Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 vs Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4

[annie_xystouris]

<p>Hi everyone,<br>

I have a 700D and I recently managed to damage my Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, which was my travel buddy and my 'standard' everyday lens together with my 50mm 1.8.<br>

I went to a camera shop to ask for advice, and the guy was very much pushing for me to replace the Tamron lens with the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM. He said the quality of the images as well as the actual lens is better, and the Autofocus too.<br>

Honestly, I liked my Tamron lens and loved the 2.8 constant aperture but I would be intrigued to go for something a bit different.<br>

I would appreciate your thoughts and your expertise!</p>

[Hector Javkin]

<p>I like my Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (in Nikon mount) and it is one of my favorite lenses. I don't know the Sigma, it might be fine, but I do know not to listen to a salesman who is pushing me to buy a particular lens. If you want to try the Sigma, buy it somewhere with a good reputation that will accept returns, such as B&H or Adorama. This time of year, I believe both of these shops (as well as others) offer an extended return period, so buyers can deal with gifts that weren't the right thing.</p>

[wgpinc]

<p>To my way of thinking you are asking the wrong question. The Sigma 17-50mm 2.8 lens is as good or better than the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 lens and the Sigma is $100 cheaper plus it has image stabilization. To me it's a no brainer to get the Sigma 17-50mm 2.8.</p>

[Mark Keefer]

<p>I use neither of these lenses so I can only go by reviews and specs on the web. The Sigma will have more reach. Check out all the reviews you can on both lenses. From what I am reading, I would lean toward the Sigma, I think it may be more bang for the buck and be more useful, but I would want to try both first.</p>

<p><strong>Note: There are two different Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8s. One with VC Image Stabilization one without.</strong><br />Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [iF] priced close to the Sigma, No VC<br />and the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD which is about $150 more expensive with VC.<br />This Sima has image stabilization.<br />The Sigma will have more reach out to 70mm at f/4. The F/4 all the way zoomed isn't awful. The only Sigma I have is a 50mm F/1.4 which is a good lens with good build quality, but that means nothing on how the 17-70 is built and image quality.</p>

<p>Both Tamron lenses can go to a very narrow aperture of F/32, the Sigma can only go to F/22<br />They all appear to have 7 blades on aperture, so good for round bokeh highlights.</p>

<p>See if the store will let you bring your camera into the store and shoot some test shots in the store, then compare the images at home at home. Look at sharpness at various F settings and zooms 17-50 then check a few on the SIGMA at 70 to see what 40% more zoom looks like. If image quality is as good as the Tameron, that extra 70mm reach may be real nice for walking around.</p>

<p>The only video review I found comparing these two lenses was in French on YouTube. My french is not that good so I don't know what was being said about the lenses.</p>

<p>I tried looking up specs all over, this isn't perfect, hope I didn't make any mistakes (it's late) double check manuafacturer websites for specs.</p>

<p>Looking at some specs on <strong>Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM</strong></p>

<ul data-selenium="highlightList">

<li><strong>Aperture Range: f/2.8-22</strong></li>

<li>Hyper Sonic AF Motor</li>

<li><strong>Optical Stabilizer</strong></li>

<li>Macro Capabilities</li>

<li>Compact and Lightweight TSC Construction</li>

<li>FLD, SLD, and Aspherical Lens Elements</li>

<li>Super Multi-Layer Coating</li>

<li>Compatible with Sigma USB Dock</li>

<li>Maximum format size APS-C/DX</li>

<li>Focal length 17-70mm</li>

<li>35mm equivalent focal length</li>

<li>26-105mm (1.5x APS-C / DX)</li>

<li>27-112mm (1.6x Canon APS-C)</li>

<li>Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C) 79º - 23º</li>

<li>Maximum aperture F2.8-4</li>

<li>Minimum aperture F22</li>

<li>Lens Construction • 16 elements / 14 groups</li>

<li>2 FLD ("F" Low Dispersion) glass elements</li>

<li>1 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element</li>

<li>3 aspherical elements</li>

<li>Number of diaphragm blades 7, rounded</li>

<li>Minimum focus 0.22m</li>

<li>Maximum magnification 0.36x</li>

<li>AF motor type Micro-type Hypersonic Motor</li>

<li>Focus method Internal</li>

<li>Image stabilization • Canon, Nikon and Sigma mount versions only</li>

<li>4 stops claimed benefit</li>

<li>Filter thread • 72mm</li>

<li>Does not rotate on focus</li>

<li>Supplied accessories* • Front and rear caps</li>

<li>Petal-type Hood</li>

<li>Weight 465 g (16.6 oz)</li>

<li>Dimensions 79 mm diameter x 82 mm length(3.1 x 3.2 in)</li>

</ul>

<p>And I have read some positive reviews from owners.</p>

<p>Next<br />Looking at some specs on the <br /> <strong>Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [iF] (Priced the same as the Sigma)</strong><br />Focal Length 17-50mm</p>

