Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD or Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO Macro DG?

[Throlkim]

I have the opportunity to buy a new lens around christmas, and I'm looking to get a competent, fairly cheap zoom. I've sorta narrowed it down to these two, and I want some opinions on which performs the best. Both seem to be fine lenses, and I'd just like different folks' opinions on speed, IQ, and overall build quality.

So, Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD or Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO Macro DG?

Any thoughts?

[Throlkim]

Bumping this back up! Basically I'd like to know which is sharpest and provides the best IQ at different focal lengths. I'd probably be using it at 300mm most of the time.

[farrukh]

Never used Tamron but I have the Sigma APO, and I like it. The only thing i like about Tamron is that it looks better design. It got 62mm filter thread which makes it balanced looking.

Here is a shot at 300mm from my Sigma APO:

[mijbril]

OK, if you really an opinion, you can have mine. You will outgrow the Tamron before the Sigma, especially if you get a good copy of the Sigma APO. If you intend on stepping up sooner rather than later, then the Tamron is less of an initial outlay though both are relatively cheap.

Looking at what you have already, both will give you good reach & pseudo-macro options, none of which your current lenses can offer.

Have fun with either

(For the record, I did have the Tamron & had no complaints with it for what I paid)

[Throlkim]

Excellent, thanks guys. I'm tempted to go with the Sigma, as it seems solidly built and images taken with it seem of a good quality to me. I won't have the opportunity to upgrade much until after University (about 3 years!), so I need something that'll last.

Thanks for the help!

[mijbril]

Just remember, if you're going with the Sigma, APO !!!! Do not get the non-APO (because you then might as well get the Tamron).

[ron chappel]

I've used both lenses but not quite the latest versions.However these only have slightly different coatings -the optics are identical to the ones i used.

In general terms the sigma Apo is the best allround lens in it's class.It has no real weak points.
The tamron is sharper at the long end but the autofocus is kind of slow.

[Abercrombie]

I had the same problem just recently trying to decide which of these two would be the best investment.
Reviews amongst people who have used both lenses were conflicting, but balanced.
50% prefer the Tamron, saying it has the best overall image quality being sharper at the 200-300 end, whilst the Sigma has barrel distortion at the high end. The other 50% said the Sigma is faster with a nicer build.

I have to say that of all the sample images I'd viewed, the Tamron ones seemed to have the edge, especially on the telephoto shots, which was a key factor for me.

I went to a local camera store and had look at the Sigma. I didn't get to test it out, but they did let me handle it, and it was nice. The zoom and focus rings were quite stiff. I'd hoped to have a soft smooth movement.

With all this in mind I opted for the Tamron.
I've been shooting with the Tamron all day today and it's a really nice lens for the price.
The images are sharp enough and there colour saturation is nice.

If I'm honest, I'd probably say I do prefer the build of the Sigma, but I'd take image quality over build any day.

Here's a couple of good telephotos I've taken today.

[Laserheart]

I've been trying to decide between the Tamron and the Sigma, and the decision keeps getting harder! I read the reviews everywhere I can find, and they all seem inconclusive, and nobody compares the two lenses in the same article...

Why is that

[Tubthumper]

Just thought I'd stick my tuppence worth in, 'cos I'm in the same boat, and agree with the "inconclusive" comment. I've been using pixel-peeper.com to search for sample images off flickr, and, based on that, there doesn't seem to be much in it.

With that in mind, that spaniel shot might have just swung me toward the Tammy.

[sharma_AJ]

i am in the same boat but little bit different. i started a new thread regarding
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod635.htm

i was planning to buy
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD which i am getting for AU$565 and if go to buy there kit, i have to pay only 134 dollars more to get the 70-300 but was worried for performance. i may get ans. here
thanks

[Sypher7]

Remember that Spaniel was shot with a 5D as well which also makes a big difference On topic though, I just got my Tamron 70-300mm today in the post. Read alot on diff lenses and loved the sample shots! I have an EOS 500D so will do a test run very soon and see how it goes.

[quadwing]

I have a 70-300mm. It CA's like crazy, but that can easily be fixed in post... It's a good lens, and I've gotten a few great shots out of it. I'd say go for it, for the price. But honestly, if I could have another 17-50 over this lens, I totally would go for it.

[Sypher7]

Finally got around to remembering to post images up here since getting the tamron lens. Here they are anyway. Taken with EOS 500D and the Tamron 70-300mm macro on.

Ginger:




Jerry:




~Chris.

[dundeebirder]

Originally Posted by Tubthumper

Just thought I'd stick my tuppence worth in, 'cos I'm in the same boat, and agree with the "inconclusive" comment. I've been using pixel-peeper.com to search for sample images off flickr, and, based on that, there doesn't seem to be much in it.

With that in mind, that spaniel shot might have just swung me toward the Tammy.

I noticed from you equipment list that you have the Canon 55-250. I have been trying to decide between this lens and the Tamron. I know the Canon is only 250mm compared to the 300 of the Tamron but would 50mm really make all that difference at the end of the day. I would be using the lens for birding and wildlife shots in general so what lens do you think would provide the best IQ?