I'm contemplating getting a new lens for my camera and am really interested in getting an ultra wide zoom (10mm - whatever). So, I went researching what lenses were available for my camera (Canon Digital Rebel XT aka the 350D) and found a few. The one Canon makes is pretty pricey and I could really justify spending that much (close to $1000). Went to the local camera store and they had some other brands, Sigma and Tamron as well as the Canon.

Here are some reviews for the Sigma and the Tamron. Upon first impression the Sigma seems like the better choice as it has a longer warranty (10 years) and a better aperture range by half a stop.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to get at is I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with these particular lenses or can share some experience with either of these lens manufacturers?

Ive never used either (of course), but if i would buy the sigma...

...it's heavier (short for quality in my book of myths)...i also own a sigma lens and it works fine (IMHO)....and it's cheaper.

Maybe you should try asking here.

I have the Sigma, the lens was a bargain price compared to a comparable Canon. But because of all the glass elements, it is an extra drain on the battery. Otherwise no complaints. Would I buy it again. . . .heck yes! There has been a remarkable advancement in battery technology, but still the lens has a lot of heavy glass elements that have to move, and place a big drain on the battery. The only other problem I have had is with the contacts, they tend to film over if setting for a long time. A quick swipe with a pencil eraser over the contacts, made them work good as new.

Hmm, interesting, I never considered the battery drain. Not too much of a problem for myself (I've got three batteries), but something to still consider.

The contact's filming over, is that from storage while the lens isn't mounted to the camera?

I've got the Sigma on my nikon mount. I would assume it is going to be very very similar so i will chime in as well. Nikon doesn't have anything that is exactly the same. Their equivalent is the 12-24 so the sigma was nice because it is a tad wider even. It is also a whole lot cheaper so it was a pretty easy choice for me. Two of my friends have it as well and we all really like it. I haven't used it too much yet since i haven't had it for very long. I would recommenced it though. Haven't heard anything but good things about it. There are a few in my gallery that have been taken with it. There is a vertical one of some train tracks and on of the small falls (i think thats what i called it) were taken with it as well. I think i said in the description. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for the recommendations, it seems like the Sigma is the one to get. I think I'm gonna wait till after Christmas, maybe it'll be a boxing day purchase if the camera stores have a sale.

If you don't mind my asking, where and how much did you pay for your lens?

You don't want to know what i paid:P. I got a smoking deal on it. I paid about 640CND and also got a free tripod (Velbon Sherpa 200R) and a roots camera backpack for free. From what i could see they were worth a little over 150. I bought it at The Camera Store (thats its name) in Calgary. They had a big 10th anniversary sale.

Anyways, don't just go with what we have to say. Take a look at some other forums and see what others are saying. I imagine you are already doing that though.

Wow, that sounds like a pretty good deal!

Are there any camera forums that are recommended? I don't really frequent any myself...

I usually just search the name of the lens and it often brings up some discussions in forums. I have found nikionians.com to be pretty useful, but it is a Nikon user forum, so there might not be a lot of help for you there.

The contacts filming over is caused by long storage or use in a humid climate. It is a minor problem I experience the same thing with my Canon lens. A light swipe with a red pencil eraser usually removes any film and the lens works perfect. Although it is always wise to shop for the lowest price, I usually give my local merchant an opportunity to match or come close to a reasonable price. A local merchant is there when you need advice or a loaner in case you ever need service. My local guy will let me try before I buy, I think its worth the few extra dollars to support this merchant for the service they provide. Just try and get service from the lowest price guy. Good luck in your purchase.

Thanks for the tips and suggestions!

I found a place online that lets you search for different lenses etc and it will display various images taken with that lens. It's called pbase.com. The photo's that the Sigma takes seem to be pretty good!
Also found dpreview.com. They've got dedicated sections to specific camera makes.

It seems like the general consensus is that the Sigma 10-20mm is pretty good.

I wonder if any of the local camera store's will have a boxing day sale? Hmm... :)

I have both brands. Can't say anything close to bad about either one.

Going boxing day shopping tomorrow!!!

Gonna go check out Saneal Camera, The Camera Store and maybe Vistek (although they are usually quite a bit more)! Hopefully there's some good sales! :D

w00t!!! Got the Sigma 10-20mm today! Wasn't on sale, but that's alright. Can't wait to get out and start shooting with it!

When we went to another store (my Dad was looking for some ram for his comp) I ran into a deal (less than $200) on a Sigma 70-300mm and ended up getting it too! So it looks like I'm all set for lenses now!

Where did you go? (I'm guessing your in Calgary because i don't think the camera store is other places)

Went to Saneal Camera on 11 Ave and they were sold out, but their 9th Ave store had one. So we went over there and picked it up! Actually got the telephoto zoom from London Drugs.

I've got a bit of a pickle now though because now all my lenses won't fit in my case! I've got a Pelican 1400 with the LowePro insert bag. It's like I need a quarter inch for the telephoto to fit! Oh well, maybe I'll have to just get a lens case for it, any ideas?

yuck, i don't like Seneal, always seem to be more expensive than the camera store and the guys that work there never seem to be as nice to me:P. My favorite is they want $200 for the nikon 50mm 1.8 when nikon.ca has it listed at 179.99 MSRP. No one ever sells for nikon's MSRP. It's always cheaper. But anyways, if you got a good deal and your happy thats not a big deal. Just a warning to keep any eye on them:P.

Can't say i can help you with your pickle. It is a good one. I outgrew my bag when i bought a flash. Luckily shortly after i found that deal i spoke of before with the free bag which was big enough to get everything into. I probably would have gotten a bigger one either way. Unlucky for you replacing your pelican is not very cheap. I think i would probably end up going the way of the lens case or something else to supplement. Tough call though. Its nice to be able to grab one thing and go.

Ah, thanks for the tips on Saneal (they wouldn't even give me a discount on the lens or the filter), I'll have to keep an eye on them. I've shopped at The Camera Store (years ago) and they were always good. Haha, yeah I know what you mean about be able to grab one bag and go. Maybe I can play around with the inside panel arrangement.