<ul>

<li>Maximum Aperture F/2.8</li>

<li><strong>Aperture Range f/2.8-32 </strong></li>

<li>Angle of View 78 45'-31 11'</li>

<li>Lens Construction 13/16</li>

<li>Minimum Focus Distance 0.27m</li>

<li>Filter Size 67mm</li>

<li>Length 83.2mm</li>

<li>Diameter 73.8mm</li>

<li>Aperture Range - Wide / Long f/2.8-32</li>

<li>Number of Aperture Blades 7</li>

<li>Manufacturer Specification Weight 15.3 oz</li>

<li>Actual Weight 15.5 oz</li>

<li>Lens Hood Weight 0.5 oz</li>

<li>In-Use Weight 16.1 oz</li>

<li>Manufacturer Spec Size (DxL) 3.22 x 2.91”</li>

<li>Measured Size (DxL) 2.94 x 3.68”</li>

<li>Max Length at Full Extension 4.79”</li>

<li>Zoom Extension Length 1.14”</li>

<li>Lens Hood Size (DxL) 3.39 x 1.72”</li>

<li>Lens Length with Hood (Min / Max) 5.17 / 6.25”</li>

<li>Size of Rings - Zoom / Focus 1.58” / 0.69”</li>

<li>Filter Size 67mm</li>

<li>Focus AF Motor Type</li>

<li>Focus Ring Rotation 52°</li>

<li>Distance Scale? Printed</li>

<li>Close Focus Specified Min Focus Distance 10.6”</li>

<li>Tested Min Focus Distance (Wide / Long) 10.2” / 10.35”</li>

<li>Maximum Magnification (MM) 0.22x</li>

<li>Zoom Ring Rotation 80°</li>

<li>Tripod Ring Included? No</li>

<li>Lens Hood Included Yes</li>

<li>Not Weather Sealed</li>

<li><strong>No Image Stabilization</strong></li>

<li>Extender Compatible No</li>

</ul>

<p>People still seem to give the lens good reviews, though some think it feels cheap build quality but gives good images.<br /> <strong>Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Vibration Compensation (VC) Yes Image Stabilization.</li>

<li>Internal Focusing (IF)</li>

<li>Aspherical Lens Elements</li>

<li>Extra Refractive Glass (XR)</li>

<li>Low-Level Distortion</li>

<li>Excellent in Low Light</li>

<li>Focal Length 17-50mm</li>

<li>Maximum Aperture F/2.8</li>

<li>Angle of View (diagonal) 78゜ 45' - 31゜ 11'</li>

<li>Lens Construction 19 elements in 14 groups</li>

<li>Minimum Focus Distance 0.29m (11.4 in)</li>

<li>Max. Magnification Ratio 1 : 4.8</li>

<li>Filter thread 72mm</li>

<li>Length 94.5mm * (3.7 in)</li>

<li>Diameter 79.6mm (3.13 in)</li>

<li>Weight 570g ** (20.15 oz)</li>

<li>Diaphragm Blade Number 7</li>

<li>Minimum Aperture F/32</li>

<li>Standard Accessory Flower-shaped Lens hood</li>

</ul>

<p>I am reading mixed reviews on this lens. Some like it, some hate it and complain of problems.</p>

<p>I came across this <a href="http://lenshero.com/comparison/Tamron-SP-17-50mm-f2.8-XR-Di-II-VC-LD-Nikon-f-vs-Sigma-17-70mm-f2.8-4-DC-Macro-OS-HSM-Nikon-f">link</a> also and saw some discussion on other sites.</p>

<p>Good luck</p>

[Ken Katz]

Below are Photozone test results for both Sigma lenses. I generally find that Photozone results are constant

with what I am seeing with lenses I own (or have owned). I linked to the Nikon results since they tested the

new 17-70 ("C" version), which is the latest (best) version of the lens while the Canon page has only the

previous version.

 

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/822-sigma1770284os

 

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/838-sigma175028os

 

Since the F2.8 lens seems to sharpen up at F4, I might be inclined to get the 17-70mm for more range.