Sigma 70-300 APO DG macro or Tamron 70-300 f4-5.6 DI LD?

[jcoutts]

Hi Guys

Need some advice been looking at these two lenses for some time since I am on a budget and want extend my collection.

I already have a Tamron 55-200mm DiII lens which takes great pictures, they are very sharp and I think better than the quality I get with the Canon 18-55mm I got with the camera! The only thing I can say negative is that it does sometimes lag and focus seek in lower light (To be expected in this class I guess).

Yeah, you may ask why I am going for that little extra - well I was out the other day trying to get a shot of a Heron and well it was just out of reach I just could not get in close enough as I'd have liked. I am hoping the extra distance will help in these situations?

Anyway, problem is I have no experience with Sigma lenses and as I said I really like my existing Tamron and so I am bias towards sticking with the Tamron. Just not sure which one to go for? Can have some peoples take on this perhaps someone has had the opportunity to try both.

Anyway, your opinions would be truly valued.

Thanks Guys

[reddeathdrinker]

Sigma APO over the Tamron...

The Tamron is very prone to excessive chromatic aberration, especially at the 200-300mm range. The Sigma APO has better (apochromatic) glass, and is considered the best of the budget 70-300mm lenses. I've owned both in the past, and got the purple-fringing to prove it ;)

Crop from the Tamron:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/2267/ca.jpg

[OptiBull]

I got the sigma, non APO version and i love it! For the money cant go wrong...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d20/properjob/JTS/Track%20Action/Pernells00821.jpg

[Slapo]

I've had the same dilemma and decided to go for a Sigma 70-300 mm APO DG macro.
There's a bit on my lens here:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=48519

[Craikeybaby]

Have a search around to see if you can get the Canon 75-300mm they are available fairly cheaply, especially second hand (I have one in the for sale section).

[leezon]

I love my 70-300mm APO. Its as sharp as hell too

One of my shots with it:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/2803835098_00eb9cbb90.jpg

[R8JimBob88]

Another vote for the Sigma APO :)

[jcoutts]

Thanks a lot slapo, I think I know which one I am going for.

Cheers, those shots look great!

[jcoutts]

Great guys (All of you) looks like the Sigma gets it! Lovely portrait leezon.

[Matt L]

i've got the sigma apo lense never really had chance to try it out though :(

[Dave_Taylor]

I got the sigma 70-300mm APO EX DG lens as well. It is very sharp and can focus closer than 1m @ 200-300mm so it's excellent for butterflies etc. Superb lens at the price £129 from Jessops. Very, very highly recommended.