i didn't think they'd use crop bodies ... or see why they would. (the reach maybe?)

for the level of sharpness that it has (i guess not very for some copies?), and the f/2.8 and IS, i don't think there is another choice.

i actually read that that new sigma outperforms the 17-55 in some situations. but it almost always seems like a gamble with sigma's QC. then again, i don't even know if my 17-55 is actually sharp lol.

Lots of pros have crop bodies as back-ups or for personal use.

well you could always try multiple copies in store. that's what i did and got a super sharp 18-50 2.8 on the second try. It's no big deal to have to test it, especially since you'd be doing it to the canon anyways.

considering the cost savings, if qc is your only concern i think it's a small cost to try multiple copies.

there's also the tamron vc, but i read that it's softer than the non-vc version, and comes in third with the other two.

Anyone know any local places that sell old manual lenses?

^kerrisdale camera sells manual lenses and leo's on granville iirc
im sure senna would chime in if beau photo does as well

Yep, Beau has some old lenses too - what are you looking for?

Im looking for some fast normal lenses, namely:
Voigtlander ULTRON 40mm f/2
Takumar SMC 50mm 1.4
KONICA HEXANON AR 50/1.4
YASHICA 50/1.4

voigtlander ultron?
check it out on here http://www.cameraquest.com/Voigt_SL2.htm
i gather you'd be using this on your sony nex though, right?

have you tried keh.com?

the local selection is not the greatest

I saw some Konicas and Takumar lenses at the camera show/swap meet last week. Did you not go?

I'm on holidays for the next week, but call Ken at 604-734-7771, as he's our used equipment guy. He might have something.

Awesome will do.

Where can one find out information about swap meets?

I have a 50mm f1.4 screw mount lying around if you are interested? pretty sure its a Super Takumar, not one of the SMC ones. Its got the fluorite element in it for sure, as I was leaving it at my dads place in a window to bleach out the glass. Not sure how thats going, haven't been back in a while haha

Definitley interested!
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The next big one is on April 25. The one in the Fall is usually on the last Sunday of October, but this year they had it on the first Sunday in November.

http://www.whistlerinns.com/camerashow/

^is anyone aware of similar events on Vancouver Island?

Phone up the Victoria Kerrisdale Camera and ask. There is one that used to be the weekend after the big Vancouver show in April, but I'm not sure if it is still on going.

try the Victoria Kerrisdale guy on Twitter. seems like a nice guy.

http://twitter.com/#!/KCLVictoria

Sigma 50mm 1.4
or
Sigma 30mm 1.4

I hear the 50mm has very good quality but on an APSC is a long focal length. Good for portraits I guess, they are about the same price and my dad will be coming back from HK on sunday

^ if you aren't planning on switching to ff, the 30mm is a good choice.
on the other hand, being limited to tighter shots by using the 50mm is a great way to expand your creativity. i've played with a sigma 50 1.4F and it's built like a tank.
with it though, you do get rid of any premise of "discreet prime" because it's about the same size as the sigma 10-20 (77mm filter thread) as opposed to canon's own 50 1.4F which is very compact

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

looking for a good wide angle lens for my nikon. and one thats not too expensive. preferably under $400

^boy that is a tough price range unless you are just looking for a zoom lens with a low focal length

Still looking for a decently used wide angle as well, can't seem to find any Tokina 11-16 for a good price within $500.

i was curious if the sigma 50mm 1.4 is worth the extra ~$200 over the canon one

i've been looking for a good prime around the 30mm range but their prices vs. performance just doesn't seem attractive...

Damn sigma 50 mm 1.4 sold out at a lot of places in Hk. Guess I'll use the 30 mm a bit first. Works out to abt 320 cad
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^^ that's a good price! cheapest you can find for the 30mm is 440USD from b&h
http://www.photoprice.ca/product/004...non-price.html

consequently, the 50mm sigma was 499usd on b&h as well. not a big price diff from the 30mm
http://www.photoprice.ca/product/029...non-price.html