DLTA48 Loc: pittsburgh

After the feedback that got from you all I decided to get a 28-75mm f/2.8 lens for taking pictures at my nieces 18th B-Day party.
But I don't know if I should get One of the following for my canon:
Sigma 24-70mm -$825
Tamron 28-75mm -$499
Sigma 28-70mm -$225

Is one of these better than the other? Thank you!

snowbear

Judging by the price points, I'd say the order you have them is significant. You generally get what you pay for.

Edit: If these are used lenses then look closely at the condition.

dlwhawaii Loc: Sunny Wailuku, Hawaii

I have the earlier (discontinued) version of the 24-70 without the HSM and have had no problems with it. The 28-70 is also discontinued and does not have a newer version. The retail price on the new 24-70 is $1400. I'm not really into AF, so both of the older versions work fine for me.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I have the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 and it is sharp. Also I believe thereis a rebate until the end of the month

DANthephotoMAN

I have the tamron - extremely sharp for the price point! Nice saturation and contrast, too! Build quality is fantastic! 'nuff said.

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

The Tamron 28-75 is an outstanding lens.

jtipps Loc: Dallas

Don't know about Sigma but the Tamron is really nice and sharp.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I just bought a Tamron 18-270 F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PSD. kThis lens replaces two of the stock lenses that came with my Canon 50d. So far the lens really makes my pictures pop. I get better focus, and sharper edges of the images. The new price was $679.99 (at Bennets Camera, in Metairie, La) I got a $100.00 mail in rebate, plus $35.00 for each lens I traded in. I actually bought the lens for better vacation pictures, but it also lightened my bag. I is now my "walk around lens" and is doing a great job, at that. I like to buy new equipment, because of warrenty, and knowledge the item will perform at manufacture specs.

If these lenses are at a camera shop, attach them to your body and take some shots. Be sure to take some close ups, and some distant shots, maybe in the parking lot. Take some photos of a brick wall with each lens and look at the lines of bricks, look for fuzzyness. Ask to take the lens for a 24 hour test, if they will let you, take a lot of photos and different exposures. If the lenses are from a individual, ask the same thing, take them out, and take some photos for evaluation. Check the lens for smooth operation, clean glass, and damage, bent edges and bad threads on the filter ends, put on a filter and notice how smooth it screws on, move the focus through its full range, again check for smoothness, and do the same for the f stops. If your camera supports suto focus, and stablity control, make sure it works while attached to the lens. Rember used equipment is not under any warrenty.

bhfranklin Loc: Boston Area / Cape Cod

I would echo what Bill emmet just said about the Tamron 18-270 being a great walk around lens and more.

Will post siome images shortly

camerabuff58 Loc: Ontario, Canada,

Please do yourself a big favor and do not get the Tamron. It is not worth crap. The Sigma comes highly recommended in a very good comparison test in Aprils issue of NPhoto Magazine

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Just curious. Does anybody do old time lens testing anymore? Take the lenses in question and shoot bricks from a distance or shoot newsprint. I'm sure a professional photoshop would allow the comparison.

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

I have a scene across from my front yard that I use. It isn't science but allows me to see really bad or really good lenses. It is at a good distance (near infinity) so doesn't tell me anything about close up performance.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

When in doubt, I rent. Opinions are opinions. I use Sigma and Nikon lenses myself, but only you will know which one you like, by actually using it. Renting is a good way to go when you just aren't sure, so you don't waste your money on a lens that may not be the best fit for what you want.

bk

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

Hey, thats my cat. These cats sure get around. I thought she was just roaming around the neighborhood.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

From the west coast to the east coast in no time at all :)