I was thinking of buying the Tamron one since i really don't like the feel of the texture of those Sigma lens.

But some reviews says that Sigma is much cheaper and also produce sharp images.

Also heard from some reviews that the Tamron 17-50 without VC is much sharper.
Can't afford the Canon as its way off my budget.. :Scared:
Want to get some inputs from those who handled these lens.

Thanks! :)

Is the Sigma 17-50 available already? I think JT only has the 8-16mm among the new lenses announced last March.
Expected pricing is around 30-35t Php based on US srp if you use the conversion rate by checking other model's US srp versus JT srp.
So price wise the Tamron version is cheaper but as usual the Sigma has the build quality advantage except for that darn crinkle finish and the HSM focusing.

The bad thing about the Tamron 17-50 VC is that they compromised a bit of sharpness for the VC integration. The non VC models are still a better value for money because of the better sharpness and contrast.

yeah, thats whta i saw from some reviews where majority says that the non-VC Tamron is much sharper to the new Tamron with VC... i though the SIgma is already out, or i could have read a different review for a diffrent lens :Scared:

For me, if you still can wait, wait for the actual/on hand review of the new Sigma 17-50 2.8. I think it might be a good lens.

And JT is approachable when it comes to warranty/service, so that's a big plus in buying Sigma lens.

I just hope that this new Sigma lens is <35k. I'm eyeing this lens since the first time it was posted in the net.

yep, thanks for the advise Eri.. not in a rush to buy it, just planning, hehe.. i will indeed wait for those reviews..

I saw shots from a Sigma 17-50 2.8 EX OS HSM from a flickr contact, and wow! I'm amazed on how sharp it is... not to mention the usual warm cast is not there anymore.... hmmm. I already have a nikkor 17-55, but I'd still get this lens for it's compactness and OS.(great for parties)

Thank you to the thread starter! I've been thinking about the Tamron 17-50 VC since its just 25k in some stores. I've read some reviews and some people gave positive, some gave negative reviews. Most of the time they will tell you that the non-VC is much sharper.

Now we have this new lens and base on the sample pics that I've seen, its pretty impressive. Let's wait for more reviews of this one.

@Peter - Can you give us the link of that flickr account? Thank you.

I was thinking of buying the Tamron one since i really don't like the feel of the texture of those Sigma lens.
)

You're basing your choice on the texture of the lens? Hmmmm.... BTW Sigma is more expensive than the Tamron, you got that info mixed up. 2nd, Tamrons are made of plastic, Sigma is painted Metal. You can feel the difference just by weight. 3rd, Sigma's HSM is super fast and smooth compared to Tamron's very noisy AF. Sharpness on both these latest lenses will be the same. And another thing, bokeh on the Tamron is less pleasing vs the Sigma. Cheers. :)

@Peter - Can you give us the link of that flickr account? Thank you.

I can't find that specific thread... I'll try to look again. But here' are samples I found below. No PP on this shot... not mine btw. All shot at f2.8

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4801393671_ba2ebd31a7_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4801395273_c61289ce78_b.jpg

This lens is already available in JT, the price is 32k. And now, I have to dispose my Tammy =)

I was thinking of buying the Tamron one since i really don't like the feel of the texture of those Sigma lens.

But some reviews says that Sigma is much cheaper and also produce sharp images.

Also heard from some reviews that the Tamron 17-50 without VC is much sharper.
Can't afford the Canon as its way off my budget.. :Scared:
Want to get some inputs from those who handled these lens.

Thanks! :)

Do consider Canon 17-40mm f/4L as well. You will not regret it. Bought it six months ago, almost the same time when I bought my 7D and it's on my camera 50% of the time since then. Once you have gone the path of L lenses, you will find any other lens almost inferior especially in terms of color, contrast and sharpness even at the widest aperture.

Looks sharper (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&Lens=729&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=398)than the Canon EF-S 17-55 f2.8. =)

I prefer using Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 non-VC lens

Here's a bokeh trial of it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/4562344963_76c899ca9a.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/4562344963_76c899ca9a.jpg)
IMG_0809 copy.jpg by Adrian Domingo IV, on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/49335052@N02/4562344963/)

Looks sharper (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&Lens=729&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=398)than the Canon EF-S 17-55 f2.8. =)

Not really surprised. I have the impression that it beats the 17-55 Nikkor too.
Sigma delivers, look at their Macro and Prime lens line-up, Nikon and Canon just couldn't keep up :)

Is the Sigma 17-50 available already? I think JT only has the 8-16mm among the new lenses announced last March.
Expected pricing is around 30-35t Php based on US srp if you use the conversion rate by checking other model's US srp versus JT srp.
So price wise the Tamron version is cheaper but as usual the Sigma has the build quality advantage except for that darn crinkle finish and the HSM focusing.

