Since my vacation is coming up soon, I have constantly been thinking about where I could go and what photo equipment I would like to take. On the top of my list there are Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey. Even if the risk of being attacked and robbed is, realistically speaking, basically inexistent, these are still countries where I would not feel comfortable carrying around tons of expensive equipment. So, in order to reduce the need for constantly checking my photo bag, I got myself a comparatively cheap travel zoom lens for the Sigma SD1 Merrill. After all, the idea is to relax and recharge one’s batteries, and not to play watchdog.
The lens arrived a few days ago and I took it with me on a photo walk today. After having used prime lenses almost exclusively for such a long time, my first reaction was “boy, that is one big zoom range!” Also, apart from the usual AF/MF switch, the lens has two more, one for the stabilizer and a zoom-lock (to prevent the so-called “zoom creep”). It also feels odd that the focus ring cannot be used when in AF-mode – since it is connected to the AF motor and turns when focusing.
Even though the lens is not very fast (who would not want a compact, optically perfect travel zoom with constant f/2.8? 🙂 ) and one cannot override the AF, the superzoom is quite alright for taking good pictures.
