Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

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Archive 2012 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

canis521
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p.1 #1 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

I am looking for a shorter and faster lens to add to my sparse--one--collection of lenses (Canon 70-300L). The 70-300L has been great but I feel like I am missing out on some landscape shots as I learn this new hobby. My budget is tight after purchasing the Canon lens (and a tripod, ballhead, bag, filters,...).

Any opinions on the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM DSLR lens vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50 mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical IF lens? with some digging, I can get the Sigma for just under $585, and the Tamron for $400. I realize that the Canon gets the best reviews but the price is beyond my current budget.

I am aware that the Tamron has some AF issues that some people have had corrected when sent back to Tamron (or seller). Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Feb 06, 2012 at 05:45 PM

photoman333
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p.1 #2 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

I believe the Sigma is the better lens between the two. But, if you can find a non-VC Tamron, get that one instead - it's a sharper lens.

Jason

Feb 06, 2012 at 05:57 PM

dhphoto
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p.1 #3 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

Any opinions on the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM DSLR lens vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50 mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical IF lens

Yes, I've tried both and I didn't like either, just not sharp enough in comparison with my Tamron 17-50 non-OS. In fact not even close.

Feb 06, 2012 at 06:05 PM

canis521
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p.1 #4 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

photoman333 wrote:
I believe the Sigma is the better lens between the two. But, if you can find a non-VC Tamron, get that one instead - it's a sharper lens.

Jason
Would you consider it sharper than the Sigma as well?

Feb 06, 2012 at 07:21 PM

canis521
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p.1 #5 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

dhphoto wrote:
Any opinions on the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM DSLR lens vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50 mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical IF lens

Yes, I've tried both and I didn't like either, just not sharp enough in comparison with my Tamron 17-50 non-OS. In fact not even close.

I have seen that in reviews as well. So it would be this lens: Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens?

I am still trying to wrap my head around the different designations the manufacturers use to say the same thing.

Feb 06, 2012 at 07:24 PM

dhphoto
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p.1 #6 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

This one:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=308&sort=7&cat=43&page=1

It's a superb, cheap little lens. There is some Tamron quality variation but if you can get a good one (or are prepared to use the excellent Tamron warranty) it's an equal for any other EF-S standard zoom if you can do without stabilisation.

Feb 06, 2012 at 07:45 PM

hrs749
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p.1 #7 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

While I have never used the Tammy, I owned the Canon 17-55 for 3 years. I sold it about 1 year ago and recently decided to try the Sigma 17-50 OS. It is a terrific lens. It is just as sharp as my Canon was in the center, better built, and focuses quickly and accurately. The Canon focused a little more quietly and quickly and had FTM but for approximately, $400 less, the Siggy seems to be a great value. The color and contrast are quite nice as well and the OS works as well as Canon's IS.

Feb 06, 2012 at 08:29 PM

Richard Nye
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p.1 #8 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

I have the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 non-VC and I really like it. Another consideration is the non-VC is smaller and lighter than the VC model, and that was important to me.

Feb 06, 2012 at 09:20 PM

Bucky Fellini
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p.1 #9 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

Another vote for the Tamron 17-50 non-OS. I've been happy with both copies I've owned.

Feb 06, 2012 at 09:46 PM

photoman333
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p.1 #10 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

canis521 wrote:
photoman333 wrote:
I believe the Sigma is the better lens between the two. But, if you can find a non-VC Tamron, get that one instead - it's a sharper lens.

Jason
Would you consider it sharper than the Sigma as well?

I think it's the sharpest of the 3. Many opinions are that it's just as sharp as the Canon 17-55 2.8 and almost as sharp as the Nikon 17-55 2.8.

Feb 07, 2012 at 12:00 AM

tanglefoot47
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p.1 #11 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

I just got an awesome Tamron even sharp at 2.8 the best I have owned. I would have gone with the Sigma until I go this lens

Feb 07, 2012 at 12:06 AM

canis521
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p.1 #12 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

It seems pretty unanimous that the Tamron non-VC is the way to go. I will keep an eye out for one. What is a ballpark of what I should expect to pay- new or used?

Thanks for everyone's comments.

Feb 07, 2012 at 12:26 AM

adamvk1
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p.1 #13 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

Yea, get a Tamron 17-50. I bought a Sigma 17-50, and I hated it. I'm currently trying to get rid of it in place of a Canon 24-70. DONT GET THE SIGMA.

Feb 07, 2012 at 12:40 AM

Ferrophot
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p.1 #14 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

I have the Tamron 17-50 2.8 non VC. I purchased it as a cheap but good wide angle (most of my shooting is over 50mm) for the odd times I need such. After wearing out a couple of 50mm 1.8 IIs the Tamron has been used as a 50mm prime. I've found the sharpness to be good (the 50mm 1.8II is better when looking at 100%, at 50% there is no difference), and other image qualities are to my liking. The zoom has progressively got looser and now wobbles about quite a bit but the sharpness and other functions are all still good. Paid US$400 for mine about 3 years ago.

Feb 07, 2012 at 12:42 AM

RobDickinson
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p.1 #15 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

IMo best to worst:

17-55f2.8IS
Sigma 17-50f2.8 OS
Tamron 17-50f2.8
Sigma 17-50f2.8
Tamron 17-50f2.8VC

Tamron 17-50 is built kinda cheap and the focus is horrid but the optics are great. I cant believe they stuffed the VC version so much.

Feb 07, 2012 at 12:45 AM

M Vers
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p.1 #16 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

FWIW

Feb 07, 2012 at 12:50 AM

canis521
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p.1 #17 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

M Vers wrote:
FWIW

Very convincing. What a great site. Nearly unlimited options for comparison, just what I need to reinforce my procrastinating tendencies...

Feb 07, 2012 at 01:29 AM

M Vers
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p.1 #18 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

TDP is a very useful site, but I wouldn't put all your stock into the comparison charts. Remember, some of the tested lenses are from a very small sample size of usually one to three lenses. Given the fact that there can be large variances in lens performance the possibility that a lens tested by TDP is a dud or at the low end of the performance scale is there. A good way to counter this is to use Photo Zone as another source to compare results.

Feb 07, 2012 at 01:33 AM

tanglefoot47
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p.1 #19 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

adamvk1 wrote:
Yea, get a Tamron 17-50. I bought a Sigma 17-50, and I hated it. I'm currently trying to get rid of it in place of a Canon 24-70. DONT GET THE SIGMA.

I had the Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS and loved it, it was better than any of the Tamron's I have owned except the one I have now

Feb 07, 2012 at 04:14 AM

CW100
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p.1 #20 · Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 vs. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm

canis521 wrote:
It seems pretty unanimous that the Tamron non-VC is the way to go.

if you don't need "IS" the Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-vc is a good choice

Feb 07, 2012 at 01:09 PM

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