I have a problem, I would like to buy a 24mm f/2.8 prime lens for my Elan II. I belive that it is usually better to stay with Canon lenses for your Canon bodys, but the Sigma seems to be a better lens. Here are some comparisons.

Sigma Canon group/elements 7/8 10/10 filter 52mm 58mm focusing .18m .25m price B&H $178. $360./$320. grey USM none none

The Sigma also scores a 4.0 on the photodo web site charts while the Canon gets a 3.9, both very good. What I want to know is is there anybody out there who has real world experince with these lenses that can give me some more in put. Thank you, John.

-- John Hooper (dhooper@cadvision.com), February 10, 1999

Answers

John, I have used the sigma 24 2.8 for a minolta, so I can't tell you about the sigma for canon mount, though AF would be the only consideration I guess. Optically, it performed well, not as good as a canon lens though. My 70-200 2.8 (canon) is sharper, and is constructed much more solidly (not a fair comparison? Sure it is, a third party prime vs. a professional zoom, not too much difference). The sigma lens feels a bit flimsy when compared to a canon consumer lens such as the 28-105. I personally have gotten great pictures with all my equipment; a good tripod is far more important than a lens. Never forget John Shaws statement that top equipment used with poor technique won't yield as good of results as a mediocre system used with excellent technique. You would probably be better off with the canon though, except for the cost. I have been looking for one used and haven't seen many. The one I have seen was $250, and that extra $50 is worth it.

-- colin mcvey (cmcvey@thegrid.net), February 11, 1999.

The Canon 24 f/2.8 is a very good lens. I've had it for several years, and been quite impressed with its quality. It doesn't have USM, but this is less important with a wide angle lens than a telephoto or normal lens. I'd say it's a bargain in the Canon line.

I've not used a Sigma, so I can't comment. My reading of user comments on Sigma in general is that build quality is often less than one would like, while optical quality is usually fine. Compatibility with the Canon EF interface could also be a problem with the Sigma.

-- Michael K. Gardner (gardner@gse.utah.edu), February 12, 1999.

The Sigma 24 mm is quite an early design in their AF range. There are many reports with incompatibility problems with this particular lens. I therefore suggest you rather spend the extra dollars and get the Canon lens. I use to own a Sigma 24 mm for my EOS 100 (Elan). Optically it is quite good, but I doubt if it is better than the Canon 24 mm. One thing I remember about this lens was its noisy focussing, even to 3rd party standards.

-- Nico Smit (Nico@anp.co.za), February 13, 1999.

You might want to take the Photodo MTF ratings with a grain of salt. The subjective ratings (the output-quality opinions of pros and advanced amateurs) are more useful, and they tend to mark the Sigma way down while giving the Canon top marks. At first you may think it's just brand snobbery, but I don't know a single serious photographer who wouldn't be happy to rave about a cheap third party lens if it were particularly good. Although not third party, look at all the fantastic reviews given to the Canon 28-105 USM, which can be had grey-market from B&H for $235 plus $20 for the hood. Except for a 50 and a 28, what other lenses do we ever own or use that cost so little? Stick with the Canon if you can afford it. (By the way, outstanding advice above regarding using good technique to make up for less than perfect equipment if you're on a tight budget. Hats off to such clear practicality!)

-- Mark Hubbard (hubbard@humboldt1.com), February 16, 1999.

Hello John,

about 2 years ago I bought a used Sigma 2.8/24. I's a fine lens, but it had a serious drawback: It didn't work with my EOS50 (Elan2)! (no stopping down of aperture; body locks up). Sigma Germany told me, that this is the compatibility problem (old design of the lens) and they cannot fix it. I gave back the lens. On the other hand, Sigma fixed my 3.5/4.5 70/210 APO Macro; now it should work even with the EOS3 (not tested yet). I'm afraid, the Canon is the only 24mm lens working with an Elan2.

Regards, Andreas

-- Andreas Theil (andreas.theil@metronet.de), August 15, 2000.