Sigma 18-50mm or Tamron SP AF 17-50MM

[Nautilus]

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Autofocus Zoom Lens (Sony Aplha) or Tamron SP AF 17-50MM F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] A16 (Sony Alpha / KM)
??

Considering a new lens for A350.

Thank you.

[DonSchap]

Let me tell you a little teeny tiny secret ... SONY is a major shareholder in the TAMRON lens corporation ... and that TAMRON has made several previously labeled/packaged "Minolta"-lenses and "SONY"-lenses.

SO ... bearing that in mind, which company would have a more "in-depth" relationship with the aforementioned SONY?

TAMRON ... it just works better ... on a SONY. (You can also ask "Sparkie" how well Quantaray/SIGMA lenses hold up under the riggers of being mounted on a SONY body.) A lot of users prefer the TAMRON 17-50. The alternative isn't the SIGMA, but the SONY CZ 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 (which is almost double the cost).

Hope this helps in your decision.

[Nautilus]

Thank you very much for the information. The Tamron it is. Cheers.

[sparkie1263]

Don is right about the Quantary lens. I thought I was happy with my shots until the AF gear got striped and wouldn't work. The cost of the repair was $40.00 less than a new 70-300 Tamaron lens. I am real happy with the Tamaron lens and my images are sharper. (when I get the settings right). My next lens is going to be the Tamaron 90 Macro. You cant go wrong with the Tamaron lenses.
Frank

[seanhoxx]

As a dslr newbie I did my research, read these forums in depth, and took the advice I was given. I went with the a700 instead of the a300. and I got the Tamron 17-50 and 70 -300mm. So far I am very impressed, I have little to compare to but I like what I see. Even with working extra details to pay for all this, and the terrible weather i havent been outside to shoot yet!! The dogs are getting tired of me taking pics of them in the house and I dont think I can take many more pics off the front porch, playing with macro feature on some jewlery the wife makes, and labels of bottles. " got some things to work out there yet lol" But I like what I see from the Tamron's

[DonSchap]

If you get a chance to go to a lake, on a nice day, try out the 70-300mm with the sailboats. I have always liked the results, personally. Watch for flair ... from the sunlight and use a circular polarizer.

The 17-50 is a "walk-around" lens. Head downtown and do candids, because this range works very up close and personal with people, artwork and architecture.

[sparkie1263]

Don is that what you use as a walk around? I keep my 70 -300 on most of the time. I got lazy the last time I went to the lighthouse and left the bag in the car and just had my 70 - 300 on and I could not get a few of the shots I wanted from close to th lighthouse. Would the Tamaron wide angle zoom been a better choice instead of the 70-300? Too late now just thinking I should have though of that first.
Frank

[seanhoxx]

With the long holiday weekend, and with any luck great summer weather I plan on playing with the 2 Tamron's all weekend. Not going to try my luck with fireworks yet, but maybe lots of candids of people going to fireworks, cook outs etc. lots of walking around. Maybe try the 70 - 300 out on a softball game, like the sailboat idea Don, have to see about that. Might try the "sunset" mode also. But more interested in just getting used to working the lenses.

[DonSchap]

Ah, fireworks ... this is indeed the site for a good fireworks image. Jeff is a "master of the flare!"

In fact, if you can, check out the Gallery for last year's display. Note the settings used, as they are just as important as the timing of all those shots.

I wound up using a TAMRON 28-105mm f/2.8 lens ... which provided this Gem.


"Fire Palms"

37368
A crop of 28mm - f/4.5 - 1 sec. - ISO-200 - Manual - Tripod-mount


Remember to shoot these in Standard (STD) for posting on the web.

Good luck and may the night be clear and mosquito-free. I know ... "as if!" :rolleyes:

[dr4gon]

I just got this lens and I really like it. Comparrison shots against my DT Kit lens tomorrow.

:D

So, now I'm just like sean - Tamron 70-300mm and the 17-50mm lenses! (and kit....)

[cgl88]

I am from Canada and wonder where to go in the U.S. to buy a tamron 17-50. In Toronto this lens is about $489 Canadian, and i think it is a bit less in the states.

[DonSchap]

Follow this link (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fworkaround.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=17-50mm+f%2F2.8+SONY&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fworkaround.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t) ... it may be cheaper ... depends on the conversion rate, obviously.

[seanhoxx]

Or one of the other HIGHLY TRUSTED AND SUGGESTED sites. Got mine at B/H for $425.00 gpt the u.v filter with it and the soft case. also picked up the Tamron 70 - 300 a VERY good lens at a Very good price. I will be posting some Macro stuff from it tonight
Hmm, I wonder if I should have removed the uv filter for the inside shots I posted??
Sean