which Sigma

Hi guys,

I want to have your advise

A friend of mine told me he was thinking about buying the Sigma 17-70. I know this lens so I told him it was a very good choice, but I advised him to consider the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 macro as well. It has the same build quality (it's even a EX) the so called 'macro' function but instead of 20mm extra zoom he would have a fixed F/2.8. The 2.8 made him think and that's why he asked me about the Tamron 17-50....

I know there are a few topics written about this Sigma vs Tamron, but because he is really digging the sigma (optics, build quality and 'macro' function...) I still believe he has to choose the Sigma over the Tamron.

Is that right? or is the Tamron more superior?

Thanks in advance!!

prinspaul wrote in post #5116598
Hi guys,

I want to have your advise

A friend of mine told me he was thinking about buying the Sigma 17-70. I know this lens so I told him it was a very good choice, but I advised him to consider the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 macro as well. It has the same build quality (it's even a EX) the so called 'macro' function but instead of 20mm extra zoom he would have a fixed F/2.8. The 2.8 made him think and that's why he asked me about the Tamron 17-50....

I know there are a few topics written about this Sigma vs Tamron, but because he is really digging the sigma (optics, build quality and 'macro' function...) I still believe he has to choose the Sigma over the Tamron.

Is that right? or is the Tamron more superior?

Thanks in advance!!

That's a question that really can't be answered unless you've had extensive experience with both. All I can say is that I have three Tamron lenses and I've gotten excellent service from them. I've actually had more trouble with my one Canon L lens than I've had with all three Tamrons combined.

I can't speak for Sigma because I've never owned or used one.

Well, I had considered all three, as they are all pretty decent lenses and about the same price range. In the end, I went of the Sigma 24-68 F2.8 EX that has been mentioned a lot lately due to the incredible value it has at the price right now. However, I had the advantage of the Sigma 10-20 to bracket below it and the Canon 70-200 F4L to bracket above it. So, if your friend does not have an ultrawide, that might not work. I did play with my kit lens at 18 and 24 and decided that 24 would be wide enough most of the time. If the 24 end would work, I suggest the Sigma 24-60, if not, I'd suggest the Sigma 18-50, since your friend already likes it.

Considering the Sigma 18-50 vs Tamron 17-50, I lean toward the Tamron b/c it's wider (actual wide end focal length difference is more than 1mm).

Photozone.de has reviewed both as well and Klaus there seems to think the Tamron is a better deal IIRC.

I've owned both and the Sigma (IMO) is superior in ergonomics and handling, it's got faster AF, quieter AF, more accurate AF and is better in low light. IQ goes to the Sigma although sharpness is about even as far as I can tell. I much prefer the Sigma (This, btw, comes as a surprise to me.). Just make sure it's the Macro version of the Sigma. The earlier 18-50 f/2.8 non-macro was a lemon.

Ian