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i was looking at the sigma 17-50 18-50 and the tamron 17-50, its fast aperture and very good optics that im after,arnt we all lol.ive read some excellnt reviews of the sigma 18-50 2.8 EX but some have told me the tamron 17-50 is better optically,would like to see some images with these lenses to compare IQ
THANKYOU
daz
Hi,
Be aware that there are 2 versions of the Sigma 18-50/2.8. The best is the one with 72mm diameter and "Macro" on the name. Possibly this Sigma got a not so great reputation due to the two very similar versions, but I believe that the 72mm version, optically is at the same level (or even a bit better) as the Tamron 17-50.
I picked up a used copy of the Tamron 17-50mm (non VC) lens a while back and have been shooting my 365 project with it for the last month or so, I'm impressed it is sharp, fairly quick and handles chromatic abhoration superbly.
http://bjonesphotography.co.uk/category/p365/
Feel free to have a look through, if it is not a macro shot it will have been shot with the Tamron 
Got the sigma 18-50 ex macro as above, great lens used on my 40D, would love it full frame for my 5DkmII. You won't be disappointed if you get one.
There are a few shots in my portfolio using the very same lens
Stu
Hi Daz
You don't say what camera you use?
Both lenses mentioned are very good.
Sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM. 'What Digital Camera' gave this a gold award.
Tamron 17-50 F/2.8 [constant] SP XR DI 11 LD Aspherical [IF]. Phew what a mouthful [non VC]
'Photozone' gave this lens a glowing report saying it was a very good up grade from the supplied 'kit' lens of most DSLR cameras.
The Sigma has in lens OS [Optical Stabiliser] and can be switched off. I would suggest that if your camera? has in camera IS, you don't use both together, its one or the other whichever is more favourable or if you can't switch off the camera IS, switch off the lens.
Kodachrome
As you are using Nikon in a lot of your portfolio, I would suggest looking at a secondhand Nikon 18-200, which seem to go for about your budget. Brilliant lens in most circumstances, and you won't need to change for a longer one if you need more than the 50-70mm long end of the ones mentioned.
Nick
I use a 18-200 as a general purpose lens and find it really does cover all the ranges you are likely to need. It also saves risk of getting dirt on the sensor when keep changing lenses.
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