Which budget standard zoom that's f 2.8

Looking for a lens for my friend. She currently uses the 18-55 on a t2i but would like something better. I did some searching and found the Tamron 17-50 VC and non VC. Also sigma has one. I've read that the Tamron non VC is a little sharper than the VC. Primary use would be for some landscapes and random portraits.

She's a beginner but is wanting to learn. Which lens would you choose for her? Also note I will be finding a used copy of whichever lens we decide on.

Thanks

Tamron and Sigma make a lot of 17 or 18 to 50 or 55 and 24-70 or 28-75 that are 2.8 and cheap-ish and well reviewed

For portraits I'd want something longer than 50mm(even on a crop) and I don't think I've ever shot a landscape at 2.8.

I'm looking for a similar lens and had a chance to use the Tamron today for about an hour. It seems like a good choice, but I was surprised by how big it is. On my T3i it seemed huge so be aware if that might be a consideration. I want to look at the Sigma before spending and haven't found one in my area yet. Reviews seem to give an edge to the Sigma, both seem like good choices.

Thanks guys. Well she'll be using the lens indoors as well. She has the 55-250 for reach. I was going to buy a used one in case she finds it's not what she wants/needs. Then there is no money lost when it gets sold.

Grab the tamron 17-50 2.8 it's really sharp compare to the sigma IMO.

grab the sigma 17 - 50 f2.8, its closer to the Canon in terms of IQ, and to be honest the sigma lotto isnt nearly what people claim it to be.

Tamron non-VC. Cheap and excellent.

On a budget? Tamron 17-50 non VC. On a bigger budget? Sigma 17-50 OS.

Sirrith wrote in post #15537937
On a budget? Tamron 17-50 non VC. On a bigger budget? Sigma 17-50 OS.

Well said. Get the tamron and a cheap prime. Both will be great for her to learn fast glass. She can always upgrade once she gets addicted

I have been in the same position and recently purchased a Tamron 17-50 see initial impression here:

http://www.amateurphot​ographer.co.uk …-impressions-(vs-Kit-Lens)

One piece of advice i would give is to buy new as the focusing can be problematic. I had serious issues out of the box, but after calibration it is perfect. If you buy used, factor in the cost of possibly having to calibrate.

Another option. Find a used one.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …70mm_F2_8_4_DC_​Macro.html

I personally prefer the Tamron. The Sigma in the upper post from BH is a good price.

The Tamron 17-50 non-vc is great but the focus noise is annoying but great on a crop body.

If you're gonna go full frame, the Tamron 24-70 VC is amazing.

http://500px.com/photo​/24253461 is a pic I took yesterday with mine.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Think I may try the tamron 17-50 non VC and see what she thinks. I had the 28-75 with my 5dc which i found sharp and the focusing wasn't to slow.