Four Lenses for Canon SLR's Compared

[jamison55]

I had a chance to go out today and test my new Sigma 18-50 f2.8. I wanted to see how it compared to my Tamron 28-75 f2.8 for sharpness and contrast, and how much of an improvement it is over the 18-55 kit lens. For kicks, I also threw in my 50 f1.8. I shot comparisons at 18, 28, and 50mm at full stop increments between f2.8 and f11.

I threw my samples up on a junk bit of web space I had lying around: http://rain.prohosting.com/jwexler/lens_comparisons.htm

So which do you think wins...?

[speaklightly]

Thank you, Jamison-

I really do appreciate the chance to compare these lenses.

Sarah Joyce

[Bluedog]

Top notch job for sure. The Sigma seems to be more Vivid/Brighter rendering a more appealing over color balance.

Making a note of this lens for future reference.

[NewTekBuzz]

I agree with Bluedog... the sigma looks the best, as it should for $450

[gary_hendricks]

I'd say the Sigma has a nicer color tone.

[D70FAN]

I had a chance to go out today and test my new Sigma 18-50 f2.8. I wanted to see how it compared to my Tamron 28-75 f2.8 for sharpness and contrast, and how much of an improvement it is over the 18-55 kit lens. For kicks, I also threw in my 50 f1.8. I shot comparisons at 18, 28, and 50mm at full stop increments between f2.8 and f11.

I threw my samples up on a junk bit of web space I had lying around: http://rain.prohosting.com/jwexler/lens_comparisons.htm

So which do you think wins...?

The differences are, well, stunning even at f8. This might explain why the XT shots I've seen so far look so bad. Maybe Canon needs to rethink their low cost lens option and make a deal with Sigma and Tamron to supply the lenses.

I'm not sure that most people moved over to the Tamron when comparing on your site, as it definately delivers on all fronts. Color, contrast, and sharpness all very nice. Probably the reason it rates so highly. For $329 (after rebate it's a heck of a lens).

Thanks again for the comparison. You need to make a deal with Sigma and Tamron as I would bet they will see an increase in sales just from this board alone.

[jamison55]

I'm not sure that most people moved over to the Tamron when comparing on your site, as it definately delivers on all fronts. Color, contrast, and sharpness all very nice. Probably the reason it rates so highly. For $329 (after rebate it's a heck of a lens).

From real life experience I expected the Tamron to do well, and it definitely continues to deliver. I was most surprised that both the Sigma and Tamron were such strong performers against the Canon 50 f1.8. To my eye, they were both sharper at f2.8!

I am also pleased with the new Sigma. It is a clear improvement over the Canon in sharpness, color, and contrast, and is pretty darn close to the Tamron. It will definitely meet my needs for a fast, sharp wide angle.

After the test shots, I walked around the city for a little while with the Sigma. Here's more of a day-to-day shot that shows off the sharpness of the lens: (ISO400 f2.8)

[jamison55]

A 100% crop of the same - straight from the camera:

[Bluedog]

This might explain why the XT shots I've seen so far look so bad. Maybe Canon needs to rethink their low cost lens option and make a deal with Sigma and Tamron to supply the lenses.

George I think you might have really hit the nail of the head with the statement. I for one have not been impressed with a lot of the images posted around the net, namely the ones using the Kit lens. I wanna see Sarah's results and others using something other than the $100 lens.

I did see some pretty good photos on pbase not taken with the Kit.

These results and the not being able to see the LCD in bright sunlight (read that in a review but wanna know other experiences) will be a deciding factor in making a future purchase on one these cameras.

[D70FAN]

George I think you might have really hit the nail of the head with the statement. I for one have not been impressed with a lot of the images posted around the net, namely the ones using the Kit lens. I wanna see Sarah's results and others using something other than the $100 lens.

I did see some pretty good photos on pbase not taken with the Kit.

These results and the not being able to see the LCD in bright sunlight (read that in a review but wanna know other experiences) will be a deciding factor in making a future purchase on one these cameras.

I posted a shot on the Photo Gallery boards called Spring Has Spung. This with a D70 and Sigma 18-125 DC straight out of the camera. I am always amazed at some of the shots with this lens (and of course the camera).