Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD lens review (with samples)

This is the highly regarded, older, NON-image stabilized version of Tamron's fast standard zoom lens for APS-C cameras - the 17-50mm f/2.8. It's been out since 2006 when it quickly gained a strong reputation as being a high performance, good value lens. Does it still shape up today?
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link):
UK: amzn.to/32gohrj
If you've found this or other videos I've made to be helpful, then support me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/christopherfr...
All samples and footage taken on my 18-megapixel Canon 60D.
Be sure to follow my Photostream on Flickr, to see sample pictures of lenses I've reviewed and to see previews of upcoming lenses, too! www.flickr.com/photos/5633426...
Music: 'Opportunity Walks' by Kevin Macleod (www.incompetech.com)

[@michaeljanapin9528]

This video is 7 years old and I am still benefitting from it. Thanks Chris!

[@OzdiSinter]

9 years old, and still. just ordered an EOS 70D with this lens. Hope i wont regret not getting the Canon 17-55 f2.8IS USM instead for twice the price

[@Daniel_Borisov]

10 years old and I'm benefitting too! 🙂

[@SouthLockNet]

Got it cheap on sale online! Still benefitting from this video after 10 years!

[@TheLudwigVB]

Thanks for the excellent, thoughtful and very interesting review. It makes a refreshing change to see such a well planned and coherent presentation with helpful visuals.. Well done!

[@mikebing9589]

Thanks for this review - had all I needed to know as I'm getting a used one for my Pentax K-5 IIs. Useful review touching all of the important characteristics without getting boring at all! Keep on doing this!

[@BalazsBezeczky]

A very informative review, just what I was looking for, thank you!

[@HOoDtRiotiCTV]

Nice tutorial you have a great way of getting straight to the point

[@carolinadama]

This video was sooo helpful, I'm definetely getting this one!

[@medioman74]

thank you mate, i really love your reviews

[@Noises]

Thanks for such a detailed, balanced review. One of these popped up locally in an online classified today for about $100USD. Out of all the reading and watching, this was the review that convinced me it would be money well spent, as I mostly do stills and timelapses. Thanks again for a well presented review that points out the good and the bad fairly and without fuss. It made it easy to decide that yes, I did want to drop some coin on this. The seller actually asked me, you know this is the older model, right? and I was able to tell him it was sharper to the corners than the new model anyway. Well done, have a like, I'm off for a drive away from town to try to shoot the stars tonight with my fast wide lens. :)oh but before I go, I'm going to put a long ziptie around the focus ring as that's a tip I picked up for smoother focus pulls in video. It might help finesse the fidgety focus a bit.

[@withimmtabs]

Best video on Tamron 17-50 mm

[@Sazzad.K]

I like ur way of explaining things ... keep up the good works ....

[@garipask]

thank you for helpful recommandation.

[@christopherfrost]

Sorry, I'm not planning to anytime soon. I've just gotten access to a Canon 6D, so I'm going to be spending some time getting full frame test results for lenses I've reviewed, and a few other lenses which are on my list.

[@phill5917]

I was going to buy the more expensive Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD Large Aperture Standard Zoom lens but after I watched this video I have decided to go with this version even though its cheaper and older but you can't beat the price for the quality! , Thanks for the review and I am a new Sub! cheers

[@random_explorer3009]

Thankyou for the review !! I'm going to buy this for my birthday :)

[@karlvonbahnhof6594]

Sylvie Stephanie do it, I bought mine used for 250 euros recently, the vc version and it pretty much stays on my canon most of the time.. my new kit lens... the vc is kind of noisy, in videos you can hear the the af focus motor, but for pictures its awesome... if you just have kit lens, first one to buy is 50mm f1.8, not stabilized,prime lens, but cheap, 120 euros, and with guarantee, you will love it, anyway, its no so versatile, if you wanna replace your kit lens with something better, go for tamron ;) m.flickr.com/#/photos/scifuxa/30481694820/

[@JersDraws]

Hi, its been 4 years. may I know how well is the performance of the Tamron 17-500 that you bought for your birthday? I am only into photography and will not be into videography cuz I hate vlogging.

