Concert Shooting- Tamron 17-50 2.8 VS Sigma 18-50 2.8

TinySpark

TinySpark

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So i want to get a lens for shooting concerts and things, to accompany my nifty fifty on my Sony A100.

My budget isn't the largest, but the Tamron 17-50 2.8 and Sigma 18-50 2.8 seem to be my best bet!
I was wondering which of the 2 would be the best choice for me.

I read that the Sigma is quicker/better at focusing, but the Tamron is less likely to be a 'bad copy' ...which i'm a little worried about since i'll probably buy the lens off the internet.

Do you have any experience with either or even tips about where to buy the lens?

Any replies appreciated :D
 
I have the Sigma and have had no problems with and its sharp, Used on a Canon 400D. I know their are some copies knocking about but as long has you buy from a reputable dealer, you should have no problems.
Good luck and happy shopping.
 
Onestop digital are pretty much regarded as the cheapest reliable dealer for most lenses, though always check camerapricebuster.

Either of these lenses is great. The other benefit of the sigma is that it's HSM, which means that you can grip the focus ring at any time to manually focus, which the tamron doesn't have. I have the tamron, got it cos it came up second hand before the sigma... there's really not much in it imo. My only 'thing' with the tamron is that the flare can be a bit ugly at times, but never *too* bad, and I've never had it really bad or ugly in a gig, where it can often contribute to the shot anyway. Get a decent (Hoya HSM 67mm) filter on there to for gig shooting too.

You might want to consider the tamron 17-50 2.8 VC as well, it's about £130 more but has vibration control (aka image stabilisation aka vibration reduction)... I'm not sold as to how useful it is on this kind of length lens, but it's still...an option.
 
thanks guys!
I'm leaning toward the sigma now i think, just gotta check out those websites for where to buy.. I gotta splash this student loan sometime! lol.
So thats what HSM is! thanks for explaining that btw :) My sony has stabilisation in the camera itself so hopefully that will be enough.
I think the problem i face next is getting it into concerts! haha, i'll end up getting busted on my way in and having to use the compact cam, that would be a laugh!
 
you're a student...get involved with your student magazine or newspaper and get a press pass to get in for free ;)
 
great idea! i'll defo be looking into that!!

aww just checked onestop digital, they dont seem to stock lenses for sony fit, and camera price buster have no sony fit sigma lenses either :(
 
ah, hmm, don't know where to help for sony fit stuff I'm afraid...

but yeah, student media is a great way to get shooting more, shooting cooler stuff and stuff that you just wouldn't have shot before - get involved :)
 
itsdavedotnet said:
Either of these lenses is great. The other benefit of the sigma is that it's HSM, which means that you can grip the focus ring at any time to manually focus,
Click to expand...

HSM is only on the nikon mount if i remember rightly. you cant grip the focus ring on the canon mount to override focus, pretty sure itll be the same for other non HSM mounts too. that doesnt make it a bad lens, im more than happy with mine.

edit - yup, HSM is only nikon - http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/dclenses/18-50mmEX.htm
 
itsdavedotnet said:
You might want to consider the tamron 17-50 2.8 VC as well, it's about £130 more but has vibration control (aka image stabilisation aka vibration reduction)... I'm not sold as to how useful it is on this kind of length lens, but it's still...an option.
Click to expand...

Best to my knowledge the VC is only out for Nikon and Canon...

Ive got the tamron and id recommend it.

I was undecided between the 2, reading lots of reviews on both before buying and i settled on the Tammy with no regrets :)

Have a look on the Dyxum website for reviews
 
Is it worth the extra to have VC on the Tamron as off course the original version did not have it.
 
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