[gd1418]

The Hoya G series are the cheapest filters that Hoya makes. They are much ahead and better than what is generally availalbe in the market like Cokin, Tiffen, Marumi or Osaka.

Tiffen filters come with a warranty of 10 years. They are supposed to be quite good but I haven't used any.

Go for the Hoya G series. You won't regret.

Originally Posted by amitk26

How good or bad is Hoya G series ? I am seeing some really cheap deals on net in US and can get them carried over to India by someone ? What about tiffin ? Can anyone provide feedback

[absynthguzzler]

Guys, I've managed to find a buyer for my 18-105 kit lens . So the hunt starts for a fast standard zoom lens. I'll need a bit of info and help from B'lore bhpians.

I'm looking at the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 DC or the Tamron SP AF 17-50 F2.8 . Both are retailing at approx 23k online. I'd love to hear bout other suggestions( Nikon mount) or to go for it from the guru's on here.My budget is 40k and looking only at fast standard zooms.

Is this a good price? and if so , id love a few pointers towards reliable retailers to match or better the deal if possible.

Happy clicking and cheers

Arun

Edit : Reason i ask for B'lore help is cause I'm stuck in Chattisgarh and most probable next stop over would be your city .

[shajufx]

I use Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 and very happy with the results. Got it for 21, you might get it lesser if bargained. I have 3 sigma products, never got a reason to complain nor think anytime that it has a quality compromise in any aspects. My next lenses will be 100% Sigma too: an ultra wide angle 8-16 or 10-20 and a 300 f/2.8, waiting for my sponsor .

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by gd1418

The Hoya G series are the cheapest filters that Hoya makes. They are much ahead and better than what is generally availalbe in the market like Cokin, Tiffen, Marumi or Osaka.

Tiffen filters come with a warranty of 10 years. They are supposed to be quite good but I haven't used any.

Go for the Hoya G series. You won't regret.

Thanks a lot , Unfortunately lost my wallet with 3 CC and 2 debit cards on Friday evening so no online purchase possible till cards are reissued ,

All cards are blocked with no misuse found till the time of reporting loss.

EDIT : Just to help someone shopping for backpacks. A generic Amazon backpack at 31.99 US$ looks quite good organization is similar to Canon 200 EG with solder straps slightly better. A big positive is that it does not scream steal me.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-B...m_cr_pr_sims_t

Caselogic also has few interesting offerings.

[absynthguzzler]

Originally Posted by shajufx

I use Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 and very happy with the results. Got it for 21, you might get it lesser if bargained. I have 3 sigma products, never got a reason to complain nor think anytime that it has a quality compromise in any aspects. My next lenses will be 100% Sigma too: an ultra wide angle 8-16 or 10-20 and a 300 f/2.8, waiting for my sponsor .

Thanks shajufx

the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 doesn't seem to be listed on most online retailers and guess that's why i missed it .

Good to know your happy with Sigma and that's making me tilt my decision towards the 17-70 F2.8-4 now .

A few reviews have many positives on the Tamron i quoted, but i guess ill compromise a wee bit for the extra 20mm on the Sigma. Besides, it also gives me the chance to acquire a 70-200 or 70-300 to cover the whole range then with just 2 lenses.

Now its time to find a good retailer and cash out my Sept salary .

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by absynthguzzler

..... but i guess ill compromise a wee bit for the extra 20mm on the Sigma. Besides, it also gives me the chance to acquire a 70-200 or 70-300 to cover the whole range then with just 2 lenses.

Nothing wrong in thinking about that 50-70 gap filling part, but the compromise is painful if you have more low light/indoor shooting. Sigma 18-50 is f/2.8 fixed, so you get 50mm also at the widest aperture, which is f/4.5 at 70mm on the other lens. If you are aware of what you will be missing, then its fine.

I am on the learning stage, but have tested Macro, Portraits, Wildlife, Birding, Street, low light, strobes etc, never even thought about my 50mm to 70mm gap as I have 18-50 and 70-200. People have an assumption that the line of lenses should be (eg. on FX frame); 12-24, 24-70, 70-200, 200-400 and so on (not ignoring the number of primes one would have). One can have all of it, not necessary its of any use. I have bought 7 lenses so far (18-55, 55-200, 18-50, 35, 90, 70-300, 70-200) but keep only 3 as of now (18-50, 35, 70-200) rest are sold. May be I would sell the 35mm too. I think a 10-20 and the 70-200 will be all what I would carry for a week-long photo travel .

[gd1418]

If I were you, would have zeroed on the 17~50 f/2.8.

Originally Posted by absynthguzzler

I'm looking at the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 DC or the Tamron SP AF 17-50 F2.8 . Both are retailing at approx 23k online. I'd love to hear bout other suggestions( Nikon mount) or to go for it from the guru's on here.My budget is 40k and looking only at fast standard zooms.

I'm posing this query here as it is connected with photography. I'm getting Photoshop CS3. Will this software directly process RAW (NEF) images without requiring any add-ons?

[absynthguzzler]

Originally Posted by shajufx

Nothing wrong in thinking about that 50-70 gap filling part, but the compromise is painful if you have more low light/indoor shooting. Sigma 18-50 is f/2.8 fixed, so you get 50mm also at the widest aperture, which is f/4.5 at 70mm on the other lens. If you are aware of what you will be missing, then its fine.

