Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8 DC D vs Tamron 17-50mm XR Di-II LD SP ZL IF

[Markw]

Hi all. I have the sigma mentioned above and I really like it. It takes great photos and performs well. I have no problems out of it. My question to you is: Would it be beneficial to part with this lens for the Tamron mentioned? I hear wonderful reviews on the Tamron and it really sounds like it is a wonderful piece of glass. Id love some advice here. Please dont say "if youre having no issues, why get rid of it". Thanks so mcuh.

Mark

 

[NateS]

Hi all. I have the sigma mentioned above and I really like it. It takes great photos and performs well. I have no problems out of it. My question to you is: Would it be beneficial to part with this lens for the Tamron mentioned? I hear wonderful reviews on the Tamron and it really sounds like it is a wonderful piece of glass. Id love some advice here. Please dont say "if youre having no issues, why get rid of it". Thanks so mcuh.

Mark

Never shot with the Sigma, but from what I hear, the HSM version is the one that is competitive with the Tamron. I have had the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for probably a couple years now and I love it. The sharpness wide open is very good...better than my 50mm f1.8 was wide open and pretty much on par with the 50 at f2.8. At f/4 and beyond it's extremely sharp....but I shoot wide open all the time unless there's more than one person in the shot to which I bump to f/4. I have never been dissapointed with the wide open performance.

Color rendition is great too. I love the colors it produces and almost has a warmth to it (without having a warm color tone)...hard to explain but I love the images it produces so I don't think you'll be dissapointed with it. As for whether you should upgrade...that's a matter of if the images the Tamron can produce are worth the price difference of getting the Tamron and Selling your Sigma.

 

[Markw]

Thanks for the response Nate. Its nice to see you back around.

Mark

 

[Derrel]

B&H Photo has some hefty Tamron instant rebates now through November 31, 2010...

 

[orb9220]

Yep really couldn't say if it would give a lot more. As the tammy's are sharper wide open at f2.8 then the sigma. But the Sigma Hsm has a tad faster AF and tad better build.

But have been using my tammy for 3yrs now and love it. Tho it a tad slower AF and noisier than the silent Sigma hsm. But love my sharpness on my tammy.


Purple Wet Series 4 by orb9220, on Flickr

And pretty sharp at f2.8 too!


Holding the Beads Series 1 of 5 -ReDux by orb9220, on Flickr
.

 

[Dao]

From what I read, the newer Sigma with the HSM is quite good.

And ... I like my Tamron (Canon mount).

 

[Markw]

The sigma I have is not the newer HSM model. I will look into the rebates for the Tamron.

Thanks everyone.
Mark