vexedviking wrote: The Minolta 35-70, whichever it is, is a nice lens, and it's faster than the kit lens at that range. And if it's the f/4.0 Macro, that would be a nice plus, but I wouldn't buy it just for that.

The Sigma 70-210 only has two reviews on Dyxum, but the rating is 3.55. If you look closely, you won't find many lenses with lower ratings.

If you know the seller, take it and consider the Sigma as a toy until you can replace it with something better (like a Beercan), and consider everything else as disposeable.

If you don't know the seller, pass it up, and save up for something else. The kit lens will do most of what you want, and do it reasonably well. If you want something longer, the Beercan is a lot of lens for not a lot of money (though certainly more than $80.)

vexedviking wrote: Ok, I looked at the review and even saw some pics shot with the lens. To the un trained eye I thought they looked Ok. Wasnt sure how the rating worked though.

vexedviking wrote: It's hard to evaluate a lens from a reduced version of a photo. The reduction process reduces any softness that might have been in the original.If you look at the high contrast areas near the necks of the geese, you'll see traces of chromatic aberration, though.

I'm not saying it's a bad lens. I'm saying that there are much better lenses available, and buying a cheap lens serves to discourage people from buying a better lens because they would have to admit that their initial investment was a waste of money. You're not making a big investment, so that is less likely to be a factor.

I spoke with him and he said he would sell it all for 50$. And the polarizer is a #164 so it wont effect the auto focus as you had said. It is however not the screw on type but the older type that you have to put the adapter on and slide it down into the holder.

vexedviking wrote: Actually, the Cokin Filter System is newer than the screw on type.

Im glad I have a good teacher. I did buy the package of equipment he had. I just got home and tried the lens out, and its exactly what the review said about it. Seems ok for a lens Im only going to use till I can afford better. The polarizer is a bit of a pain to use. I will have to get a screw on one later when I can afford one of those aswell. The wide angle that came with my sony seems to be better then the one I got today. All in all for $50 I think it will tide me over till the money tree in the back yard gets a little biger :-). I feel fortunate to have had your help. Im sure we will talk again real soon when the tree is ready. Take care and thank you