Regarding Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di Zoom

I was thinking of getting a entry-level telephoto lens for my XTi ... for under 200 bux, my choices at this time are canon 75-300mm (with or without USM), and this Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di Zoom that I just saw in Amazon, and Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens. This Tamron is tempting as it has good enuf focal length coverage as well as macro mode. F/4 is definitely slow but somehow getting tempted ... Hoping that few ppl have this lens here, if so can I get some direction on it ... thank you !

http://www.amazon.com …oto&qid=1188426​368&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com …oto&qid=1188426​913&sr=1-5

I have the Tamron 75-300 and it's not bad for the price if you need a cheap zoom.

I does focus slow and requires good lighting (mainly outdoor shooting) but you can't expect any more for the price you pay for it.

I have one in another mount. It's a nice little lens for the price. The macro mode isn't true macro, it's only 2:1. It's a little slow but I use it outdoors in daytime shooting conditions where it works well.

I'd get the Sigma.

I have the old non-DI version of the Tamron 70-300 LD. Not bad for the money. A little soft after 200mm (most of these 7X-300 are, I think). Didn't find the "macro" mode all that useful either. But, I got a lot of use out of it and, like I said, its not bad for the money. I think you'll be happy with it as an entry-level telephoto.

The older version of this lens was my first telephoto. I think it takes really good pics for a lens in this price range. As my photography skills increased I upgraded to the Canon 70-300 IS USM. If I knew then what I know now...and could have afforded the Canon first.....I would have skipped the Tamron altogether. But still a good lens for it's price range. Take a look at my website. There is a gallery in which all photos were taken with the Tamron lens.
Kath

thanks for your replies ... i looked at the reviews for the sigma in adorama and they don't sound good ...

anyone has it ? pictures please ...

I'd say the Tamron is a bit sharper than the sigma at 300mm, but suffers from more chromatic abberation. Personally, i'd get the Tamron, correcting CA isn't all that hard.

To be honest, these lenses are so similar in terms of performance I'm sure either one will work fine for you. You can't really lose either way.