03-14-2011, 11:28 AM
Currently I am planning an update for my standard lens for my Pentax K-5. As the Pentax DA* 16-50 is too expensive for me at this point and because the reviews of this lens are not that positive, I am looking at alternatives. Due to my limited budget, I have come up with two alternatives:
1. Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-VC (old version) €314
Pro's: - 17 mm wide
- Corner resolution is pretty good, even at f2.8
- Very positive reviews here and elsewhere
Con's: - Build quality
- AF noise
- Quality control issues
2. Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC Macro €349
Pro's: - I expect better build quality than the Tamron
- AF is supposedly much more quiet than the Tamron
Con's: - 18 mm wide, but actually -according to some reviews- it is close to 19 mm in real life
- Resolution of the borders at large apertures is dissapointing, need to stop down to f5.6
I just have difficulty to choose between these lenses. My reason to buy this lens is low light photography and portraits and off course IQ. I have to say that I really appreciate good built quality and that I do not mind AF noise, but it is nice if the noise is not too disturbing. Another question I would like to ask is how I can test these lenses in the shops for decentering or other QC issues. I mean they do not have a brick wall inside and most of the shops here in the Netherlands are situated in industry parks where it is very hard to find a brick wall in the first place. I was planning on taking a newspaper with me to test if the focus accuracy is decent.
Thanks for all your help!
1. Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-VC (old version) €314
Pro's: - 17 mm wide
- Corner resolution is pretty good, even at f2.8
- Very positive reviews here and elsewhere
Con's: - Build quality
- AF noise
- Quality control issues
2. Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC Macro €349
Pro's: - I expect better build quality than the Tamron
- AF is supposedly much more quiet than the Tamron
Con's: - 18 mm wide, but actually -according to some reviews- it is close to 19 mm in real life
- Resolution of the borders at large apertures is dissapointing, need to stop down to f5.6
I just have difficulty to choose between these lenses. My reason to buy this lens is low light photography and portraits and off course IQ. I have to say that I really appreciate good built quality and that I do not mind AF noise, but it is nice if the noise is not too disturbing. Another question I would like to ask is how I can test these lenses in the shops for decentering or other QC issues. I mean they do not have a brick wall inside and most of the shops here in the Netherlands are situated in industry parks where it is very hard to find a brick wall in the first place. I was planning on taking a newspaper with me to test if the focus accuracy is decent.
Thanks for all your help!