[@marcp.1752]

i do use this lens for many years - the non-VC version is the best, and also (for Nikon) there are 3 versions of that lens: without AF motor built in (w/o BIM) and with built-in af motor (BIM) and also with AF Motor & VC for Nikon F Mount (DX). The Version without AF Motor & VC is the sharpest, best one of them all. On Nikon Bodies (D50, D70(s), D80, D90, D7x00) it works with the built-in Body AF screwdrive Motor -way fast onto the D7000 and way low noise level) - the BIM Version (with motor) is somewhat noisy, and hunts into low light...i'd get the non-BIM Version) Finally, the VC version (Vibration Compensation) is optical the worst of all 3 iterations here. So the Non-BIM Version (on Nikon) is the fastest in AF terms and also way sharp. It can be had for about 170-200 EUR 2nd Hand into mint Condition - which is a steal, and it's better than the Sigma OS HSM 17-50/2.8 or 17-70/2.8-4 Versions, at last the new Contemporary "C" 17-70/2.8-4 i haven't tested myself. Sadly, the Canon/Sony & Pentax Mount Versions are really loud when it comes to AF Sound. "bzzzz--bzzzzzzz". Check out the photozone review. The only real better lens (for a much heavier price) is truly the Sigma 18-35/1.8 lens, which rivals FF prime lenses into IQ terms.

[@mrnothing249]

Thank for sharing.. Really helpful

[@magnusclaesson5843]

That music is addictive!

[@Baluchishair]

Great reviews as always. Thanks for making such relevant reviews and mind blowing information unbiased. God bless you. ➕

[@barbaravicente9204]

Thank You! Great vídeo.

[@sumdood2035]

It sounds like this lens would be very competitive against the newer models you compared in your standard zoom shootout. The VC version is a BIG step down in IQ. I picked up this lens used, very cheap, and I'm really happy with it.

[@khairilakmaryahaya8914]

i like your review, very well explanation with good thing and bad thing. I have bought it for my D7100 it does great job for my video production, what i like very much is the constant and large f2.8 aperture, does great in low light night scene. The other things is it's Zoom lock function, which secured the lens when do manual focus. I don't care about focusing motor sound, but the accuracy is much more nicer compare to the other, yet, lens hood firmly locked, sorry to say to Nikkor and Sigma, the hood locking is lousy and loose, Tamron does great job on it. Comes to VC and non vc, i don't care about VC thing, because most of the time i'm using tripod and video rig, not hand held.

[@Princeton_James]

Just pulled the Tammy 28-70 out of storage. Gee wiz...! I gotta start shooting with that baby again. So sharp!

[@cesarvelasquez7708]

Have you ever tried the TAMRON 28-75 F2.8? Great job on your reviews!

[@user-pz5bl7py5n]

Hi Christopher, Much appreciated for very good review... I've observed that you picked some disadvantages which could be solved on latest version,, is it really better? did you check the VC version, and how Image Stabilization system over there?

[@Shooting-Up]

nice review cheers

[@christopherfrost]

Hopefully soon...

[@waheex]

excellent lens, I use it on the Pentax which has IS on the body.

[@ssthapit]

This lens served me well on my Canon 10D and 50D for indoor and outdoor work picturing adults. But the autofocus is a bit slow and not able to catch my fast moving toddler. So I have essentially stopped using it now.

[@howtosober]

I found one of these for $89 with a tiny bit of fungus forming under the glass (hence the price), nothing that seems to affect the images, however. I'm happy with it so far. I'm surprised at the lack of CA and overall sharpness. This video really helped, as I almost went looking for the VC version instead. What a marked difference between the two. For the pricing now on the secondary market, this lens would be silly to pass up.

[@sunlbx]

the VC is better if you need max sharpness and don't mind stopping down. it kills all other similar lenses at f5.6 and further. but wide open the VC version is way uglier than non-VC

[@ForTheLoveOfGadgets]

Hi Chris, really love the way you narrate your notes. Wish if you can make a video on how is you workflow while creating a you tube video. However my question is can this be used with Canon 90D.