Originally Posted by gd1418

If I were you, would have zeroed on the 17~50 f/2.8.

I think I'm going to stick to your advise and purchase 18-50 lens, however then my preference is leaning more towards the Tamron SP 18-50 f2.8. I wonder why 3rd party manufacturers dont stick to the same focus ranges as nikon like the 18-55 and 18-105 and just make faster versions of them.

Originally Posted by gd1418

I'm posing this query here as it is connected with photography. I'm getting Photoshop CS3. Will this software directly process RAW (NEF) images without requiring any add-ons?

I downloaded Lightroom 3 and find it good and easy to use as a beginner in post processing. I feel Photoshop is a bit intimidating unless you know the shortcuts. LR3 came with NEF compatibility (and Video too) in my download , however you can also download separate add-ons for the RAW versions if required from adobe. I think its called Camera Tool or something like that.

[nvldvr]

Got my first DSLR. Canon 1000d with 18-55 IS. 23 K with B/W from Fort, Mumbai. ( No warranty on the IS lens though). Very excited.
Just getting a feel of things for now. Shooting a few pics and going through the manuals. Will work with the 18-55 for some time, and then decide on the next lens. Most likely will be the 50 mm/1.8.
Hope to post some good pics soon.

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by absynthguzzler

I think I'm going to stick to your advise and purchase 18-50 lens, however then my preference is leaning more towards the Tamron SP 18-50 f2.8.

You meant 17-50 f/2.8 of Tamron right ? Even I had gone through many reviews comparing f/2.8 lenses from Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. I still dont remember why I chose Sigma over the others. I dont think there might be much of a difference quality-wise. Search for the groups and photos in flickr, you will see 100s of images taken with these lenses. It helps to decide.

[absynthguzzler]

Originally Posted by shajufx

You meant 17-50 f/2.8 of Tamron right ? Even I had gone through many reviews comparing f/2.8 lenses from Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. I still dont remember why I chose Sigma over the others. I dont think there might be much of a difference quality-wise. Search for the groups and photos in flickr, you will see 100s of images taken with these lenses. It helps to decide.

The actual model is Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) .

This is the latest offering with built in VC. The non VC version is retailing at 18.5k (same as the Sigma) and this one at 24k. And the SP prefix is supposedly the "professional" range in Tamrom.

Quality wise, the reviews and sample photos are equal on both brands, but I'm going in for this one because of the VC.

The Tokina to match these 2 lenses is a 16-50 f2.8 Pro DX , but its retailing at a whopping 44k!.The only major positive in most feed backs is the build quality.

[shajufx]

Originally Posted by absynthguzzler

.....but I'm going in for this one because of the VC......The Tokina to match these 2 lenses is a 16-50 f2.8 Pro DX , but its retailing at a whopping 44k!.The only major positive in most feed backs is the build quality.

I guessed the same lens from your earlier post. I dont have any VC/OS/IS/VR even on my 70-200 , so its not a 'must' as highly promoted by the manufacturers. A fast lens has the advantage to compensate the shutter speed/ ISO to that feature. Anyway, you dont need that expensive Tokina unless you plan to use it as a self-defensive tool once a while .

[Ashpillai]

Originally Posted by shajufx

You meant 17-50 f/2.8 of Tamron right ? Even I had gone through many reviews comparing f/2.8 lenses from Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. I still dont remember why I chose Sigma over the others. I dont think there might be much of a difference quality-wise. Search for the groups and photos in flickr, you will see 100s of images taken with these lenses. It helps to decide.

I am not sure if it is available on the Nikon mount (it is in Canon) the 17-50 f/2.8 from Sigma was launched some time ago. I called their principal distributor in Chennai and he quoted a price of 43K. the resolution and bokeh is off the charts beating even the canon 17-55 which retails for nearly 62K if I am not wrong.
See if you can wait for this to come in Nikon mount if it is not already available!

[buvan]

I know this is discussed lot of times. I am also gradually going through the pages after page no 200.

I currently have a Fujifilm FinePix S5700 Zoom (7.1 mp,10x zoom) and I am a Beginner.

My purpose is follows

I ride with a Bullet club and often do long rides. I am interested in Lowlight shooting in the woods(sometimes forced), Wildlife (Though will get less chance), Scenic locations (Very often)and clicking posers with their loved Bullets (Very often) .
Video is not mandatory.

I am thinking about Nikon D3000, Canon 1000D, 450D . I dont have a clue about the Lenses. Are the stock lens which comes with the body is ok for my requirements ?

I am also open to buy a used camera,But if am buying a used one I will buy mid-end cam like Nikon D90. Where will I be able to find good used ones?

Please Advice

[pawan_pullarwar]

For many days I was thinking to upgrade my 400D body. Yesterday I checked with Saturn, they have last piece left for Canon 50D body only and was offered for 650 EUR. I come home and checked the amazon, it was 770 EUR. Read the review and found it is the best camera for photography. Immidiealty next morning went to the shop with full mood and was very happy that I am getting good deal, but until I reach the shop it was sold :(

Sad ending.