Sigma 24-70 or Tamron 28-75?

Which would you recommend the Sigma 24-70 EX DG Macro or the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)? The Tamron got RAVING reviews on amazon.com, and i know everyone here loves the Sigma, so which would you guys recommend?

I plan on shooting architecture, maybe concerts, family get togethers, landscapes, nature, maybe the occasional macro... ect

I'm going to say Sigma =) I've had an awesome experiance with my 24-70.... never used the Tamron so i can't really say anything about it...

Do a search for posts by "condyk" (think I have that right), he's about the only person around here who's had both.

Don't bother because I'll tell you here

IQ on both is very similar and I didn't sell the TAmron for that reason. I wanted more on the wide end. If I'd have had my Toki at the time I would have kept the Tamron because the extra 4mm wouldn't have mattered.

The Sigma has a very fast AF and it is better in low light. No hunting for focus. But the motor definately buzzes. It's not the HSM motor but that doesn't both me at all. Build is substantial. It is bigger and heavier than the Tamron. The Tamron is great for walkaround if you want small and light. The Sigma balances in the hand better even on a small body like the 350D. The Sigma is more expensive but you get a nice carry case. I think the Tamron has a longer warranty. Sigma service is first class should you ever need it.

So, it's a swings and roundabout thing. Both do a great job so buy on what's important to you. Personally, I am very happy with the Sigma tho' I have a 24-105 IS L on order as it's an ideal lens for travelling, which is my main need at this range.

Either one will be a good choice!

I recently purchased the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 and i am sorry that i did, it's now back at Tamron UK the second time for re-calibration. I tried the lens on three different Canon bodies and still the same focusing problem at the 28-35mm end, one thing though Tamron Uk are very good with there customer services. I now wish that i had carried saving and got the Canon 24-105L IS. so whether you choose the Sigma or the Tamron make sure it does not have focusing problem.

Sorry, could I ask you were you got your Tamron from in the UK? Online retailer?

I honestly have never used a tamron lens, I try to stick with Canon material. But I have a couple of Sigma lenses.. I can't complain on either of them... They always perform as well as they should on any occasion .. but the 2.8 is a good choice ... If you get the tamron let me know how it performs ..

Support earthcrawl.com's new forum ..

I have the Tamron and it rocks. For that price, excellent material. I have another Tamron (17-35) in my backpack when I need more angle, but it does not come out often.

Depends on what you want to shoot with it, I guess. Like with most things in photography, or life.

P.

http://www.geocities.c​om/namkeunyoon/midzoom

Greatkingbowser, I purchased My Tamron 28-75 Mail Order from www.collegecameras.co.​uk

For those who have good copies of Tamron, you guys are very LUCKY. I tested a couple Tamron 28-75 f2.8 on the 5D & 20D at a local camera store last weekend(Samy's Camera) and I noticed that the sharpness and color were lacking quite a bit even though the focus performance were good. So, at the end, I walked out with the 24-70L instead .

Condyk's analysis is spot on. The easiest way to make a decision is to find a shop that has both in stock and try them side by side on your body. Take some shots are varying apertures and focal lengths and compare the images. These lenses are typically very good but there is some variability in quality due to manufacturing tolerances etc. This way you can make sure the lens you end up buying has already proven to give you good images.

I have the Tamron 28-75mm. I've been super happy with it. It's only downside is that sometimes you do kinda want 24mm on the wide end. This only happened to me when I went to chicago and wanted building pictures.

My copy has no focusing issues and is really sharp. My friend bought one along with his 20D and he also has no problems.

One AWESOME lens for the price.

I received the Sigma a week ago, like you, I had to make choice between the Tamron and Sigma. I chose Sigma because of its built quality, and recommendations from friends. I do have a few minor problems though, and this might not apply to everybody. Sometimes, when I turn my 20D on, the camera does not recognize the lense, aperture reading is "00", I have to detach the lense and mount it back on, then, the camera would recognize it. This does not happen very often, maybe 1 out of 10 times, I think because when I pull out the camera from my bag, I grab it by the lense and that may cause the it to behave that way but I am not super positive about that. My boss has the 24-70L Canon, lense, this weekend I am going to test both lenses. I suspect my Sigma has focus problem, tend to be soft, and color tend to be a tad saturated, but I'll know for sure when I perform the test. So good luck, and happy snapping.