Pop Photo Lens Tests,,,,,

xsquiggy

Are these tests accurate? Do you find the SQF tables informative, and more importantly, would you base your lens buying decisions in part or wholly upon these tables?

I ask for several reasons. I just looked up the Pop Photo lens test on the Nikon 105/2.8 macro lens, and it scored exceptionally well. This particular lens was my favorite portrait lens when I shot 35mm film. It never failed to produce crisp, clear distortion free images, so my conclusion on this particular lens matches Pop Photos test results. Same conclusion with Nikons 50/1.4 lens. After purchasing my new D200 body (once I can find it) I'll need to purchase several lenses, and I need a basis to compare Nikon glass to the cheaper alternatives.

More specifically, I'd like to know if anyone has used the Sigma 20-40 f2.8 EX DG AF? It scored exceptionally high and costs a about 1/3rd the price of the Nikon version.
http://www.popphoto.com/assets/download/3112003113315.pdf

Also interested in info. about the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 EX APO IF HSM AF lens. According to Pop Photo, it also earned exceptionally high marks.
http://www.popphoto.com/assets/download/5202003163559.pdf

Also interested in a 20mm prime, such as the Sigma 20/1.8. Anyone?
http://www.popphoto.com/pdfs/2002/1102/1102_sigmalensesf.pdf

ziggy53

xsquiggy,

In a word, "no" I disagree with some of the conclusions and opinions expressed at PopPhoto.

Do I disagree will all that they say? No, some I very much agree with.

Also look at PhotoDo and independant reviews when making your considerations. Buy from a reputable dealer with reasonable return privilages.

In particular, the article: "Digital Optical Options" does not match my experience.

http://www.popphoto.com/article.asp?section_id=2&article_id=1711

Sorry, I don't have any direct experience with these lenses. I do have a Sigma 18-50mm, f2.8 that is excellent, and works perfectly, and an older Sigma long-zoom that is also excellent, but not compatible with digital cameras. They "can" make very good glass. They also seem to have some quality control issues.

Again, buy from a reputable dealer, with a reasonable return policy, and you should be OK. By all means, let us know your experience.

xlenny er, ah, ziggy53 (Gosh am I that old?)

xsquiggy

Thanks for your reply. In the past I've always purchased Nikon glass, and more than likely will do the same once my D200 comes in. I put my name on the list at my local retailer today, and I'm #61 in line :cry :cry .

The guy said he had a D2X in stock and would sell it for $4500. Still too pricy for this bank account:D . One things for sure, my initial budget for a DSLR setup was $3 grand. After some research, I figure $6 grand is more inline with the body, glass, memory, and flash I want. Working on the wife as I type,,,,,,:D