Recommendations to replace the Sigma 17-50mm

Blades Media UK

Blades Media UK

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Damian
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Hi all,

currently have the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8. Great lens for the price point and it has served me very well as my main lens. However I will be doing more magazine work soon and there are little points which it falls short on and I don't wait that causing issues. For example at 17mm it can get quite soft on the edges and if you were photographing a car you would need to focus the wheel rather than the head light otherwise the drop off can be quite dramatic. It can also be a little slow to focus.

I have been looking at the Nikon 24-70 but currently put off by the price and its overall size. The Tamaron 24-70mm seems better for the price but both aren't the focal length I really want, but respectively good upgrades?

To summarise:
Looking for a lens around 17-50 focal length
Needs to be fast in focus and F stop
Pin sharp low chromatic aberrations as I mainly shoot shiny stuff.
Max price ideally £1000
Not too big

What would everyone recommend?
 
17-55 is a DX lens ... is that what you need?
 
Blades Media UK said:
Ordered it from wex, tried it today and it is no better so that will be going back ha. What is next?
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I'm surprised, test charts show its definitely better at the edges. Think you're out of luck except for one more option, tamron 17-50mm, but I don't think it will be any better than the nikkor.

Sigma 18-35mm is a good lens... But not 50mm.
 
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I would have a look at the Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 if you want a low f stop and great quality, not small but a cracking lens, if you need longer also have a look at the Sigma 50-100mm 1.8. both are crop lenses
 
twist said:
I'm surprised, test charts show its definitely better at the edges. Think you're out of luck except for one more option, tamron 17-50mm, but I don't think it will be any better than the nikkor.

Sigma 18-35mm is a good lens... But not 50mm.
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It might be but for the £400 it cost it is heavy, felt old and didn't nail the focus as quick as the sigma. Took a 3 shot burst to get the best shot. The sigma could nail it on the first try.

Downside is I am loosing the full range the 17-55 offers.

I was really hoping it would just be bam. Sharp focus and quick, like the 70-200.
 
Blades Media UK said:
It might be but for the £400 it cost it is heavy, felt old and didn't nail the focus as quick as the sigma. Took a 3 shot burst to get the best shot. The sigma could nail it on the first try.

Downside is I am loosing the full range the 17-55 offers.

I was really hoping it would just be bam. Sharp focus and quick, like the 70-200.
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Maybe worth trying another? Perhaps it was faulty.
 
I have the older Tamron 17-50 non vc and this is a very sharp lens from the use I have had.

I had a 28-75 which even after it had been to Tamron was back focusing.

See if you can get hold of the tamron 17-50 to try, you can get the non vc used but I think the quality is a bit hit and miss.
 
Thanks all for the advice. I think since I already have the sigma, there isn't a clear night and day lens that could replace it. Would appear I need to change focal range to 24-70. Just hate the idea of spending a grand on a lens hurts the stomach.
 
Is the Nikon 16-80mm too slow at f/2.8-4 then because I had both on the D500 and it's a lot better than the Sigma. You also get a little extra focal length at both ends which would be a bonus I would have thought.

I recently sold mine on Ebay for £380 so a lot less than a grand.
 
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Nikkor 17-55m has always been the king of the mid range zooms.
Expensive new but a real bargain at used prices.
Sharp, contrasty & the blazing fast AF of the Nikkor Pro zooms.
i tried a couple of Tamrons first. Second one was OK but focus was slooowww.
 
Blades Media UK said:
Thanks all for the advice. I think since I already have the sigma, there isn't a clear night and day lens that could replace it. Would appear I need to change focal range to 24-70. Just hate the idea of spending a grand on a lens hurts the stomach.
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I can understand that but if it's a tool you need to generate income professionally at some point it should pay for itself ?
 
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