Sigma 30mm or Tamron 17-50mm VC first?

I know I want both of these lenses and I will get both eventually. But money only permits the purchase of one and I won't be able to get the other one for awhile.

I live in Wisconsin so indoor shooting is all I can really do right now.

I currently have the typical setup:
Rebel XSi
18-55mm IS
55-250mm IS
50mm f/1.8 II

I have both the Sigma 30 and a Tamron non-VC. I find the zoom lens more practical as a general all-purpose walk-around lens. I use the Sigma 30 when I want to play with DOF and in low light situations.

do you have a flash?

DreDaze wrote in post #9642781
do you have a flash?

Yes I do, 430ex ii

I would upgrade the kit 18-55 lens first unless you're really happy with it. The 30mm with allow you to take pictures in lower light, but you get to a certain point where it's not enough and pull out the flash. Also with the 30mm, you'll have zoom with your feet.

i was in a similar situation a year ago, almost the same gears as yours!
i eneded up getting a sigma 30/1.4, and it became my favorite lens till now.

I have both the 17-50 VC and sigma 30/1.4. zoom is more flexible, but f2.8 often isn't enough for indoor low light. and flash isn't always an option to use.

I'd say go for the Sigma. If you are going to get the Tamron 17-50, you will most likely have to use flash, and if so, why not just use flash with your current lineup?

If you are snowed in might I recommend macro photography? It can be done year round! =)

why not keep the 18-55 for a decent walkaround lens and
then use the 30mm 1.4 for lowlight indoor work.

richierich1212 wrote in post #9643299
I'd say go for the Sigma. If you are going to get the Tamron 17-50, you will most likely have to use flash, and if so, why not just use flash with your current lineup?

That is a good question. I do often use my current lineup with flash. I have no problems with using my flash. I guess I mainly wanted the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC for its larger aperture. I was thinking it would allow for more creative shots.

As for the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, I really like my Nifty Fifty but the focal length is far too long for me. I feel like the 30mm focal length would be perfect.

If you want creative shots with thin DOF, even f2.8 is too small. Get the 30 1.4, you will love it.

Yep the Sigma 30mm is an awesome lens.

i upgraded my kit lens to a 17-50mm and pretty much happy with it.

The 17-50 VC is a pretty good lens. I like the constant F2.8 aperture compared to my older 18-55 then 17-85, plus VC works wonders for video, but when you need beautiful bokeh or there isn't much light, sigma 30/1.4 is better. I guess they serve different purposes.

As for the sharpness, I'm not bothered by wide-open softness as i rarely look at 100% crop. It looks pretty sharp to my eyes, but it's true f4 is much sharper than f2.8.

I did a very un-scientific test to compare sharpness at f2.8 and f4, here they are :
both at 17mm, handheld, MF, ISO 200, VC on

f2.8, 1/13 sec (yes, VC does help a lot)

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Do you want to upgrade something you already have (kit lens)? or get something new?

sigma 30 is a pretty sweet lens!