Tamron vs Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 stabilized zoom for Nikon D7100: key differences?
Asked 6/10/2014
3 views
2 answers
0
I'm choosing between the stabilized Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 for a Nikon D7100. What are the important differences in image quality, handling, and overall performance? I'm especially interested in any real-world experience or test-based comparisons that would help decide between them.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
2
Nothing first person, but Photozone.de's tests and reviews are well regarded. Here's the relevant links:
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/642-tamron175028vcdx http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/838-sigma175028os
To summarize: Build quality of both is good but not fantastic Neither is a great lens to manual focus Both have poor distortion at 17mm that goes away as focal length increases Resolution is pretty close at wider focal lengths, but at 50mm Sigma is clearly better, especially wide open.
If I didn't have Canon's 17-55/2.8 I would choose the Sigma.
Originally by user29815. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user29815
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the shared test summaries, these lenses are broadly similar, but a few differences stand out.
- Build: both are considered decent, though neither has exceptional build quality.
- Manual focus: neither is especially pleasant or strong for manual focusing.
- Distortion: both show noticeable distortion at 17mm, which improves as you zoom in.
- Sharpness/resolution: they are fairly close at the wide end, but the Sigma appears stronger at 50mm, especially wide open at f/2.8.
- Tamron versions: be careful which Tamron you mean. The non-VC and VC versions differ noticeably, so reviews of one should not be assumed to apply to the other.
If your priority is overall optical performance from the comparisons mentioned, the Sigma gets the edge, particularly at the long end. If you're considering the Tamron, make sure you're looking at tests for the exact stabilized VC version, not the non-VC lens.
So, from the information provided, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS HSM is the safer pick unless you have a specific reason to prefer the Tamron.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI12y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Canon vs Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 for weddings: how much does IS matter, and is Canon worth the extra cost?
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC vs non-VC: is stabilization worth it, and are they upgrades over an 18-55mm kit lens?
How much more light does a constant f/2.8 zoom give compared with an 18-55mm kit lens?
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM vs Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D: which focuses faster on a Nikon D90 for sports?
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS vs Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 OS as a walk-around lens for a Canon Rebel XTi