As you know, the cost of everything is going up.  Buying a new lens is sadly something I do not engage in as often as I would like.  While a new lens can be a big jump in terms of the checkbook, I also want to be as economical as possible, which is why I chose the Sigma lens.

I have been using a Sigma 18-200mm lens since first purchasing my Nikon D80.  It was recommended to me to buy that lens as I was just getting started in the realm of the DSLR and I found very times where I took the lens off.  The Sigma product proved itself to me with everything I was able to do with that lens.  So when the recommendation came again for Sigma, I was not as hesitant.  Granted, some camera experts threw Nikon and Tokina into the ring of possible choices, but after some additional research, I really just felt that the Sigma would be best for me.

So I used a site that I have used once before and found that I have had even better success than I did previously.  Sigma4less.com just blew me out of the water.  I found the lens for $450 there and also picked up a UV filter and circular polarizer.  Since I am one of the most impatient people in the world, I upgraded the shipping to 2-Day Air.  All in all, not a bad price tag.  What really amazed me was that I placed this order on Wednesday morning.  On Friday morning around 10:00am EST my order had arrived.  Now, you really cannot beat that.  I fully expected to get the lens after the weekend.  Since we had a photo stroll planned for the weekend, I was more than excited to have the lens before hand.

The lens has been just pure fun.  I also have enjoyed the effects of the polarizer.  With the weather sunny and hot over the weekend, it was perfect for a test run.  While I have not uploaded a ton of the photos I have taken with the new lens, here is a sample taken at High Falls State Park in Jackson, Georgia.

Click to view the larger version on Flickr.

Also, I have started a set of 10-20 photos for those interested.  Check ‘em out and let me know what you think.