[@amalmoore4119]

Yes it can

[@giocareperdivertirsi]

thanks for the video

[@mdlimon505]

If i have budget issue the temron 17-50 vs sigma 17-50 which is better for wedding?

[@amitkrupal1234]

Hello sir, currently I am shoot weddings with Nikon D3300 with 18-55 VR (for wedding rituals) & 55 200 VR (Candid shots) along with 35 mm f/1.8 G (Portraits) and Nikon SB700 (gives Awesome results). I was considering buying 18-105 f/3.5-5.6 VR or 16-85 f/3.5-5.6 VR. The 18-105 cost about half of 16-85, the 105 mm focal length is useful for close up shots of rituals and few candid shots. After watching the review I am reconsider my decision. Used Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD for about half the price of 18-105. Which one would be better new 18-105 VR vs used 17-50.

[@gdjaybee742]

Hey Chris, Could you possibly re-review this lens according to your new standard. Currently this is the cheapest 2.8 zoom lens you can get for the crop sensor. With 24mp 30+ mp DSLR and maybe adapting this to sony a5000/a6000 series sensors coming out, knowing that this lens can resolve those sensors for as little as 60 bucks is a great proposition - atleast primarily for photography.

[@tomcruz3774]

I just got this lens, does anyone else find the zoom ring kinda stiff or is it just me? Great review btw

Considering the fact that vignetting, barel distorsion and chromatic aberration can be corrected with a good software (I use RawTherapee), the price of this lens today is a steal considering its capabilities.

[@michaelbell75]

Thanks but I thought the IF stood for Internal Focus. Why does the barrel extend while zooming?

[@denistaylor556]

i've got the vc version of this lens and it is awesome

[@DevynFromCFXTV]

I've always wanted to know how to get your test sheet that you use for the lenses sharpness review at certain apertures.

[@ninhxanh]

Hi, i am very sad, tamron 17-50 2.8 does not good work on my sony a6000, Is there any way to improve the focusing capabilities of this lens on the Sony A6000? Thanks

[@peterkent3918]

You have the best 17-50 lens reviews on KZbin. The zoom ring looks quite smooth, how close is it to the Tokina 16-50 or Nikkor 17-55? Also does the Focus ring have hard stops like the sigma?

[@christopherfrost]

Haven't tried any Nikon lenses, I'm afraid!

[@elusko]

Hi Christopher, thank you for your videos. 9 years on and I am benefiting from it, nice! What would you advice getting, this lens or the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens? Thanks

[@ItsDrewsif]

I really recommend avoiding this lens, the focus throw is nearly non existent, so the slightest bump will throw you miles off focus, and he understated how loud the focus motor is. It is UNBELIEVABLY loud

[@kosai5183]

Thank you so much for your video. I have a question what is better Canon 50mm f1.8 vs Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 ?

[@christopherfrost]

They're totally different lenses. One is a zoom lens (The Tamron), and one is a prime lens with a wider maximum aperture (the Canon) so it depends more on what kind of work you want to do

[@tanvirhasan1339]

Hello chris.. thanks for the awesome review.. I am thinking of buying a new lens.. but i'm very confused between tamron 17-50 2.8 non vc + canon 50mm 1.4 or tamron 17-50 2.8 non vc + canon 85mm 1.8... which combination will be better? I take a lot of indoor portraits & use crop camera.. so was thinking about 50mm although i liked everything about 85mm.. but thinking it will be too tight on crop camera, ryt?? So confused..also will i get same quality portrait from 17-50 2.8 & 50mm 1.4 @ f2/2.2 ?

[@christopherfrost]

85mm is very tight on a crop camera. The Tamron lens is nice but at 50mm f/2.8 it's not very sharp. So, I would go for the Tamron lens for your general purpose work and the Canon 50mm f/1.4 for your portraits

[@regbaron]

Some of the subject was sharp. ☝️

[@freddyacosta2358]

Actually that old camera looks sharper with the lens kit or just a bad pic taken at 2.8?

