[cruncher75]

Which one of these would u guys recommend the SIGMA 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC or 17-70mm F/2.8-4.5 DC MACRO i all ready have the Sigma 70-300

[allymac123]

Tamron 17-50 F2.8 is also worth considering. It's suppose to have incredible optics and obviously being F2.8 throughout the zoom range is pretty handy.

[geofftelforduk]

Out of the two options you have given I would get the 17-70mm!

Most of the shots on my entry here where shot with it i.e. 1,2,4,5,6,8 & 10

[dakara]

I recently bought a Pentax K100D, choosing this because it used AA batteries, and has a top-mounted LCD status monitor, which I find most useful.
Like you, I have the Sigma 70-300mm APO, and also like you, had difficulty in choosing between the shorter Sigma zooms.
I read all the reports and reviews until I was suffering from information overload, but eventually chose the 17-70mm, principally because of its better close focus and macro performance. In addition, since it covers a shorter range of focal lengths, I feel that less compromises have been made in its design.
Mine cost 329 Euros, which is around the same as the UK price, and I regard it as very good value.
I hope that this helps.

[jonnypb]

I went for the 17-70 as it's seems to be better with close up shots. I had a short list of a few lenses and this came out on top for me. Value for money and optically it's a great lens for the price. £199 in the uk

[beachy]

Originally Posted by bubble502

I went for the 17-70 as it's seems to be better with close up shots. I had a short list of a few lenses and this came out on top for me. Value for money and optically it's a great lens for the price. £199 in the uk

bubble502 could you please tell me where you got this lens for £199 in the uk, thanks mate

[chris1210]

Had the same dilemma myself.... tested both the Sigma 17-70 and the Tamron 17-50. Went for the Tamron as its quite easily the sharpest lens i've ever used, with great contrast and vibrancy, and the F2.8 all the way through is so handy, and without any significant pitfalls in using it at 2.8.

[Steve N]

Originally Posted by beachy

bubble502 could you please tell me where you got this lens for £199 in the uk, thanks mate

Worth trying here:
http://www.onestop-digital.com/catal...-70mm+&x=3&y=6
Not UK, but very reliable and have been used and recommended by other forumites. No hidden charges and delivery usually in a few days.

[jonnypb]

Originally Posted by beachy

bubble502 could you please tell me where you got this lens for £199 in the uk, thanks mate

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod243.html

from techno using a discount code

cameras2u.com are £208 and i'd be more inclinded to use them as haven't heard of techno before - when i got mine a few weeks ago it was just under £230. Jessops priced matched the cameras2u price at the time

[Brammers]

Have to say I'm a fan of my 18-125:

(Lens hood was taken off to induce the flair - I occasionally like cheesy effects :D )

Couple more:

http://china.nsrtfc.com/gallery/shan...hanghai?full=1
http://china.nsrtfc.com/gallery/shidu/PICT1233?full=1

The skyline shot I linked to shows distortion at 18mm - something to be expected, but throughout the middle of the range and stopped down a little bit (temple shot) I feel the image quality is exceptional. The headshot is at 125mm wide open, and the beach shot at 125mm stopped down.

It's well constructed, the zoom range is excellent and the aparture fine for shooting in the daylight. Light and small too.

It's not as flexible as a 2.8 zoom - but then again the 17-70 is also not a 2.8 zoom, I'm not sure when it turns into a 3.5 but I feel that to be more of a compromise than the 18-125. I suppose it depends how you feel, the 17-70 is definately billed as a little classier and flexible, but with what I've got out of my 18-125 I'd have no problem reccomending it. If I wanted a 2.8 zoom then I'd definately get the 18-50/tamron 17-50 instead - the way I shoot the 17-70 just wouldn't be in my considerations.

[jonnypb]

Originally Posted by cruncher75

Thanks for all the comments guys in the end went for the 17-70 with a sigma ex filter which arrived today set it all up looked out of my window and this is the first thing that went past took this with the window closed
R.I.P

think i'd have waited a few more mins to take the 1st pic!

[denno75uk]

Originally Posted by bubble502

think i'd have waited a few more mins to take the 1st pic!

Or at least have considered NOT posting it.

cruncher75: Is this someone you knew?

No offence but that doesn't look like an adult coffin, but either way I'm not sure it's appropriate to post such a shot, especially with that kind of PP.

I'd consider removing this mate.

[Chip Nicley]

Out of the two what would be the walk around lens???