Tamron vs Sigma which would you buy

Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM for Canon
Tamron AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro for Canon

Which of these 2 lenes would be the better purchase

I haven't used either of them, but from what I can remember reading when researching them (apologies if I get this wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me), the sigma is preferred for its faster auto focus and the tamron for higher IQ.

What kind of shooting are you doing?

with this lens i would be shooting candids of people, scenery and some wildlife

I'm happy with the IQ of the Tamron, but it has a tendency skip past it's actual focal point from time to time.

Unless you are shooting a lot of low light, you may also want to consider the canon 70-200 f4 (which is around the same price range).

However, if we're just talking about these two... with my limited knowledge of these lenses, I would say the sigma is the better choice. May I also ask what camera body you are using?

i'm useing a canon xsi at the moment

If i get the canon f4 and increase the ISO to accomadate the low light will that affect the quailty of the picture

When I bought my 70-200, I tried both and much preferred the Sigma. HSM focusing is awesome.

B. A. Sluss wrote in post #8777492
If i get the canon f4 and increase the ISO to accomadate the low light will that affect the quailty of the picture

The short answer is yes. But I used an xsi for almost two years, shooting concert photography at ISO 1600 90% of the time. I was always very pleased with the quality it produced. The xsi is a great camera!

And with shooting scenery, wildlife, and people it will be rare for you to bump it up to ISO 1600.

I tested the Tamron side by side to my Canon 70-200, and I found the tamron lost alot of details in the shadows. That really disappointed me. I have sigmas for a couple lenses, and never see what I did with the Tamron. With regard to primes, tamron has been kickin butt for many decades, but this entry into their long zoom category is good, but not up to their historical IQ reputation. No disrespect Snap to you at all.

my vote -> go the Sigma route.

I had the sigma 70-200 2.8, and sold it within weeks of having it. I found the focus to be horribly off.

The canon 70-200 f4 is an amazing lens at an even better price.

Between the tamron and Sigma, I would go with with Sigma. Mainly because I shoot a lot of action shots and the HSM. If you feel you need the 2.8 for lower lighting, I would go with the Sigma also over the 70-200mm f/4 non-is model.