Tamron 17-50 vs Sigma 17-70

[JasonPC]

Need to plug the above range in my lens collection now the 24-70 has gone. Can anyone help me choose between the two above? Not bothered about the constant 2.8 that the Tamron has over the Sigma, more concerned about general IQ and comfortable handling. My local Jessops has neither in stock, so can't try before I buy.

Use is 90% landscape/walkaround and on D7100.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[dan_yorkshire]

Need to plug the above range in my lens collection now the 24-70 has gone. Can anyone help me choose between the two above? Not bothered about the constant 2.8 that the Tamron has over the Sigma, more concerned about general IQ and comfortable handling. My local Jessops has neither in stock, so can't try before I buy.

Use is 90% landscape/walkaround and on D7100.

Thanks for any advice.

Fairly certain these lenses will have been discussed at length if you use the search function.

Also pretty sure the Tamron will come out on top IQ wise, I can certainly back it's performance up.

However the main difference is the focal length, if the wider aperture doesn't bother you then how valuable is the extra 20mm?

 

[a1ex2001]

Had the non is sigma 17-70 on my 30D and it's a cracking lens sharp through the range and a great range I would certainly recommend one especially the newer os one as that makes the lens even more versatile.

 

[AJQS]

Well having gone from the 17-70 to the 17-50 non VC and also had a spin on the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 I can say the shorter lenses are definitely better for IQ not by much but it's there, but the lack of range is annoying sometimes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkandindustrial/

At the very bottom of the first page everything is shot with the 17-70, as it goes up it changes to a mix of Tokina 11-16, Tamron 17-50 and Sigma 70-210, see if you can spot the change over point.

Personally I always found the 17-70 great as long as you were filling the frame with subject in good light, over distance and where the subject is quite small it becomes quite apparent that it is not the world's sharpest or highest resolution lens. There is also lens flare which is rather unattractive when shot contre jour and a tendency to purple fringe quite badly, especially round point highlights in bright sunshine.

For the money, there is no better standard lens available. I paid a whole £60 for mine!