Looking for a 28-300mm Lens, Sigma or Tamron ?

brosen · 03-17-2012, 11:41 AM

The Tamron lens is current and can be purchased at B&H and the Sigma has been discontinued but it can be found new on eBay. Which one would you recommend ?, which one has the fastest AF and glass quality ?, thanks

Bernard

Eulogy · 03-17-2012, 11:45 PM

I'd say avoid purchasing either if IQ is an issue for you. From what I see simply browsing around on the web, neither produce absolutely stunning results. They work, but not much better than your average cheapo kit lens. If you're looking for a walkaround lens, try the 18-2XX Range lenses, they reportedly have better IQ overall, and will usually run around the same. If it's the telephoto you're looking for, try investing in the Pentax 55-300 and perhaps swapping between those and a kit lens.(If you have one)

Though I'd say if you're intent on getting one of them, to get the Tamron, just based on the reviews on the site here, seems to be better overall.

Best of luck with whatever you choose to do!

Nowhere Matt · 03-18-2012, 08:00 AM

I have the Sigma 28-300 DG and like it. It is true that it's image quality lacks compared to the DA 55-300 and maybe a few others and that 28mm is not really all that wide on our sensors. You can search the forum in the lens samples section. I know I have some reviews up in there.
If you are looking for a lens with reasonably good image quality and wide focal range you can consider the Sigma 28-300 DG if you really like 28mm and not bad close focusing feature. Find one for less than $200 and then consider your other options.

RioRico · 03-18-2012, 01:44 PM

Of superzooms, the DA18-250 and its Tamron twin seem to have the best IQ. None of the 28-300s seem to compare well. I had an older Tamron AF 28-200 that wasn't bad, about on par with an older MF Tokina 35-200, but these just don't match the DA18-250. Neither does my older MF Tamron 60-300.

My recommendations: If you need the reach, get a DA55-300, or maybe an older FA100-300 (silver). If you need width and slightly less reach, get an 18-2xx. But avoid the 28-300s.

03-17-2012, 11:41 AM	#1
brosen Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: US Posts: 183	Looking for a 28-300mm Lens, Sigma or Tamron ? The Tamron lens is current and can be purchased at B&H and the Sigma has been discontinued but it can be found new on eBay. Which one would you recommend ?, which one has the fastest AF and glass quality ?, thanks Bernard

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03-17-2012, 11:45 PM	#2
Eulogy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick Photos: Gallery Posts: 632	I'd say avoid purchasing either if IQ is an issue for you. From what I see simply browsing around on the web, neither produce absolutely stunning results. They work, but not much better than your average cheapo kit lens. If you're looking for a walkaround lens, try the 18-2XX Range lenses, they reportedly have better IQ overall, and will usually run around the same. If it's the telephoto you're looking for, try investing in the Pentax 55-300 and perhaps swapping between those and a kit lens.(If you have one) Though I'd say if you're intent on getting one of them, to get the Tamron, just based on the reviews on the site here, seems to be better overall. Best of luck with whatever you choose to do!

03-18-2012, 08:00 AM	#3
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	I have the Sigma 28-300 DG and like it. It is true that it's image quality lacks compared to the DA 55-300 and maybe a few others and that 28mm is not really all that wide on our sensors. You can search the forum in the lens samples section. I know I have some reviews up in there. If you are looking for a lens with reasonably good image quality and wide focal range you can consider the Sigma 28-300 DG if you really like 28mm and not bad close focusing feature. Find one for less than $200 and then consider your other options.

03-18-2012, 01:44 PM	#4
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Of superzooms, the DA18-250 and its Tamron twin seem to have the best IQ. None of the 28-300s seem to compare well. I had an older Tamron AF 28-200 that wasn't bad, about on par with an older MF Tokina 35-200, but these just don't match the DA18-250. Neither does my older MF Tamron 60-300. My recommendations: If you need the reach, get a DA55-300, or maybe an older FA100-300 (silver). If you need width and slightly less reach, get an 18-2xx. But avoid the 28-300s.