A compact, well-built multi-purpose zoom lens for Sony Alpha and SLT cameras.
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A007) Lens
Tamron adds Vibration Compensation stabilisation to a full-featured, standard zoom lens that maintains a fast f/2.8 aperture through its zoom range.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens
Canon’s first 24-70mm zoom with a large maximum aperture.
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro Lens
An update that adds image stabilisation to a popular macro lens.
Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 PRO FX Lens
A fast, high-performance ultra-wide angle lens for Canon and Nikon DSLRs with 36 x 24 mm sensors.
Tokina AT-X 17-35mm f/4 FX Lens
A relatively distortion-free, wide-angle 2x zoom lens for Nikon and Canon cameras with 36 x 24 mm sensors.
SMC Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Limited macro lens
A true macro lens for Pentax DSLRs cameras, which can also be used as a relatively fast, normal prime lens.
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 II DG HSM Lens
An ultra-wide zoom lens for digital SLR cameras with both ‘full frame’ and APS-C sized sensors.As is apparent by its name, Sigma’s 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 II DG HSM is a second-generation product that updates the popular 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG ASP HSM that was introduced in 2002. Interestingly, its RRP in Australia is just over $250 lower than the MSRP posted on Sigma Corporation’s US website, which makes this lens excellent value for money for Australians.
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens
A well built standard zoom lens for DSLR cameras with ‘APS-C sized’ sensors.Tamron has tagged its new 17-50mm F/2.8 lens with the ‘SP’ label, indicating Super Performance, which puts it into the professional product category. It also bears the Di II, indicating a second-generation, digitally integrated lens that is designed for use with ‘APS-C sized’ sensors and mounts are available for Canon, Nikon and Sony DSLRs. As tested on a Canon EOS 300D, it covers a field of view equivalent to approximately 27-80mm.
Sigma DC 18-200mm 1:3.5-6.3 Lens
Sigma’s new 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC zoom lens is marginally heavier than the similarly-featured Tamron lens we reviewed in issue 25 but also somewhat smaller in size and considerably cheaper. Designed specifically for current DSLR cameras with ‘APS-C’ sized sensors (1.5-2.0 field of view crop), this lens has internal focusing, which prevents the front from rotating, making it ideal for use with angle-sensitive accessories like polarisers and graduated filters.