[@satyatoday594]

super lens ithanks christ god bless you

[@user-kg3ej2qd1v]

Hi Chris! Which lens would you recommend for Nikon D80, which was also released in 2006? This Tamron 17-50, the newer Tamron 17-50 VR or the Sigma 17-50 VR? Thanks in advance.

[@christopherfrost]

The Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM

[@TheCaramelGangster]

Nice review. Between this and the Sigma 17-50 f2.8, which one would you recommend??

[@christopherfrost]

The non-OS version of the Sigma? I haven't used it. But if you're talking about the OS version of the Sigma then definitely the Sigma

[@EngrAldrin]

+Christopher Frost Photography I am having a problem with back/front focus but not all of my shots were having a back/front focus issues it is somewhat, hit and missed. Do you have any idea on this?

[@mike969696]

Mine can be very slightly hit-and-miss when it comes to AF, too. Some Canon lenses have similar issues for me. I ascribe it to a combination of mechanical play or imprecision in the lens, and maybe to Canon's AF system.

[@klemice]

If you do, could you put the 17-50 and the 18-35 next to each other to compare their size? Thanks!

[@ssthapit]

I find the autofocus on this lens to be slow when photographing kids, but Chris rated it as fast. That helps me calibrate what Chris means by fast autofocus in other reviews.

[@christopherfrost]

03:45 at the time of making this review, years ago, that was quite a quick speed (it's hardly slow nowadays, either)

[@gsteiner9]

how do you rate this compared to the sigma 17-50 f2.8? having a tough time deciding between the two, guess it comes down to image quality

[@christopherfrost]

I've never used the non-image stabilized Sigma 17-50 unfortunately, I've heard in the past though that people prefer the Tamron

[@kamehamehajim]

Could you please make Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 Contemporary version review?

[@rebarali6749]

is that suitable for sony alpha a58?

[@tristan7804]

Hi good day, awesome video mate.. I have a Canon Aps-c sensor camera & I'm stuck between purchasing this lens or the 28-75mm version, I really wanted the focal range of the 28-75mm Di Xr or should I just get this lens reason being I'm not certain if the picture quality & sharpness would be significantly better with the 17-50mm seeing its specifically designed for crop sensor frames.. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.. Cheers

[@christopherfrost]

Just get this 17-50, the zoom range is far more appropriate for an APS-C camera (which is why they made it)

[@LaisvaFoto]

It is not only compatible with canon cameras. Tamron makes this lens for other cameras as well.

[@shbgt]

Hi CF Im going to get a fast standard zoom lens. I saw sigma 17-55 is super sharp. and tamron is slightly softer while aperture is wide open. I would rather go for sigma but here sigma is not available . so only option left is tamron 17-55 f2.8. should I go for tamron ? And also tell me about VC or non VC coz in your review you said non VC has better image quality. I need this lens for tripod video work and general walk around . My camera is 70d from Canon

[@christopherfrost]

Check out my fast standard zoom lens comparison video - that will help you

[@shbgt]

thank you :)

[@omarrabonza8662]

Can i use that on cannon 50d?

[@akaCisco]

do you think this is worth upgrading from the 18-55mm kit lens? I also have the 55-250mm Canon lens. What lens would you recommend to me if I wanted to replace my kit lens, thanks

[@christopherfrost]

Take a look at my special 'kit lens upgrade' video

[@Scyth3934]

Can you review the stabilized version?

[@oriontrail]

On my Pentax K3 it's much much sharper at f/2.8 than in your test images. (Also, my Pentax has integrated image stabilizer)

[@xavierang]

Does the AF work with Nikon D5000? Some reviews says no because the D5000 doesn't have built in motor? Some say this lens have their own motor and will work with D5000

[@christopherfrost]

No idea, sorry (I don't use Nikon at all)

[@Gilmar2134]

Nice!! Very Nice!!

[@einarjungmann273]

0:35 - Someone’s says this is sharper than brother with VC.

[@propanemusic]

+Christopher Frost Photography Great job with this review man! Thank you! Do you know if there is any difference with the "newer" VC version, or is VC the only thing different?

