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I'm looking at upgrading my 17-55 AF-S Nikon Kit lens as it isn't fast enough, or good enough in low light for the type of shots I am trying to do (pets / portraits / groups / weddings / landscapes)

Having just purchased the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM, I've rediscovered my zoom photo ability, but what is the best for the wider angles.

The choice is the 17-50 Sigma f2.8 or the 18-50 Tamron f2.8. The Nikon version is far too expensive for my budget.

Has anyone here got either of these, or both, and can lend some advice?

Focus speed I guess is the main choice, followed by IQ. However, with PP the IQ can be improved

Thanks
Andrew

i've owned both. optically they are both excellent, (for what they are). i found both to be slow in the AF department though and the sigma in particular was very noisy. you couldnt go wrong with either and there isnt really an alternative around the same sort of price.

Was your sigma the one with the HSM? I know this model is quite new - does it improve the AF to the same level as the AF speed in my 70-200?

I have the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 love it, focuses fast enough for me (well it keeps up with our 17month old )

no it wasnt the hsm version. from what i hear the hsm isnt too different.

DJT wrote:I have the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 love it, focuses fast enough for me (well it keeps up with our 17month old )

+1

After Cameron's recommendation (and use of his lens) I bought the 17-50 (inc motor) and am very happy with it. I bought it due to not liking the weight of the 17-55 AFS. The focus isn't as fast as an AFS, but it is a light lens with short throws so speed of focus is very acceptable.

Hi Andrew

The Nikon 17-55 AFS is a very fast and expensive lens. It is a 2.8. As you mentioned it was the Kit lens you wanted to upgrade, did you mean the 18-55 or have I misunderstood you? The 17-55 would not normally be a kit lens because it costs as much if not more than several of the dx cameras it can be used on. It would be great for all those occasions that you mentioned. The 17-55AFS may well be an option for you.

Regards

I will also vote for the Tamron. I shot at a Bull riding session today and it worked great (once I got the camera settings worked out).

I only have the standard kit 17-55 AF-S and not the f2.8 version.

However, the nikon one is well out of my budget....

Looking at your sig though, you've also got the sigma 70-200 like I do, but went for the tammy over the sigma for the 17-50... so that must be worth something! What were your reasons?

Thanks all.

Andrew

The Tammy 17-50 f/2.8 is the way to go with the 3rd party wide/mid zooms as it is light, focuses fast and has great optics to boot with its mega competitive price!

The Sigma 70-200 has the advantage of the fast HSM over the Tamron 70-200.

The Tamron had gotten better reviews from forum people with pics added (not the paid views of some) so i went with it. Picked it up SH on ebay and am very happy with it. On the d60 it is very quick and sharp.I took some portraits of the Grandkids on Sunday and they are possibly too sharp and need to be blurred a bit.