The bad thing about the Tamron 17-50 VC is that they compromised a bit of sharpness for the VC integration. The non VC models are still a better value for money because of the better sharpness and contrast.

Non-VC Tammy owns the newer generation BIM/VC :)
It focuses faster and a tad sharper, plus I love that warm tone that it generates, kinda pleasing to the eye

got the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX HSM OS at JT for 32k. Will try it out later.

Non-VC Tammy owns the newer generation BIM/VC :)
It focuses faster and a tad sharper, plus I love that warm tone that it generates, kinda pleasing to the eye

I'm considering getting the Tammy 17-50 as an upgrade to my D90 kit. I also have read that the non-VC version is sharper according to reviews. That holds true for the Japanese version, ayt? I'm worried about the quality of the current batch release of this lens which was said to be made in Taiwan.

Are the units being sold at henry's Taiwan- or Japan-made?
Anyone who can share their experience with Taiwan-made Tammy's? TIA :)

Cause if not's worth the buck (the Taiwan versions of the Tammy) I might be saving a bit more for Sigma, or Tokina.

I'm considering getting the Tammy 17-50 as an upgrade to my D90 kit. I also have read that the non-VC version is sharper according to reviews. That holds true for the Japanese version, ayt? I'm worried about the quality of the current batch release of this lens which was said to be made in Taiwan.

Are the units being sold at henry's Taiwan- or Japan-made?
Anyone who can share their experience with Taiwan-made Tammy's? TIA :)

Cause if not's worth the buck (the Taiwan versions of the Tammy) I might be saving a bit more for Sigma, or Tokina.

as sir kenneth told me the Japan Version is almost extinct. I was targetting that old tammy 17-50 as well. But it looks like Henry carries the Taiwan made versions only both Non VC and VC. So I bit the bullet and went for the Sigma 17-50mm EX HSM OS. Will test it tomorrow sa photoshoot.

as sir kenneth told me the Japan Version is almost extinct. I was targetting that old tammy 17-50 as well. But it looks like Henry carries the Taiwan made versions only both Non VC and VC. So I bit the bullet and went for the Sigma 17-50mm EX HSM OS. Will test it tomorrow sa photoshoot.

I see. I was really eyeing this lens but recent things I discovered made me doubtful about getting this lens. Looking forward to your sigma test shots. I hope someone can upload sample shots from the Tammy taiwan version, too. Thanks!!

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/DSC_0001.jpg

is this sharp? this was taken right inside JTPhotoworld with the Sigma 17-50mm OS HSM. Exif 36mm 1/30s f/2.8 ISO 200 no flash fired



http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/DSC_0141.jpg
Unprocessed Exif 50mm 1/125s f/2.8 ISO 400 no flash fired

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/Cathy7.jpg
unprocessed EXIF 44mm f/2.8 1/125s ISO 400

as sir kenneth told me the Japan Version is almost extinct. I was targetting that old tammy 17-50 as well. But it looks like Henry carries the Taiwan made versions only both Non VC and VC. So I bit the bullet and went for the Sigma 17-50mm EX HSM OS. Will test it tomorrow sa photoshoot.

Bit the bullet? Hehehe. Dude you bit the correct bullet! The Sigma is way far more superior to the Tamron. Trust me on this hehehe. Congrats on your purchase. As long as the lens is well calibrated to your camera body, it's the sharpest there is among all the lenses in this category. :)

Not only that, the VC version of the Tamron has issues with the outer AF points on Canon 40/50/60/7D cameras wherein it disables the cross-type sensor hehe.

