Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 or Tamron 17-50 2.8 advice please...

[LonestarMan]

I have the Sigma 17-70 and I love it. Very sharp, super color. Great lens. You can't go wrong with it.

[lextalionis]

A lot of folks plugging for the Sigma and with good reason...both of these lenses seem great for the money.

I really think I'm going to get the Tamron now and here's why:

1. I already have an EF 100mm 2.8 Macro (will certainly take better macro than the Sigma)
2. Based on these reviews it looks like the Tamron is sharper across a wider area at different focal lenths/stops than the Sigma and there are a few bad reviews on the Sigma vs. the Tamron (plus the tamron has 6 times more reviews)

Sigma Review: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showp...uct/349/cat/31

Tamron Review: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showp...uct/355/cat/23

3. I've read a lot about the sigma being almost too sharp/hard with the oof range aka bokeh so maybe portraits will be better with the Tamron?

I'm pulling the trigger this week. I feel like buying from B & H and somone above mentioned to make sure to get the "Made in Japan" version. Anyone know if B & H honors a request for a made in Japan version?

Thanks,
Roy

[Michelle Allmon]

I have the Tamron and it's my favorite lens. I'm really surprised more people haven't spoken for it.

[Donb10]

I have the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. Both of my lens are marked on the barrel of the lens "assembled in China". I have had them for about a year so I don't know when this process started. Both of the lens are razor sharp and I have no complaints.

This enclosed photo was taken today with the 17-50mm.

[lextalionis]

Well, I can buy the Tamron 17-50 locally which has the "Made in Japan" version for $499 plus 8.25% tax or order from B&H for $449 plus $8 shipping but can't be sure if I get the made in Japan or China version.

Hummm decisions, decisions...which would you do?

Roy

[Donb10]

It is your choice. Both of mine are assembled in China, and both were bought in Houston. The only good thing about buying them from your local dealer is that they allowed me to shoot both of them inside and outside the store. I was pleased with what I saw and brought them home.

Both of the Tamron boxes have the name "Tamron" Japan on the box, but like I said, the lens barrel say assembled in China.

[ddaybuff]

I have the Tamron lens and am very pleased with it. I got it at Arlington Camera.

[ol geezer]

Keep in mind that the Tamron lense holds the f/2.8 at all focal lengths. The Sigma does not. The constant f/stop is more desirable, in my openion. Focuses faster in low light sithuations.

[lextalionis]

Thanks all for the great advice. I'm certainly going for the Tamron...I just need to decide whether to buy the "Made in Japan" version at local brick-n-mortar for $80 more or take a chance and order online from b and h.

-Roy

[ol geezer]

Try calling Hunt's and ask for Gary Farber. Hunt's number is 800-221-1830. Gary's extension is 2332. Ask Gary if they have a "Made in Japan" version and if so, will he guarantee that is what you will get. Specify a U.S. warranty. Gary is great to work with and Hunt's is very reliable. Hunt's delivers with no shipping charges.

Good luck.

[ChristopherCoy]

Damn this thread made me dizzy....... anyone have any examples of each? I've learned that the 20mm focal length is pretty popular for pet portraits so I'm thinking about looking into one.

If I went with the Tammy 17-50 2.8, and the Sigma 70-200 2.8 I'd pretty much have everything that I need covered. I like Sigma lenses, but dont like the variable aperture on this wide lens.

[David Whatley]

I have the Sigma and really like it. It's To sharp sometimes :) and can hunt a little in low light,BUT, if I had it to do over, I might go with the tammy just for the fixed 2.8

[ChristopherCoy]

Wanna sell your Siggy and buy that Tammy??? LOL

After just starting out, and hearing the term 'fast glass' repeated so much, I started to believe that any lens that wasn't 2.8 wasn't even worth looking at. I've been using a borrowed Tammy lately that is 4-5.6 and it is very sharp and I'm really liking it. Made me realize that for the majority of what I shoot I don't really need anything super fast right now. But it is nice that both these lenses offer it and are rather affordable.