My Review: Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC vs the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS (charts, samples, video)

YashicaFX2 wrote in post #16297044
I see B&H and Adorama are at $1500. Amazon is at $1300. You got a good deal. Where?

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1318601

I know this post was a while ago but I wanted to THANK YOU! for your efforts. I am leaning t/w this Tamron lens and this confirms everything I've been reading. It sounds like a fantastic lens for my needs - mainly a fast lens with reach for my daughter's color guard team. Thanks again!

Maureen

No problem. I can't afford to have both 70-200 AND 120-300 so I made the decision to sell my Tamron.

The Tamron is a very good performer.

Talley, is there a way to get your original images reuploaded? I've been thinking about the tammy, and was excited to find this thread but none of the pics show up

ekinnyc wrote in post #16874380
Talley, is there a way to get your original images reuploaded? I've been thinking about the tammy, and was excited to find this thread but none of the pics show up

Ya I'm working on that. I can have it up tonight just been busy. Had to swap webhosting accounts so I just need to move everything over to my new account.

This lens is on my B&H wish list. The reviews are very consistent in their conclusions that it competes with the Canon equivalent, and given the price, that it is a great bargain.

Talley wrote in post #16874453
Ya I'm working on that. I can have it up tonight just been busy. Had to swap webhosting accounts so I just need to move everything over to my new account.

thanks!!

Finally moved everything over to new server. Images are back up.

It's been a while since I first saw this, and mentioned my plan to get me one of these tamrons.


I was able to pick one up used on the forum here recently, and yesterday had my first real shoot with it.


This was my first Tamron in over a decade, so I was not sure what to expect. Last time I had non Canon lenses, Tamron was not in the running due to their then lack of a fast quiet AF system (For many years only SIGMA had a USM competitor with it's HSM system)

Yesterday I was shooting the tamron 70-200mm in a very dark church, ISO 3200/4000 on a 1D4.
(alongside 5D3 with EF 24-70mm "brick")

I am VERY pleased with the results, and the feel while shooting, I am confident the AF was at least on par with my old Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS version 1,.. perhaps better.
"VC" was also excellent, and clearly superior to the old Canon version 1 IS.

Many of the shots were taken @ 200mm, and I see no significant drop in sharpness as described by "The Digital Picture" .. maybe it's copy variation, maybe I'm not shooting wall charts. ?

I use this type of lens so rarely now that I sold my Canon some years back. At the used Price I paid for the Tamron am willing to keep it for "those rare occasions" and yesterday one such occasion made me happy I got it.

One other benefit vs. the Canon, in the Church during a ceremony, despite having exclusive permission as house photographer, I was very concerned with disturbing parishioners. I was dressed in "photographer blacks" and kept out of every ones way. At the end, a parishioner approached me and told me he was impressed with how well i had stayed out of focus, and not disturbed anything. He told me he had been a pro photog in years past, and really appreciate the care I had taken. I took this as a great compliment for my efforts. I've done many similar shoots in the past, and never had someone congratulate me in that way. I feel strongly that part of the success of being out of the center of attention was the fact that my lens was also black. I know to some this is a silly thing, but it's a good part of the reason I dumped my Canon 70-200mm for the 135mm and 85mm primes. With the tamron I get the quality of the old Canon Version 1 and then some, in a smaller lighter less obtrusive package. Just what I need for the conditions in which this FL will suit my needs.


Anyway,. really enjoying this lens, the 3rd parties have all come a long way in the last few years, and I am seriously considering swapping my old version 1 24-70 f/2.8L with the Tamron VC version.

I find the 24-70 and the 70-200 VC to sit between the Canon V1 and V2 equals a bit closer to the MK2 versions. I've been happy.

I couldn't agree more! The fact the lens is black is perhaps it most endearing feature, not to mention it's superb IQ! Love this lens with a passion. Just sorry my Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC didn't exhibit the same quality control as it's big brother.

@Talley.

With the sigma not being in focus until f/3.2 or F3.5, is this just a micro focus issue with your camera body and lens?
I didn't see where you mentioned anything about this. it could be an easy fix. All three of your camera bodies has this ability.Assuming that you still have the Sigma.

I am curious as i am looking into replacing my Canon mk1 for one of these lenses.

Thanks for the review it was very helpful!

Micro5797 wrote in post #17877872
@Talley.

With the sigma not being in focus until f/3.2 or F3.5, is this just a micro focus issue with your camera body and lens?
I didn't see where you mentioned anything about this. it could be an easy fix. All three of your camera bodies has this ability.Assuming that you still have the Sigma.

I am curious as i am looking into replacing my Canon mk1 for one of these lenses.

Thanks for the review it was very helpful!

Although this was not as controlled as may be it should be I shot extensively w/ the Sigma for right at a year and the Tamron I've owned twice now for almost two years worth. In my experience the Tamron (2 copies) was a better performer of my only copy of the Sigma I used.

Talley wrote in post #17877972
Although this was not as controlled as may be it should be I shot extensively w/ the Sigma for right at a year and the Tamron I've owned twice now for almost two years worth. In my experience the Tamron (2 copies) was a better performer of my only copy of the Sigma I used.

Thanks you.

Great review! It definitely helped me in my decision between the two lenses. Thank you!!