Bit the bullet? Hehehe. Dude you bit the correct bullet! The Sigma is way far more superior to the Tamron. Trust me on this hehehe. Congrats on your purchase. As long as the lens is well calibrated to your camera body, it's the sharpest there is among all the lenses in this category. :)


when i said "I bit the bullet", what i meant was I endured the hefty price. he he he But it's still cheaper than the Nikkor. This relatively new released Lens by Sigma has been my 1st consideration back then. @Sir Peter when you praised this lens a couple of posts ago that made me decide to return the Sigma 18-50mm Macro I purchased and thanked God that JT agreed to replace it with the 17-50mm instead. Now I can say I made the right decision. Thanks partly to you sir.

i emailed henry's and they said their Nikon-mount Tammy's with BIM are made in Japan. Would that mean that these units don't have the issues commonly packed with the Taiwan version? Hmmm.

@ Sir Allen - great shots! I'm now considering the Sigma 17-50mm, too. It's just wayyyy beyond budget. I guess I'll be on Skyflakes diet for this one. Good thing will be, as they say, "you get what you pay for in lenses". Can't wait to try these myself. :)

Where it's made is irrelevant. In today's subcontracting manufacturing world, people should put a lot less weight on where an item is made.

Where it's made is irrelevant. In today's subcontracting manufacturing world, people should put a lot less weight on where an item is made.

Point noted, sir. I just read somewhere that there is a difference in quality between the Japan and the Taiwan-made versions, just why I'm speculating a bit on the quality of these two versions. Anyway, guess it would be best to test how they actually perform before I choose one. :)

Hmmm...i dunno if my eyes are failing on me but i think its a little soft at 2.8.

Hmmm...i dunno if my eyes are failing on me but i think its a little soft at 2.8.

Maybe you are right sir...

anyways this is my fave model for my 17-50mm Sigma at f/2.8.
It is mainly because of him why I brought this lens.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/DSC_0006.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/DSC_0008.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/DSC_0002.jpg

keep those discussions coming... I'm also eying on buying a new lense. At first I'm settled at Tammy 17-50 non VC, but after reading your discussions on the Sigma, maybe i'll just wait and read more stuffs regarding these two before purchasing a lense. Thanks guys

Sigma 17-50mm EX DC OS HSM no PP done

sana wag kayo maumay... sa iba na users of this lens share din kayo pls...

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/DSC_0198-1.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/DSC_0197-1.jpg
both above were shot >>> 32mm 1/30s f/2.8 ISO 320


http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/thanbinh/DSC_0196-1.jpg
50mm 1/45s f/2.8 ISO 320

The only downside for the Sigma is the color cast, it's either you Love it or Hate it.

@ Allen, Assuming you shot these with jpegs, Did you use the camera's default setting for sharpness? Try cranking it up to 2 or 3 notches further (+7 or +8)

The only downside for the Sigma is the color cast, it's either you Love it or Hate it.

@ Allen, Assuming you shot these with jpegs, Did you use the camera's default setting for sharpness? Try cranking it up to 2 or 3 notches further (+7 or +8)


ok sir Kenneth will do that. thanks for the input.

@Allen - Sir can you do a battery test so you can test for front / back focus problem?

I'm assuming your focus point is at baby's eye, but to my eyes it seems that the shirt of the child is the one in focus.

Also do you have shots at F4.0?

I'm in the market for a F2.8 lens, have tried the Tamron 2.8 VC but i'm not quite satisfied with its F2.8 performance.

The only gripe I have with the Sigma is the price... S$1080 (37K) is quite high for a Sigma DX-only lens. The lens is stellar though, easily matching the Canon EF-S 17-55 (which cost 20% more).

@Allen - Sir can you do a battery test so you can test for front / back focus problem?

I'm assuming your focus point is at baby's eye, but to my eyes it seems that the shirt of the child is the one in focus.

Also do you have shots at F4.0?

I'm in the market for a F2.8 lens, have tried the Tamron 2.8 VC but i'm not quite satisfied with its F2.8 performance.


ok sir Irwin, will try to print out a focus test chart one of these days and test the Lens for any focusing problem.

I became a believer of Sigma since i got the 30mm 1.4.

D7000 + Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM OS.. :o

sample:

http://i53.tinypic.com/14tapd.jpg (http://i53.tinypic.com/14tapd.jpg)

Camera: Nikon D7000
Lens: 50 mm (Max aperture f/2.8)
Exposure: Manual exposure, 1/320 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1400
Flash: Off, Did not fire

will do more tests in the coming days.. :Grin:

more samples of Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS


http://i51.tinypic.com/mjxv1c.jpg (http://i51.tinypic.com/mjxv1c.jpg)

http://i53.tinypic.com/spcbv8.jpg (http://i53.tinypic.com/spcbv8.jpg)

http://i52.tinypic.com/1678n5x.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/14d1w5c.jpg

I became a believer of Sigma since i got the 30mm 1.4.

