HELP!!!Sigma 24-70 vs Tamron 28-75 Nikon Mount

[Jaymoney$]

Please im looking to buy one soon but im torn between the two.I have been on every website seen images/reviews etc but still haven't decided.
Im just looking for first hand experienced users not a friend of a friend that has the lens.......

My Main concerns:

1. Budget-As always if i can get my moneys worth with the cheaper option why spend more? Sigma price difference versus Tamron - is it justified for casual shooter?
2. Sigma very questionable and horrid 'bokeh' per various tests and reviews.
3. Mostly shooting portraits and some low light events in clubs etc
3. I have rented the Tamron 28-75 so i have gotten to see results and so far so good, Sigma i haven't found anywhere local that has the HSM version for me to try it out.
4. Ill be shooting on DX d90 for now and possibly d300s or d7000 come Christmas.(fingers crossed)

Help please....post pics if any and experiences good or bad.

[Tom]

Definitely get the Tamron.

[arich]

I've read great things about the newer Sigma with HSM, supposed to be light years beyond the non-HSM copy but, like you, I haven't been able to find a copy in Houston to check out personally.

Thomas: I've seen you voice support for the Tamron before, what is the focus speed like? I'll probably be shooting the Rockets some this season so I want something that can grab and hold focus on my 7D in the Toyota Center

[venchka]

I suppose a proper portrait lens, like an 85/1.4, is out of the question?

[Jaymoney$]

Originally Posted by venchka

I suppose a proper portrait lens, like an 85/1.4, is out of the question?

I love primes....but for the club scene i need that flexibility of a mid-range zoom.

[High_Boost]

I would think you would want something wider than 24/28 for shooting in clubs with a dx sensor?
That is fairly long to me.

Why not the 17-50 tamron, or even wider?

[Jaymoney$]

Originally Posted by High_Boost

I would think you would want something wider than 24/28 for shooting in clubs with a dx sensor?
That is fairly long to me.

Why not the 17-50 tamron, or even wider?

Ive shot with a 17-50 at two venues now and i realized 90% of the pics were at 24mm and up from where i was positioned from the stage. I dont mind getting the 17-50 but im trying to make sure im not over-lapping since i already own a 12-24 to cover wide angle.

[venchka]

Oh. I thought you said portraits.

"Club scene" does not compute.

[High_Boost]

Originally Posted by Jaymoney$

Ive shot with a 17-50 at two venues now and i realized 90% of the pics were at 24mm and up from where i was positioned from the stage. I dont mind getting the 17-50 but im trying to make sure im not over-lapping since i already own a 12-24 to cover wide angle.

I am in the same boat.. I own the 17-50 (and the 12-24) and I find the 17-50 too short, but most people think I am crazy.

I am probably going to buy the tamron 28-75.
The new hsm sigma is too expensive (unless a sick deal on a used one comes around) and the old one has way too many bad reviews for me to try.

[Jaymoney$]

Originally Posted by venchka

Oh. I thought you said portraits.

"Club scene" does not compute.

Ok not strictly potraits i should have specified more like a general zoom that would be ideal for potraits work when needed.

Originally Posted by High_Boost

I am in the same boat.. I own the 17-50 (and the 12-24) and I find the 17-50 too short, but most people think I am crazy..

i feel your pain

Originally Posted by High_Boost

I am probably going to buy the tamron 28-75.
The new hsm sigma is too expensive (unless a sick deal on a used one comes around) and the old one has way too many bad reviews for me to try.

decisions....decisions....

[timbertoes]

The consensus on the Tamron is to get the older version without the Built-in-Motor, or non-BIM as its called.
Perhaps you have read about that on nikoncafe.com, if not, will highly reccomend.
I have the non-BIM version on a d700, and its more than satisfactory. In fact it so far has not given the CA problems I had with the high dollar 28-70 f2.8 nikon!

[timbertoes]

but for Club shots....hmmm... a 50mm f1.4 emphasis on the f1.4 !

[Tom]

Unless you are direct flashing everything, the 50mm 1.4 would be an excellent choice.

Thomas: I've seen you voice support for the Tamron before, what is the focus speed like? I'll probably be shooting the Rockets some this season so I want something that can grab and hold focus on my 7D in the Toyota Center

Grab me and say hi when you do. I will be there Saturday for opening night.

I never used the Tammy for basketball or other sports, so I really can't say on that. You can definitely use the 70-200 for everything there, though. Especially if you are assigned a spot at the corner.

[timbertoes]

I have used the tamron for motocross..up close and dangerous, and had very satisfactory focus results, including a few hold-the-button-down sequences.
but it was bright daylight.

[arich]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Unless you are direct flashing everything, the 50mm 1.4 would be an excellent choice.


Grab me and say hi when you do. I will be there Saturday for opening night.

I never used the Tammy for basketball or other sports, so I really can't say on that. You can definitely use the 70-200 for everything there, though. Especially if you are assigned a spot at the corner.

Thanks, I definitely will. I tend to be the second choice after Kirk Sides so I should be at anything he turns down lol.
Who are you shooting for?