daddyjt

I have owned 2 third party lenses (The previously mentioned Sigma 50 1.4, and a Tokina 11-20 wide angle) and borrowed a Sigma 24-70 2.8 (Before I purchased the Canon L). The Sigma "EX" lenses are outstanding - nice glass, and tight fit and finish, with fast and quiet focusing. The only down side I could say, is they are a bit heavy - but only because they are built like a tank. You should be able to find a Sigma 24-70 f2.8 for around $600. The Tokina I was not overly impressed with - fair build quality, and finicky focusing at times. This was my wide angle lens until I upgraded to the 5d mkIII, at which time I had to get a full-frame compatible wide angle.

Agreed on the cost aspect - it’s not a linear increase, but more exponential. I run a full Canon setup, and went through a period where I really struggled on my “everyday” lens. I was going back and forth between the 24-105 IS f4L and the 24-70 f2.8L. I eventually settled on the 24-105, as I felt the IS made up for the extra stop of the 2.8, and I like the extra range of the 105. Another consideration, especially for outdoor (hiking) photo trips is the weight of the faster glass. the only time I use the 24-70 any more is for weddings and portraits. I also pickup up a Sigma (didn’t have the money for Canon at the time) 50 f1.4. That lens is very nice for portraits, but I use it for nothing else.

The edge of winter last fall... North Fork of the Flathead river in Northern MT. Running Eagle Falls, in Eastern Glacier NP.