Testing Sigma Lenses

ESiggins

Hi all,

I've been reading a lot of good reviews of the Sigma 17-50 F2.8, and seeing as I can't afford the Nikkor version, I reckon I'll get it. Problem is, people say there are some serrious quality controll problems with Sigma and I need to be sure I get a good copy. My question is, when I'm in the store with the salesperson breathing down my neck, how do I tell if I'm holding a good copy? I don't think they'd be real happy if I showed up with my laptop to do tests or asked for them to make me a few 8x10s before I make my decision. Any advice? Thanks,

Fred.

glovedesigner

17-50 2.8
I have a Tamron 17-50 F.2.8 and it's an extremely sharp lens! Maybe you should also give the Tamron lens some considerations. They are about $40-50 more than the Sigma version here in the States. The built quality is excellent, AF is fast and they are made and assembled in Japan.

ESiggins wrote:

Hi all,

I've been reading a lot of good reviews of the Sigma 17-50 F2.8, and seeing as I can't afford the Nikkor version, I reckon I'll get it. Problem is, people say there are some serrious quality controll problems with Sigma and I need to be sure I get a good copy. My question is, when I'm in the store with the salesperson breathing down my neck, how do I tell if I'm holding a good copy? I don't think they'd be real happy if I showed up with my laptop to do tests or asked for them to make me a few 8x10s before I make my decision. Any advice? Thanks,

Fred.

gus

G'day fred...ive nothing specific but maybe you can have a read in these sites

http://www.photographers.co.uk/html/photographic-lens-testing.cfm
http://www.normankoren.com/Tutorials/MTF5.html
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_ideas/Photo_p001.shtml?from=Home

ESiggins

Thanks for the tips, y'all. I guess the point is to buy from someplace with a reasonable returns policy and test it at home. I don't think I have the attention span for some of that stuff, but I like the idea of the newspaper test. There was a quote in one of the articles from a Fuji guy who said 99% of sharpness problems come from camera misalignment, user error or film. Maybe I'll go ask the Technique forum how to get the sharpest images possible with whatever lens I'm using. Ta,

Fred.