Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS vs. Tamron AP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR ZL Di LD Aspherical Lens: I'm interested in possibly purchasing one of these lenses, anyone have any experience with...

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

I'm interested in possibly purchasing one of these lenses, anyone have any experience with either of these 2 lenses? Both lenses have received good reviews from 2 of my trusted podcasters Derrick Story of the Digital Story ( Sigma ) and the Tamron from Jim Harmer of Improve Photography site

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS vs. Tamron AP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR ZL Di LD Aspherical Lens.

I like the wider angle on the Sigma, but Harmer claims the following, " his specific lens was INCREDIBLE!!! It only costs around $500 and is sharp, fast-focusing, and is a remarkably good macro lens to boot."

Your thoughts, opinions and/or real world experience?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

My biggest issue with the Tamrons is their service. I have two customer lenses in for repair right now, both 18-270mm models. One has been in the shop for over a month and the other for two weeks tomorrow. Neither is repaired yet and they are both waiting on "parts". AF quit on both of them. The service I have received from Sigma has been exemplary!

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

MT Shooter thanks. That's enough to sway me toward the Sigma 17-70 mm. I like the wider angle on the Sigma anyway.

Hypno Loc: Miami

MT Shooter wrote:

My biggest issue with the Tamrons is their service. I have two customer lenses in for repair right now, both 18-270mm models. One has been in the shop for over a month and the other for two weeks tomorrow. Neither is repaired yet and they are both waiting on "parts". AF quit on both of them. The service I have received from Sigma has been exemplary!

Hello MT
I thought one had to send the lens into Tamron for warenty repair. Was the repair out of the 6 year warenty period?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Hypno wrote:

Hello MT
I thought one had to send the lens into Tamron for warenty repair. Was the repair out of the 6 year warenty period?

Both lenses I sent in are inside Tamrons warranty period, but both owners are second owners and Tamrons warranty does not transfer, its only good to the ORIGINAL purchaser. When you buy used you give up any remaining warranty.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

steveo52 wrote:

I'm interested in possibly purchasing one of these... (show quote)

Assuming you are on crop frame body, you WILL MISS the 17-28mm with the Tamron !

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

imagemeister wrote:

Assuming you are on crop frame body, you WILL MISS the 17-28mm with the Tamron !

Yes I'm on a cropped body the more I think about it I certainly would miss the 17-28mm with the Tamron. Thx.

Hypno Loc: Miami

MT Shooter wrote:

Both lenses I sent in are inside Tamrons warranty period, but both owners are second owners and Tamrons warranty does not transfer, its only good to the ORIGINAL purchaser. When you buy used you give up any remaining warranty.

Thank You,
Do you do IR transformation on cameras. If so please PM me, Nikon D60

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Hypno wrote:

Thank You,
Do you do IR transformation on cameras. If so please PM me, Nikon D60

Sorry, no.

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

Why not go with the Sigma 17-50mm, 2.8 and you'll have that steady 2.8 throughout the total lens spectrum??

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

coco1964 wrote:

Why not go with the Sigma 17-50mm, 2.8 and you'll have that steady 2.8 throughout the total lens spectrum??

Is this that much of an issue, 2.8 to 4? I wouldn't think 20mm extra on the tele end would be significant. Which is the better (overall) lens?