Sigma Lens update

I regret to say that I had to return the wide angle Sigma lens to Warehouse Express today to ask for a replacement. As many other people have reported there seems to be a problem with Quality Control at Sigma. Although I did manage to get a couple of pleasing shots and was happy with the build quality, my lens had severe auto-focussing issues, softness and generally disappointing performance. The top left quarter of the frame appeared to be worst affected by the problem as shown here.

I am hoping the replacement will be here soon and that it will be a good lens. If not, I will get a refund and look for a different marque lens which would be a pity as I am more than happy with my other Sigma lenses, the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 and Macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG.

I will post test pictures as soon as I have received it.

Pictures within pictures: Sigma 10-20mm

I think I really need a few days with the Sigma and I am hoping that this weekend will give me the photo opportunities I am looking for. Anyway, until then I will have to make do with subjects I come across on my way to or from work.

I was looking around for stuff to photograph today but after a long day at work I wasn't really in the mood to hang around waiting for inspiration. Fortunately the wide setting on this lens means that there is loads of room to crop and make selective enlargements of your photographs. In effect you can look for pictures within pictures. This guy took no notice as I snapped away and while the picture will not win me any prizes I am just putting it up to demonstrate the huge field of view!

Ned and the Giant Prawn

Is it a cod? Is it a prawn? One thing's for certain you won't find one anywhere else. This piece of street-furniture surmounts a five metre tall cocktail stick between the National Marine Aquarium and the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, Devon UK. It is usually referred to as the Plymouth Prawn or Barbican Prawn but I have been unable to ascertain its correct title.  I will investigate further next time I am on the Barbican. The second photo is a crop of the first taken with my new toy.