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The Standard Zoom Shoot-Out

Mar 26 2005: I have completed my tests and re-organized this gallery. Tested here are the following lenses in this standard zoom shoot-out:

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC
Sigma 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 EX DG
Tamron 28-75 F2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical
Canon 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 50mm F1.8 MKII

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The Lenses
The Lenses 		Bokeh Test
Bokeh Test 		Flare Test
Flare Test 		Indoor/Text Test
Indoor/Text Test
Outdoor/Landscape Test
Outdoor/Landscape Test

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lightrules 08-May-2006 14:10
The unfortunate thing about many of the standard zooms is that they seem to suffer from focus problems quite a bit, especially on crop bodies. There are many satisfied people but also many dissatisfied as well. Usually Sigma and Tamron can adjust the focus and get it right; I would say most of the time they can fix it. But I have heard of cases where focus never seemed to please the user. Both are very good optically but as you can see, both can suffer from focus problems, mostly at 28mm and around f2.8-f4, and on distant subjects.
Bjarke 08-May-2006 10:08
The focusproblems with the Tamron 28-75 and the Sigma 28-70 are they common in combination with a EOS 20D or could the problems be solved by a calibration?

Bjarke, Denmark
BCHU 19-Sep-2005 11:07
hey, in the photos theres a 70-200 EX. it isnt tested right? also, what would you say are the pros and cons of these 2 lenses: 24-70EX DG Macro, 28-75 F2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical?
BTW tamron is cheaper right?
lightrules 23-Jun-2005 04:26
I've had 2 copies of the 24-70L, and while an excellent lens (it'd better be for $1200), to me it isn't worth the difference in price. The Sigma EX delivers as good/or better sharpness, while conceding defeat only in areas apart from optics (e.g., USM). The 24-70L also has significantly more CA than either the Sigma (or Tamron). As for compatibility, that isn't a big deal to me but that's something each person needs to weigh on their own. Thanks for the comments.
Guest 23-Jun-2005 03:26
Nice test sets for the Bokeh. Clearly the 50/1.8 is the best in term of sharpness also. Too bad the canon 24-70 L was in it. I would have love to see it as I am thinking of getting one b/c I am afraid that the next DSLR comes out might have compatibility issue with the 3rd brand. I've read somewhere that Sigma tends to have this problem more so than Tamron.
lightrules 17-Jun-2005 22:52
You'll need to try it out and see; just like ANY of these standard zooms. QC issues today abound. The bottom line is it might be perfect, or you might need to send it in. But the fact is that Sigma knows how to remedy the issue. Mine was way off early on (24mm, wide open, 10 foot subject distance), but I sent it in, and all's well and n-i-c-e. This seems to be the findings of others who have sent it in, and once it's back, you'll be a happy camper. It's worth the shot.
aparmley 17-Jun-2005 22:49
Hey FStop- Thanks for the comparison work! greatly appreciated. What can you tell me about the focus issues I have read about with the Sig 24-70mm. my next lens is in this range... I like this one, the sig 28-70, and the Tamy 28-75mm in that order, but if the 24-70 has focus problems I don't want to put it on my XT. I just don't think I should buy a new lens and immediately upon receiving it ship to Sig to recalibrate... maybe Im silly.. IDK... Thank you again!
lightrules 13-Apr-2005 14:40
Gian, with my 2 copies of the new Sigma 28-70 EX DG and my 2 copies of the Tamron, wide open they are extremely close in sharpness. I've posted many of my results. The build of the Sigma is metal while the Tamron is plastic, so in terms of subjective "feel", I like the Sigma. That might be the MAIN difference between them. Both focus rings turn externally.
Gian Paolo Daldello 13-Apr-2005 12:57
In terms of sharpness and usable at 2.8 which lens will you suggest between the new Sigma 28-70 2.8 EX and the Tamron 28-75 2.8Di? Is the Tamron (as I heard) or the Sigma focus ring rotating while focusing in AF? I really need a zoom in this range, thank you so much for the nice job you did on the test.
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