Compare the lens, worth the $$? I was looking at a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 f2.8 IS , but its pricey. Any suggestions on a moderately priced kit lens upgrade, if not the aforementioned Sigma?
Is there a good reason to "upgrade" your existing lens? Most beginning photographers would rather add to their lens collection before spending a lot of money for little improvement in image quality buying either of the above mentioned lenses.
As a rule, replacing an OEM lens like your Canon "kit" lens with a generic is not considered an "upgrade" If you are ready to spend money on a different lens, look at the Canon EF-S 18-200 mm IS lens. It is a better lens than all but the EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 and will give you an excellent "walk around" lens.
A note on "macro" lenses:
It used to be that a macro lens was one that could resolve a flat field subject to a 1:1 image to subject ratio. Later that was expanded to mean a flat field subject could be shot to a 1:2 ... even a 1:4 image to subject ratio. Because no standards were ever written to cover this, many generic lens makers started calling lenses that could resolve down to a 1:6 image to subject ratio "macro", forget the flat field requirement. The Sigma can focus objects to a ratio of 1:3 image to subject ratio, so under the "new" criteria, it a macro lens, however do not expect it to perform well if you are shooting anything flat field like a rare stamp or document.
In the end it is your $450 or so, so you will have to decide if you want to spend the additional $450 to get the most versatile lens, the 18-200 mm at $900
It could be worth it depending on what you shoot and how you shoot your photos. If you really like shooting natural light and at times low light then this lens could be of help. It will also view brighter in the viewfinder which some photographers like.
Also, if you like shooting at lower apertures to have a shallow depth of field then this lens being able to go to a lower aperture (f/2.8 throughout the whole zoom range) is a plus.
If you feel uncertain, then I would not rush out to get a new lens. Shoot some more and see if that helps you discover any particular needs you may have, like more telephoto, macro, or even more wide angle than your present lens provides. Also, I provided a link below to photo.net where there is a large online community of photographers that you can communicate with in the discussion forums.
Hope this helps.
Mark
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