Image stabilised Tamron or Sigma lenses for Canon or Nikon?

[tim11]

I am about to break the barrier into DSLR world. I still have to decide between Nikon D80 and Canon Rebel XTi (aka 400D) but at the same time I'm doing some research into lenses. Can anyone tell me if either Sigma or Tamron make IS lense up to ..... say ## - 300mm?
And what's the codes for either manuafacturer to indicate stablised lenses, similiar to IS for Canon and VR for Nikkor?
Thanks.

[pas49ras]

Sigma has announced a 18 - 200 mm F3.5 - F6.3 DC OS lens. The OS is short for Optical Stabilizer. I believe its there first lens with OS and not on the market as of yet.


http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06093013sigma18-200dcos.asp

[cdifoto]

Tamron has no stabilized lenses on the market at this time. Sigma currently only has the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 OS.

And yes, Canon = IS. Nikon = VR.

[coldrain]

The best (affordable) lens to offer IS at 300mm is the Canon EF 70-300 IS USM. It is very sharp, upto 300mm, and into the corners (even on full frame...). And has no CA problems, good colour and contrast.
Nikon has a contender in the 70-300 f4.5-5.6 VR. It is not as sharp at 300mm as the Canon, but it is a good lens non the less.

So, you may not have to look at 3rd party lenses.

Sigma has 1 lens that has image stabilization out right now, the 80-400mm OS. It will cost around $1000, and it quite a nice lens for its class (better than the Nikon 80-400 VR, because it is a lot sharper at 400mm) and better in some ways than the Canon 100-400mm IS USM.
The 18-200 OS that Sigma announced is still not out it seems, but that will not take long now.

Then there is one Tamron lens which Tamron announced around the PMA, but when that will be out, and what its price will be, I do not know. I seem to remember that it is an 28-300 with image stabilization, I forgot the letters they use for it. But since it is not available yet, and that might take a while, it is not so relevant at this point.

[DonSchap]

TAMRON went out and re-developed dealing with handshake with what they call "Vibration Compensation" or "VC". It is not a copy of anyone else's solution, but their very own.

The newest lens with this feature in it will be available in the Fall 2007

AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD VC Aspherical (IF)

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r289/donschap/camera%20stuff/00156_tamron_28-300_lens.jpg

While this zoom's focal length lens is not new to the line, built-in stabilization certainly is. Unlike the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM's minimum focus distance of 5-feet, this TAMRON lens allows you to get with 18-inches, at all focal lengths! That's very usable indoors.

It is designed only for the Canon and Nikon mounts.

[tim11]

Thanks for your feedback everyone.
Coldrain, in fact I saw Canon EF 70-300 IS USM lens and hope there is a cheaper equivalent Tamron or Sigma that I should look at.
DonSchap, that Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD VC Aspherical looks interesting. It maybe more expensive then the 70-300 IS Canon at first release? Is that for Nikon or Canon camera?

[sjseto]

Here's your answer, Tim:

It is designed only for the Canon and Nikon mounts.

And Tamron's press release is here (http://www.tamron.com/news/35mm/28300vc.asp).

So are you leaning towards one or the other? I promise I'll go look at your pictures even if you end up in the Canon camp. ;)

Stephanie

[tim11]

Here's your answer, Tim:



And Tamron's press release is here (http://www.tamron.com/news/35mm/28300vc.asp).

So are you leaning towards one or the other? I promise I'll go look at your pictures even if you end up in the Canon camp. ;)

Stephanie
hmm........thanks Stephanie. I don't see they mention the price anywhere though. My brother uses Nikon for years and if I go Nikon route I may benefit from his knowledge; otherwise I will be on my own. At first glance through the shop window, I think D80 has more appeal though I still have to feel both in my hands yet. So......... there is still a chance that I will not defect to the enemy camp. :D Seriously, I always love Canon cameras but ironically always end up with others since I always look for what's best for me in the market at times of buying. Saying this, I realise that the next decision will get me stuck within one maker or the other.

[DonSchap]

If the TAMRON AF18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) is any sort of a pricing guide, I would say there will be a $200-250 hike over the current cost ($349) of the non-VC AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF), but please realize that this could be wishful thinking.

Based on all the reporting I have read, I believe TAMRON is putting this out there as a big ol' test to see how well "VC" will be received, so they may cut a break on the first one ... just to get their "solution" noticed.

[nqjudo]

DonS - Interesting. I hadn't heard about this lens, thanks. I'm anxious to see how the VC will compare to the Canon IS. I figure I generally gain 3 stops using IS on the Canon 70 - 300. If the VC comes close to that and the optics are half decent, this could be a real coup for Tamron and might make me think about making some changes to my present gear.

[Rhys]

I have the Canon 17-85 IS and 70-300 IS. With care they are excellent lenses. IS does not mean you can casually wave the lens around. It does mean that a slight shake can be corrected by the lens though. Look at this 1/4 second f8 76mm exposure as an example. See how the lights from the cars are streaks and the rest is crisp and sharp!

[fractalgfx]

If I didn't go with canon I would have gone with the Pentax K10D which has image stabilization built into the body. Lens based stabilization is better, with the K10D you get stabilization with any lens.

In the end, Canon's image quality won me over.

[Rhys]

If I didn't go with canon I would have gone with the Pentax K10D which has image stabilization built into the body. Lens based stabilization is better, with the K10D you get stabilization with any lens.

In the end, Canon's image quality won me over.

And the K100D which has smaller file sizes.

[tim11]

Sigma Lens 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC OS (- OS for Optical Stabiliser) is now available in Australia. Most shops announce Canon mount only and Nikon's coming later I believe. It's start from about higher AUD$600 to mid $700s and compare to Nikkor 18-200 VR at well over $1100 it seems to be a good deal for a walk around lens.
I wonder if anyone has this new Sigma and how does it perform?

[Rooz]

i recall recently someone in the canon dslr forums posting something about the sigma if you have a look around.

[tim11]

Thanks Rooz, I found it. It was JTL. I will ask his opinion re. the lens.
I don't have the camera, I don't have any lenses but I have a whole long wish list.... hey that's a good start or what!! :D