70-300 sigma vs Tamron - test images

Still on my quest to decide whether to keep the Tamron or Sigma I've done a series of unscientific test shots.

Lenses are the Sigma APO DG & Tamron DI LD

I've already posted large images on another forum & as I think image sizes are restricted here (please let me know if this isn't the case) the best I can do is link to my original post

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=27476732


I'm sure if this isn't acceptable Mr Administrator will let me know asap & I'll remove the post

simon

I'm finding it difficult to compare the two due to the constant scrolling but it looks to me like the Tamron is slightly better?

At f5.6 the Tamron is sharper, particularly at the edges.

At F11/F16 differences are harder to notice, infact the Sigma is perhaps ever so slightly sharper but it's very slight.

It also looks like my Tamron could have slight de-centering issues - the R/h side doesn't look as good as the left

simon

now you know why I call my Tamron the 'soft Tammy purple fringe master'.
Since scoring an SMC M 200 f4 and a 135 3.5 for a few quid on eBay, my modern zooms have just collected dust. there's just no comparison.
The old 135 is almost too sharp! and they're both so lovely and small.

Maybe I'm just weird, I also hate my 16-45DA which everyone else raves about....

Have been following this thread and yesterday I tested out a Sigma 70-300 against the Tamron 70-300 and decided the Tamron was sharper though the focus was not as nippy as the Sigma (non-APO). I went home to check prices and found it seemed to average £115. Jessops price was £199! The Sigma was £99.

The sales assistant, when I went back today, let slip that this was one of the lenses sold for half price when bought with a camera! Half price! What a con! To buy it on its own was double! Some bargain their bundle deal seems now!

Anyway, off to SRS to get it for £89!

This will be a stop gap for a year or so till Sigma (or Pentax) bring out an SDM lens that zooms to 400mm which is what I really want. However, the macro facility might prove interesting.

Tamron has always been known to be the sharper lens but with obvious CA.

Sigma looks decent in this test and confirms that the APO is very effective in controlling CA.

Only thing about sigma is build and QA ... mostly not so positive.

For lens in this range, i am seriously looking at the fa 80-320 appearing here and there 2nd hand but fetching more or less the same price as the sigma/tamron new.

of course, 2nd hand lens comes in varying condition in terms of wear (if not optical quality).

given there is really no price different between old and new lens, which would you go for, old Pentax, new Sigma or Tamron ?

The Tamron suffers more from PF rather than CA. These are different things and PF is harder to correct. You won't see it on every shot though - at least when not pixel peeping.

The Pentax 80-320 is regarded as a good lens but I haven't seen any direct comparisons with the Tamron or Sigma 70-300. As a generalisation, modern zoom lenses tend to be sharper than older zoom lenses due to modern design and technology (special elements, etc).

Also bear in mind that the Pentax is heavier, doesn't come with a hood and has to take a screw rather than bayonet type hood.

Bear in mind the Pentax 55-300 is only just around the corner, so it may be worthwhile waiting to see what the reviews/users say before making a final decision - the downside of the Pentax is that it will be significantly more expensive than the Tamron/Sigma - hopefully it will be significantly better too !!

simon