a thousand names ) 100mm macro.. i have one, it's pretty sharp as just a 100 mm and the macro is ok, my only problem with it is it needs a filter type adapter( supplied) to get a 1:1 macro ratio....it's about $120 ish, depending on the mount...my thinking is...it would give you a little more range, i couldn't fine the lenses you mentioned on fredmiranda but i pretty much guarantee the phoenix is sharper( due to being fixed ie non zoom) plus you'd have a macro lens to play with...then when you decide what you want to use you will still have a usable lens and can get a better zoom. i think tamron makes a 90mm macro but not sure of the price.

my problem when i have bought really cheap moderately reviewed lenses( which i am totally guessing these 2 are since i couldn't find them) is i don't want to use them when i get something better then i have to sell them( and who wants a used lousy lens) or keep them and kick myself for wasting my money.
sorry i can't seem to find one i took with that lens( 100mm) other than a macro shot

 

[jann1033]

for some reason i am having a terrrible time with this site tonight...this is a macro shot with that lens, i''m sure i have a normal 100mm shot some where but can't find any right now