Sigma vs Tamron (70-300mm f4-5.6)

[Xavier]

Does anyone here have any experience about these 2 lenses?
The Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro and the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD Macro. Both are almost identical when it comes to features since both have a macro switch which gives you 1:2 macro capability and also have the same price tag. (Rs 7500 - JJ Mehta, Mumbai)
I wanted either of these lenses to be my first lens after buying the 1000D last month. Since I haven't ever used a Sigma or a Tamron I have absolutely no idea about the differences(if there are any) between these two lenses.

[KrishnenduKes]

Query Approved

[powerslave]

Go for the 55-250IS. Its a steal. Check the flickr group I've started :

http://www.flickr.com/groups/nifty250/

And check this thread : http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=459569. I went through each and every page before I bought mine. It's the BEST lens in the econo tele zoom.

[Sarao]

Agreed, Canon 55-250 is the best lens when you are going for budget tele lens. I got mine for 11,500 Absolutely Great LEns. Good bokeh, IS, Good IQ. Dont know about those you written.

[KrishnenduKes]

Go for the 55-250IS. Its a steal. Check the flickr group I've started :

http://www.flickr.com/groups/nifty250/


Looks very decent. The downside being... when you will upgrade to FF, which you WILL in the not-so-distant future, this lens will become useless for you.

[powerslave]

Looks very decent. The downside being... when you will upgrade to FF, which you WILL in the not-so-distant future, this lens will become useless for you.

If and when he upgrades to FF, I would hope he can afford to use something better than a "crap" lens like either of these.

[Xavier]

Damn! I'm in a new dilemma now! As if choosing between two lenses wasn't bad enough. Now I gotta choose between the 1:2 macro feature and the good IS system that the 'nifty 250' has. :(
Checked out most of that thread and joined your flickr group too PS. I really can't make up my mind now :( And anyway, I ain't buying new lenses in the next 2 months at least (That's exactly what I used to say before buying my 1000D in December :p)

[Sarao]

I will go for a tele, which has IS with it. Because on long end, you really cant hold any lens very steady. You are in Pune so you have options. go n try the telephoto lens in a shop there.

[Xavier]

Gonna buy the lens next month and I've finally made up my mind. It's gonna be the Tamron.
The nifty 250 costs 13500 and the Tamron 7500
I'm gonna sacrifice the IS for the extra 50mm at the tele end and will also save 6000bucks which will allow me to invest in the nifty fifty 50mm f1.8 lens.
The IQ of the Canon and the Tamron are pretty comparable in all the reviews that I've read. :)

[srikeerthi]

My choice would be Sigma or the Canon. I'd stay away from this Tamron lens (though there are other Tamrons I like).

[Xavier]

My choice would be Sigma or the Canon. I'd stay away from this Tamron lens (though there are other Tamrons I like).

Any particular reason?
I was browsing around and found a few nice pics clicked using this lens
Here's the link
http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=9&p=1

And here are some of the pics from that set which I liked

http://www.flickr.com/photos/89242811@N00/2685624032
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46559103@N00/2431388891
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35541531@N00/2987085221
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elwoodd/2245514990/sizes/l/

The macro's working pretty well, isn't it?

[srikeerthi]

The Tamron lens in question is known for lesser image quality and focus issues. Better stay away from it. Get the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro (note its the APO version I'm talking about, not the cheaper non APO version).

Look for images from that, you wouldnt be disappointed. You can choose the Canon or the Sigma over tamron anyday (in this focal and budget range).

[Vicky]

Xavier, one thing I've learned the hard day is that you never save when you buy poor glass! In fact, you soon get frustrated with its poor quality and many shortcomings, and eventually end up spending a lot more that what you would have originally spent had you gone for the better glass initially:)

The Canon 55-250 IS is the most bang-for-buck lens in this price category now. The 50mm deficit at the long end will not really make much difference in real world shooting. In case you are planning to spend the 12k on Tam 70-300 and 50 1.8, I'd suggest you get only the 55-250 IS now and push the 50mm purchase for later. In case you can't spend 12k now, then I'd advice you to just hold on the purchase till the time you have saved enough for it...

Moral of the story - Value quality over quantity and never get poor glass in a hurry!