If you are looking to upgrade your DSLRs kit lens to a fast 2.8 standard zoom you currently have three choices:
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM OS
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
All three lenses feature image stabilization, constant f/2.8 aperture and autofocus. The Sigma and Canon autofocus via a silent wave or ultrasonic motor whereas the Tamron uses a less sophisticated and louder autofocus motor. Of the three the Canon is the only one that features full-time manual focus override. The focus wheel on the Sigma and Tamron moves during autofocus, which some users may find annoying.
Price-wise the Tamron is least expensive at around $649 USD. The Sigma has a selling price of roughly $670 USD. The Canon is the most expensive of the trio at $1150 USD.
So which one should you buy? The earlier version of the Tamron 17-50 which did not feature image stabilization or VC (Vibration Compensation) had a reputation for being one of the best values in a 2.8 zoom. It was known for it’s exceptional sharpness and value. However this has changed somewhat with the new VC version. This newer lens is considerably softer throughout the zoom range at 2.8 and has to be stopped down significantly to match the performance of the old lens. It’s image stabilizer is very effective however, easily as good as the Sigma or Canon, but it is noisier which may be an issue for those recording video with their cameras.
For the modest premium you pay for the Sigma you get MUCH better image quality , the Sigma is VERY sharp at f/2.8. In addition it has a more solid build, quieter and faster autofocus and even comes with a nice case. Seems like the one to get.
So why would you consider the Canon EF-S 17-55 for $1150? For starters its image quality rivals that of the Tamron and Sigma and even that of the legendary full frame Canon 24-70 f/2.8L. It offers fantastic build quality, silent and fast autofocus and full-time manual focus override. As a bonus the focus wheel does not rotate during autofocus operation. If you want the best image quality the Canon wins hands-down.
If money were no object the Canon would be the lens to get , but taking price into consideration the Sigma is the best value of this group. The previous (non-VC) version of the Tamron 17-50 used to be the value leader but with the higher price of the new model and the softness of the image it can no longer compete.
I’d like to hear which lens you would pick. Please leave a comment below.
