Thought I would try the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens having used the older incarnation for a while, initially I was put off it by people online saying that it makes a rattling noise as if parts are loose inside and that the AF is noisy…I sometimes wonder about these people, have they got a bad case of OCD? In real world use its not an issue, the AF noise isn’t noisy at all, I barely notice it? And in every day normal handling of the lens I don’t hear anything unusual? Don’t know about you but I don’t hold a lens up to my ear and start rattling it about, looking for a problem that’s not there! And it’s a fine lens, love it. Pin sharp wherever you focus on, and I love the fact its f2.8 throughout the zoom range, it operates not unlike a prime lens! I took this at Hull fair in low light, ISO 400, f5.6, 1/125s on my Canon 7D, and I didn’t even have the IS switched on! Take reviews of equipment online with a pinch of salt (unless you hear it from me 😂) you don’t know how experienced or competent these people are and the internet, especially Utube is awash with self appointed experts. I once fancied trying an old Canon EF 35-135 lens from film days on my crop sensor, everyone online was saying its pants, I got one anyway, absolutely nothing wrong with it! Quite a good lens for what it is. The main thing is to learn how to get the best from your equipment, after that its all about the Art. Unforunately the art of photography is becoming the art of my camera is better than yours!
”The photographer is the instrument not the camera” – Eve Arnold.
Photography wise the fair is getting boring for me, I never see anything new or different, even the rides are in the exact same spot. In fact I find it an assault on the senses, and not in a good way, but in a crass, vacuous way. There seemed to be a glut on all things Octopus this year?, 2023. Even as a kid I didnt really get it. My old Ma says I would never go on any rides, the best part for me was seeing all the varied stalls down Walton street (they look indistinguishable now) getting a goldfish in a plastic bag, a bow and arrow set, or a crossbow 😂 As toys they were pretty effective and fun...for a kid. We couldnt wait to get out the following day to get up to mischief playing with them. Ethics and political sensibilities together with addiction to screen time has taken away real fun for todays kids, IMO.
