Tamron 17-50mm or Sigma 18-50mm

I owned both lenses, I originally had the Sigma and it was a good lens, but the zoom mechanism broke so I purchased the Tamron to replace it. Overall I think the Tamron is the better lens.

The Sigma felt nicer and better built overall (even though it broke), and the AF was quieter, but it did tend to flare quite a bit (I shoot a lot of live music). The Tamron didn't feel as nicely built, and the AF motor was quite a noisy high pitched sound, but it was a bit sharper and didn't flare as much. There was a slight bit of distortion at 17mm, but at those kind of focal lengths the 1mm does make a bit of difference.

If you're wondering why I no longer have it, it's because I upgraded to full frame and it's a crop only lens!
 
Second hand is the way to go, but you if you prefer brand new it can be found for about £260 from One Stop Digital. They ship from HK, but are a reliable retailer and they guarantee no customs fees too.
 
I was originally looking at the Tamron but couldnt get one in time for a holiday to Scotland and I was lucky enough to pick a sigma up SH from a local camera shop.

It was great, dont think you could go wrong with either, but agree with above a SH Tamron is a good bet:thumbs:
 
i had the same problem a few months ago, i just couldnt pick them apart. i picked up a sigma for £150 after someone posted the deal on a photography forum :) too good to resist at that price - its a fantastic lens. very sharp wide open and pretty fast to focus considering it isnt USM. mine is the newer model - Sigma AF 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC macro.
cant speak to for the tamron as i have never owned one. it has a fantastic reputation though and some of the pictures other have taken using it are very nice

one thing to note is that the sigma focus ring turns as a canon user would expect. the tamron goes in the opposite direction, as a nikon user would expect. i wouldnt let this put you off buying one if this is the lens you decided is the one for you, jsut something to be aware of
 
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I have the Sigma AF 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC macro - Great lens.
 
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