What's the best lense to buy on top of my Canon 450D 18-55mm? Is it better to buy Canon lense than Sigma?

Question

Is it best to invest in Canon lenses?

Answer 1

The next logical expansion is to get more of a zoom.

The canon EF 55-200 performs well on your camera but is a little lightweight.

The newer 55-250 has Image stabiliser but is an EF-S lens, which means if you buy a more professional or film canon in the future it may not fit.

The 70-300 IS is a bit more money again, but is optically superb for the money.  This is also EF lens so will work with any canon EOS, including the film and pro models.

Avoid the canon 75-300, this dates from the film era and the coatings att he rear of the lens can cause problems such as ghosting with digital cameras.  

Answer 2

The image quality from these manufacturers can be just as good, or even better in some instances, than their Canon equivalent. Other times, they may fill a niche for which there exists no Canon alternative. As I said, it really depends upon the lens. I used to own a Canon 50mm f/1.4, and after buying the Sigma 50mm EX DG f/1.4, I sold the Canon. The Sigma is more expensive, but my copy was simply better in every significant aspect, especially contrast/sharpness. Likewise, I use the Sigma 150mm f/2.8  EX DG APO Macro and Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 Macro Di on a daily basis -- for the job they do, they're simply the best lenses I've ever bought. Comparing the Sigma to the Canon 180mm f/3.5L (as no Canon equivalent exists), it's like comparing varying degrees of perfect. The Sigma gives a slightly warmer image, but I prefer that. I would take the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 over the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS because I find from experience that the reds and oranges tend to pop more from the Tamron on a consistent basis, though I do appreciate the image stabilization of the Canon. Also, if you can only afford an option from a third party manufacturer, then that's the best option -- I think it's better to own a decent lens and take pictures than save up for a professional lens and miss all those shots while you're waiting.

I've found that those most adamant about buying manufacturer lenses have never actually used third party lenses to any great extent. Typically, it's "Online experts" mirroring what they heard from some internet site or photo forum. The greatest argument that I know for buying Canon over their third party equivalent is quality control. On occasion, you'll get a Sigma lens that misfocuses or shows significant decentering (soft in the middle, sharp at one side). This is, of course, a huge problem, but the one time that I had such an issue with Sigma, they said that they considered my lens a complete embarrassment on their behalf and replaced my lens immediately with no hassle. Sigma and Tamron are generally accepted as being very good about fixing the few shotty lenses they put out, if you're willing to take that risk. You won't find a Canon lens with the same quality control issues. Canon lenses also tend to hold about 15% more resale value than Sigma, Tamron, or Tokina

Answer 3

try kenrockwell.com

Answer 4

Yes, it's best to get a Canon lens, because if it short circuits or brakes your camera, or anything funny like that, you're still covered under warranty ( if you didn't brake it yourself ). However, with Sigma, once you mount that on your camera, if anything were to happen as a result of using this lens, your warranty is dead. You've spend so much on the camera, now why risk the investment?

Get a Canon lens, they aren't all expensive:

You can try a 50mm f/1.8 lens, it's a 80$ portrait lens:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Cam...

With it's wide open aperture, you can get loads of depth of field, and good quality bokeh ( the out of focus areas ).

We all know that 18-55mm's, isn't much of a focal length at all, considering that what you see through your eye is equivalent to 50mm's. So, when you think of it, you're only going 5mm's from what you see through your eye.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-75-300mm-4-5...

That's A Canon 75-300mm lens, if you like to zoom more that usual. With the crop factor, that's be a really big zoom. But, if you can afford it get the 70-300mm IS lens, that would be a good investment.

Answer 5

which lens is best depends on what you are shooting and about 1000 other factors.

yes its best to buy canon lenses. if for no other reason... the optics are simply better than the off brands.