Wanted: 17-50 f2.8 or similar lens

Hi,
I have a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 but it's old and has focusing issues. Got it repaired once, want to replace it with a reliable lens.

Anyone got one (Tamron, Sigma, Pentax etc.), 17-45 would also be ok, or know of any good deals out there please? There were a few here but all appear to be sold now.

Also, non counting very expensive lenses, which is considered the best, sharpest? Main use is for portraits, weddings, communions.

Thanks,
Pa.

Why is the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro - Pentax Fit so inexpensive on MPB? From reviews, it's a very good lens..... constant f2.8, autofocus, sharp.
Is there something I'm missing?

link

I bought a Sigma 18-50/2.8 many years ago and it was very soft wide open. I took it back and exchanged it for the Tamron. The 17-50 is a different kettle of fish - very sharp with beautiful rendering.

MPB have one: https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/sigma-17-50mm-f-2-8-ex-dc-hsm-pentax-fit/sku-1...

And Park have another: https://www.parkcameras.com/used/lenses/sigma/used-sigma-17-50mm-f28-ex-dc-hsm-k...

The MPB one is pricier but seems to be in better condition.

Cheers for the reply.
Based on what you said, I should go for the Sigma 17-50mm.
Thanks,
Pa

hhhhmmm. I'm in Ireland so if I buy from the MPB UK, I'll pay import duties etc. And it's not available on the EU site for whatever reason. I'd prefer to buy one in good condition on the presumption that it's newer and therefore will have a longer life.

Ordered the one from MPB UK, will have to pay duties etc. but will have a very nice lens.

I finally bought a 16-45 from Eboo. Mint. Excellent.
I think that I have been unlucky with MBP. Bought a 17-50 that was badly misaligned....BUT they happily exchanged for a Sigma 17-70.....that has AF issues.

I had ordered through AddressPal, (a forwarding company, that send it onto me. I still pay import duties etc.) as MPB UK don't ship to ROI. Same with Park. And I can't find any available anywhere else.
Someone said the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro is very soft wide; how noticeable is it, are there any sample photos around please? I checked but couldn't find any. My main use for the lens is the odd wedding (and some family pics, events).

Other options would be:
- Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8
- Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM (are there different versions of this?)
any others?
Is the Sigma 17-50 heads and shoulders above these? If so, I'd see if there's any way I can get my hands on one.

Cheers,
Pa.

Or the Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro.....

There are two versions of the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 - the newest "Contemporary" version and an older (and more common) version. I haven't used one but understand it's not as sharp as the 17-50mm f/2.8.

The Tamron is also a good lens that I used for many years but it's not as well built, has screw-drive AF and many people report focusing problems (mine was fine).

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 will mean losing the wide-angle view on an APS-C camera.

There's a reason why the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 doesn't have many images online - it was discontinued very quickly as it was much worse than the Tamron 17-50.

Thanks again for the reply. Ordered the Sigma 17-50 lens. Getting it sent to a friend in NI, who will post it down to me.
As the saying goes, "buy cheap, buy twice".

I've only just seen this. I've been abroad on holiday and haven't logged in until now.

I've got a Pentax 16-45, a Pentax 16-50 F2.8 and a Sigma 17-50 f2.8 that I would consider parting with.

If anything goes wrong with your purchase let me know.