AlienShots, A Photographer’s Blog

Third party lenses stigma

Posted by iShoot - 22/05/08

No doubt that there is an ongoing stigma in the photographic community about using third party lenses on pro and semipro cameras. Sometimes its more of a psychological issue then a glass quality one.

As with contemporary digital cameras, the ones produced in the last year or so , one can simply not go wrong by choosing any brand. They all produce fantastic images that only high pro-level digital cameras used to produce 4-5 years ago. My small $500 Canon G9 produces almost identical images like my old $3000 Canon.
Personally today with the quality of third party lens producers I have no objections what so ever on putting a third party lens on my camera if it fits my budget and performs as advertised. In testing and using different gear and lenses over the years I can say for sure that the difference in quality today is negligible to the point that one cannot almost spot the difference, well almost.

Someone once asked looking at a print ” can you say with which lens maker I took this shot?” the simple answer was NO.
You will find many reviews that will be looking into comparison charts, comparing single pixels and so on, for example; if you happen to own a full-frame Nikon D3 then using a $800 Sigma 70-200 f2.8 II will give you sharper images on still subjects then using a $1500 Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 thats what reviews say.
Sure go ahead and read reviews but more importantly look at pictures made with the lens you have in mind. You can find high resolution images on flickr, and other photo sharing sites by searching the lens type you are interested in. Its always better to go with the best quality naturally, but If budget is a concern then there is nothing wrong going with third party lenses even if you are a professional. Honest.

The Monster from Sigma

Posted by iShoot - 13/05/08

This is certainly the largest lens I have ever seen, its huge. See the Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 it even comes with a 2x extender bringing the focal length to 1000mm, ain’t that cute.

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