[Lampo]

Thanks! Yes, I have considered the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5, but it is not available in the Netherlands anymore. The new 17-70 f2.8-4 OS HSM is considered less optically than the lens you have and it is also more expensive than the Sigma or Tamron that I am planning to buy with prices of €400,-. And I like the constant aperture of the lenses that I am considering, because it gives me more flexibility indoors when shooting portraits. Your opinion of the Sigma 18-50 2.8, is that based on the old version (67 mm filter thread) or the updated Macro version (72 mm filter thread)? There is a substantial difference in image quality between these two but they are mixed up constantly in reviews. The Macro version is in fact pretty similar to the 17-70 f2.8-4.5.



In an ideal world (which means I do not have a strict budget) I would probably go for the new Sigma 17-50 2.8, but with the prices in the Netherlands hovering somewhere around €600,- it is almost twice as expensive as the Tamron and that is a difference which I can not justify at this moment.