wide angle zoom f/2.8??

[psxindo]

which is better alternative to canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 (I don't have $1000)?

1. Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/463428-REG/Sigma_581101_18_50mm_f_2_8_EX_DC.html)

or

2. tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423714-REG/Tamron_AF016C700_17_50mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html)

or

3. any other fast wide angle zoom lower than $500?

as I found out I really need a fast wide angle zoom glass. As my 50mm 1.8 is not wide enough on a 30D. and my 28-135 is not fast enough.

Thanks

[Tee Why]

I'd go with Tamron, it's a bit wider. Sigma is a bit cheaper and has more closer focusing abilities.

Photozone.de has tested both and Klaus there recommends the Tamron over the Sigma.

But in the end, I don't think the difference between the two will be that much.

[unix04]

if 30mm is wide enough for you, there's also the sigma 30/1.4 HSM

[psxindo]

thanks for the response, Yes probably the 1mm won't be much of a difference and the $20 as well... But I'm just wondering which lens has better quality... bad thing is b&H don't have the tamron in stock...

[Tee Why]

Well, I have the Tamron 17-50 and it's build feel sucks. It's optical quality is just fine though. The Tamron is very plastky, has a MF ring that rotates with Auto focus, has a loud AF motor, and overall just doesn't feel that well built.

I don't have the sigma 18-50, but generally, they are built nicer from my personal experience. According to Lightrules, the actual focal length difference is more than 1mm per the PopPhoto tests.

[Cathpah]

which is better alternative to canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 (I don't have $1000)?

1. Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/463428-REG/Sigma_581101_18_50mm_f_2_8_EX_DC.html)

or

2. tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423714-REG/Tamron_AF016C700_17_50mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html)

or

3. any other fast wide angle zoom lower than $500?

as I found out I really need a fast wide angle zoom glass. As my 50mm 1.8 is not wide enough on a 30D. and my 28-135 is not fast enough.

Thanks

not a whole lot of those out there. good/fast/lots of glass doesnt equate with under $500 from my experience. I think your best options are the two you listed above.

[El Duderino]

Maybe something to consider:

http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/image/78887081

Also, the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8mm Macro is only $375 on sigma4less.com

I might be buying it soon. Either that or the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 Macro

Decisions....

[Tee Why]

Yea, I saw that test an found it surprising. I think perhaps a soft copy of the Tamron as photozone.de's test has it performing about the same if not sharper than the Sigma.

[liza]

Save your money and buy a used 17-55 IS. Mine was only $875 and was worth every penny.

[LightRules]

which is better alternative to canon ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 (I don't have $1000)?

1. Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/463428-REG/Sigma_581101_18_50mm_f_2_8_EX_DC.html)

or

2. tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423714-REG/Tamron_AF016C700_17_50mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html)

Both excellent optics. I almost want to say it comes down to whether you want 1mm wider (or thereabouts) or 1:3 reproduction :rolleyes:

[_aravena]

I live my 18-50! Will stay with me for a long time...now if it just had HSM it'd be perfect. Very nice all the way through, but most of my shots are at the far end and they remain pretty sharp.

[Caster]

I had the Sigma 18-50 for a little while and it was a great lens! Really sharp wide open! =]

[Logan7]

Been shooting with the Sigma for about a week now, I really like it. Here are some shots:

38mm, F 4.5, 1/500, ISO 100
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w271/Loags/Knob.jpg


26mm, F 5.6, 1/320, ISO 100
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w271/Loags/Emblem.jpg


40mm, F 11, 1/100, ISO 100
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w271/Loags/Pumphandle.jpg

[MikeI]

A buddy of mine has the Tamron and loves it. It gets a lot of great reviews.

[psxindo]

now i'm leaning toward the sigma...
thanks for the sample pictures... I'm just wondering how's the built quality on the sigma compared to the tamron...

thanks