Tamron 17-50 vs Sigm 18-50

[sayjaibow]

I recently got the Tamron 17-50. I considered the Sigma but after looking at all the reviews and people's comparison of these two lenses on other forums online the majority seem to prefer the Tamron so I went for it. Absolutely no regrets so far, great sharp lens!

 

[Andrew Ng]

I would like to clarify one thing. Sharpness should not be confused with DOF.

The reason why most lenses appear sharper at f/8 is due to the provision of more DOF with stopping down. This will also definitely increase your level of perceived sharpness.

On the flipside, why lenses are generally soft wide open is because they are also not using the "sweet spot" of the optical circle of the lens, but rather the full optical circle. This also comes into play when using a lens for crop sensors, versus one for a full-frame sensor/film, but I digress. Stopping down uses the "sweet spot" of the optical circle, thus also giving rise to increased levels of sharpness.

So it is actually inaccurate to say "most lenses are sharp at certain DOF", because sharpness and DOF are really two separate measures. To look at DOF, one would look at focus charts, and the assumption is that with focus charts, the distance that is said to be in focus is really in focus, regardless of how shallow or deep DOF is at the aperture setting. But when you take a lens' optical performance in terms of the sweet spot in its optical circle, then stopping down will affect its sharpness, not so much directly due to the DOF rendered.

Well said! You've got it! Did not want to explain too much into it. Can be too much info. Many people perceive sharpness, soft, sweet, aperture, et.c. e.tc differently. When they see a soft picture, they immediately say, not sharp. I shoot at f/5.6~f/8 to make sure that my models hair and fabric has all the details and texture in it. Of course, I use strobes. So is sharpness showing details... well, and is sharpness important at all? Guess this is not the correct forum. :-}

Andrew

 

[mutant]

After reading this thread, I think it's better for Nikon users to go for Tamron, as Nikon generally give warmer colours and Sigma will just make it more warmer..

 

[calebk]

After reading this thread, I think it's better for Nikon users to go for Tamron, as Nikon generally give warmer colours and Sigma will just make it more warmer..

Do you have any source to verify this? I would think Nikkors are quite neutral in colour reproduction.

 

[mutant]

Do you have any source to verify this? I would think Nikkors are quite neutral in colour reproduction.

Coincidentally 2 photographers commented that to me. Both seperate occasion. And coincindentally, both using Canon.

 

[doomslayerz]

went to ap, was quoted $790 for the sigma...

 

[calebk]

Coincidentally 2 photographers commented that to me. Both seperate occasion. And coincindentally, both using Canon.

Oh okay what a happy coincidence. So what? I might as well be using Pentax or Sony or Olympus, but it doesn't change the fact that you haven't supported your statement. Do you have any source to verify what you said?

 

[mutant]

Oh okay what a happy coincidence. So what? I might as well be using Pentax or Sony or Olympus, but it doesn't change the fact that you haven't supported your statement. Do you have any source to verify what you said?

Juz that 2 photographer; what kind of source do you need?

 

[mutant]

1 example of Nikon warmer colours that I just noticed.

de_stan

Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 181

Anyone here thinking of jumping ship?
Hi,

Myself Im a Canon user for almost 4 years.
Maybe it comes with getting too used to something that you start to find fault with your equipment.
The thought to switch to Nikon crossed my mind several times, due to better flash metering system, a warmer picture tone which I personally like ... etc.
But...again I wonder am I finding an excuse to make the switch.

So maybe some Nikon users here can share with me what you like or dislike about Nikon.
And if you have thoughts of changing to Canon, what are the push and pull factors?
__________________
Canon EOS 40D | BG-E2N | 50mm f1.4 EF | 17-40mm f4L | 75-300mm f4-5.6 EF | 580EX II

 

[doom102938]

D300
Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8
F/2.8
1/250s
ISO1600
Pop up flash fired.
Pic of my iPod Touch

Actually I think this tamron lens is very good! Theres no vignetting and all sorts. Very thin DOF(Esp at F/2.8 and 50mm). Close focusing range(0.28m). There is no zoom creep too. Its my first lens and I am VERY happy.

How it compares to the sigma 18-50mm I'm not too sure. But the Tamron has no glaring flaws, so i think its a worth while purchase(ESP compared to the Nikkor 17-55mm F/2.8 at almost $2000.)

 

[ryanrally]

Hi All

Please, please go to shops that allows you to test both lens with your camera on the spot.

Done that today.... spend to much time choosing the right Tam 17-50 thinking that manufacturing fault on piece to piece that seems out of focus. Working real hard on the D300 AF tuning. Yah I mean flare not softness or sharpness at 2.8.

Have to get one today... so took the sigma and lock it on... that's it... wonderful... At first stil hesitate and reluctant to even put on the sigma due to so call peel stuffs.

But if you are picky on the image produced particularly at 2.8 focusing, pick the best from the worst at 2.8. Note again 2.8 indeed is soft and not fully accurate (unless go for few stops up). Different brand has different additional amount of poor image at wide open. Just pick the best you are comfortable.

In the end, I dont mind pay abit additional on slightly better focusing image (again not softness, look into other factors on the same image again and again) 2.8 aperture + with HSM + Marco..

Just my 2 cents.... Go for your feel and your own standard of "pickiness" / "Yeem-Jeem".

 

[doom102938]

Ya but either way you cant go wrong. Both also have long warranties. Lol, lets not hope you use it.

 

[jlpk007]

tamron has so many "lemon" for 17-50mm?
What exactly do you guys mean by front/back focus problem? Was just browsing through the tamron thread and notice quite a few thread mention about this lens(tamron)..

Thanks