Hello Tanya, The lenses that I have experience with are Tokina 19-35/3.5-4.5 AF193 and the Phoenix 19-35/3.5-4.5. They can both be had for less than $200. Of the two, I opted to keep the Tokina. Better build, no rotation for filters when focusing or zooming - actually "looks" like a quality lens - the Phoenix looks kind of cheapy. The Tokina also has pretty good manual focus feel. Image quality is very reasonable. Just looked at a group shot I took with it of about 40 kids printed at 8X10. Looks very acceptable.
Like you, I didn't want to spend too much for a lens that might be an interim. One thing to consider - for me, right now, film is my backup to digital until I get another digital body (that will be a while). So the two lenses I have mentioned will work fine on the film bodies too. The Sigma you are talking about won't work on your film bodies. Something to think about. -- Best regards, Bruce Sunday, February 8, 2004, 3:33:03 PM, you wrote: TMP> Ok, so with my Starkist about to be couriered to me - I have one final thing TMP> that I may want to add to my order. CR Kennedy have told me that the DA TMP> 16-45mm is absolutely, positively not available in Australia for at least a TMP> month. And so, I am stuck now for what I should do for a wide angle lens. TMP> The main use will be for group shots at weddings.... TMP> So, I really just need a lens that will "get me buy" until the 16-45mm is TMP> available, and so far, I have two in the running.... TMP> Pentax SMCP-J-FA 18-35mm f/4-5.6 AL Lens (around AUD$350) TMP> and TMP> Sigma AF 18-50mm f3.5-5.6 DC Lens (around AUD$250) TMP> I really don't want to spend alot of money as I would prefer to save it for TMP> the 16-45mm, but I would like something fairly decent to get me started... TMP> Does anyone have any experience with either of these lenses (Bruce, Sophie TMP> still hasn't responded to my email), and is it worth the extra $100 to go TMP> with the FAJ 18-35mm? In regards to elements, build etc, I am totally TMP> clueless in regards to lenses. Tech stuff is one thing I just am not great TMP> at, but I do like nice bokeh, clarity and sharpness. Also be interested to TMP> know about vignetting and light fall off at their widest zoom? Speed of AF TMP> isn't really an issue with me as I usually shoot manual (especially for TMP> family photos at weddings). The Sigma is slightly faster, BUT is it as TMP> usable wide open as the Pentax? TMP> Sorry to bombard you all with questions, but all ll advice is greatly TMP> appreciated - I need to get back to the supplier asap with my decision so TMP> that the courier can pick up my order and have it in my hot little hands by TMP> tomorrow!!!! Yaaaaaay... TMP> Much-o thanks-o, TMP> tan.