D7000 + Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM OS.. :o

sample:

http://i53.tinypic.com/14tapd.jpg (http://i53.tinypic.com/14tapd.jpg)

Camera: Nikon D7000
Lens: 50 mm (Max aperture f/2.8)
Exposure: Manual exposure, 1/320 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1400
Flash: Off, Did not fire

will do more tests in the coming days.. :Grin:


Boss, Where did you buy your sigma??? i am in Riyadh right now and have been looking for a store selling this lens.

Let me know please.

[center]


Boss, Where did you buy your sigma??? i am in Riyadh right now and have been looking for a store selling this lens.

Let me know please.


got it from al harthi cameras. they have branches in batha and washm.

give them a ring before going to confirm availability..

tel. no. 4128239/4080829

look for shamsan

I got the Sigma from B&H. Way cheaper option here in the ME than buying locally.

I believe it's a better choice than the Tammy, but it hunts in low light or should I say outdoors at night. Or probably user error / poor technique.. hehe.. but focuses quick and quietly in good light.. I feel that the focus accuracy needs a bit of tweaking in camera (af fine tune) but generally SHARP if focus is spot on! (at least on my copy).. I haven't played around with it that much but it's definitely a keeper!

I hope this adds to more confusion! :D btw has the OP made a decisison yet? I'll try to post sample shots later.. Best!

Edit: Oh instead, I found a gallery of sample images taken with the Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS:

http://www.yukonphotographers.com/Norm-Hamilton/Samples/8145643_yQZj7#937697355_Tp9VV

Low light:

http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/forum/topic/first-from-the-sigma-17-50-os-hsm-25874

Tamron 17-50 VC and other tamron lenses have issues with certain Canon bodies (like 7D, 60D, 50D, 40)

as per the site:
Tamron lenses do not work fully with the Canon EOS 7D. The outer crosstype AF points do not work properly. It was discovered that Tamron used Lens ID’s that Canon no longer supported.

Canon made it official already, here's the link (http://www.canonrumors.com/2011/02/canon-officially-acknowledges-lensid-issue/)

For non canon users, should be fine then I guess...

i wasn't able to buy any of the 2 choices although I was the one who started this thread :D I stayed on OEM and got the 15-85 but if I have to choose on the 2, I'l get the Sigma (I still don't like the matte finish :D)

@michaelcruz - love all your sharp shots from this lens sir! :)

Is the 10k difference between the Tamron and Sigma worth it? Currently saving up for the Tammy 17-50

I have a question... Since the Tammy has issues with Canon 7D... does this lens have issues with it too? did somebody who owns this lens+canon 7D checked it yet??? thanks...

Planning to buy a Canon 7D soon...if it works well with it i will definitely won't have to switch brands

newbie question sir :)

if the lens doesn't have VC, IS, VR or OS but the max aperture is 2.8 (fast lens), how fast is it? my concern is on low light shooting and my shaky hands..haha :D what shutter speed is still has no blurred shot? 1/10? 1/9? 1/8, 1/7, 1/6... 1s?

newbie question sir :)

if the lens doesn't have VC, IS, VR or OS but the max aperture is 2.8 (fast lens), how fast is it? my concern is on low light shooting and my shaky hands..haha :D what shutter speed is still has no blurred shot? 1/10? 1/9? 1/8, 1/7, 1/6... 1s?

rule of thumb:

FL multiply to size sensor your cam = recommend shutter speed

eg.
50mm x 1.6(canon) = 80

you can use 1/80 of sec shutter speed or higher

I was planning to grab this Tamron 17-50 2.8 non VC at SG as per Marco and this thread started by Romz but sad to say it was way more expensive than Amazon :( i ditched it and add the item on my Amazon cart instead, and just did the normal items shopping like extra batt, extra eneloop 4A's, clothes, perfumes etc.. etc... :)

and my next step... let those upload links from hotfile/filesonic/fileserve running to earn money again until my cart awaits for checkout. :)

Not only that, the VC version of the Tamron has issues with the outer AF points on Canon 40/50/60/7D cameras wherein it disables the cross-type sensor hehe.


Hi David,

do you have any link/info about this?
I wasn't aware of this and would like to find out more as personally I've never had issues with my tamron on my 40D