[@christopherfrost]

This older lens is actually sharper - check out my review of the VC version

[@propanemusic]

Thank you Chris! Awesome.

[@unprofessionalvids]

love your reviews! can u do the 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM please? :D

[@adeguntoro]

Is it still good for a6400 ? Looking for cheap zoom lens and F2.8 is kind of hard for my budget.

[@jamgooandyou]

Was looking at getting 1/2 lenses for christmas using the good old CEX / Cash convertors, ebay etc.....came across this lens Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD IF which im guessing is basically the same one reviewed, is it worth £110? Im looking for something wide but with a little room to play, didnt ever had a kit lens [Using my Canon 1300d]

[@christopherfrost]

£110 is quite good for this lens if it's in good condition (and still on the shelf)

[@majaisakszon1475]

Works fine on fullframe to.

[@Raylor]

you mention lack of image stabilization, what if you pair with the likes of Sony A77II The body already has image stabilization, would it fix that shaky issue?

[@christopherfrost]

Should do

[@salzulal9015]

for filmmaking, is this better than canon 24mm 2.8 pancake lens? i have 50 1.8 stm already..

[@oliverscottdk]

It's two very different lenses, but the zoom function is properly gonna be good. On the other hand thee 24mm is properly sharper.

[@benyb1996]

Have you did any post-processing in the photos near the end or are pulled out directly from the camera?

[@christopherfrost]

The pictures are slightly edited, so I've added a touch of contrast here and there.

[@dianebalatbat3696]

hello! based on your experience, what's better between the VC and non-VC tamron 17-50mm lens? and what are their differences?

[@christopherfrost]

+Diane Balatbat Take a look at my review of the VC version, I talk about the differences a little bit there :-)

[@dianebalatbat3696]

+Christopher Frost Photography i already watched it yesterday, the VC is better. thanks for the reply anyway :)

[@huangluu5487]

Might I ask, what is the difference between LD Aspherical and SP Aspherical?

[@christopherfrost]

Urgh, no idea.

I bought a copy of this lens on ebay and it looks in perfect condition as advertised. However, I find that the zoom ring is quite hard, but as I'm not familiar with this lens, I wonder if this is normal. I have a Canon EF 24-105mm F/4 lens and the difference is enormous. I really have to force it a bit with the Tamron. Have others had this impression with this lens?

[@techsport1]

Yeah the zoom ring hard to use. Need to use force

[@richmck007]

Does the Canon 70d camera have an image stableliser which would compensate for this lens not having one? I ask because I have seen a really good deal on this camera. Many thanks for your tutorials. You speak so well, its hard not to understand your explanations .

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks! Unfortunately, the 70D doesn't have that feature, although it'd be cool if it did.

[@richmck007]

Would you care to recommend an alternative lens then, say... The Sigma verson ?

[@christopherfrost]

rich Mck The Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS, yes, recommended

[@richmck007]

Many thanks. I believe you are correct. It is a decent piece of glass.

[@hunter-hh2mn]

+Christopher Frost Photography Hi Chris. I have a Nikon D5500. I'm looking at either this, the updated version of this, or the Sigma equivalent. What would you recommend for video?

[@christopherfrost]

+JellyBabyProductions For video, either the Tamron VC or Sigma OS versions will do

[@hunter-hh2mn]

+Christopher Frost Photography Thanks. I might go for the Sigma.

[@einarjungmann273]

Is this better than VC version? ;)

[@shanukhalifa6726]

what is SP of this lens. are they two different version. i have seen also SP and in your video does not show SP label anywhere on the lens. thank you

[@mike969696]

They are SP. There is no non-SP version of this lens.

[@JangoAC]

This lens is really good still!

[@JackDoonerMusic]

Can't decide between this or the VC model. DXOmark states the VC model is sharper, but users reports are mixed. Also considering the Sigma 17-50 2.8 as it is the same price as the non VC of the Tamron. Any advice?

[@christopherfrost]

I'd just get the Sigma 17-50 OS HSM

[@JackDoonerMusic]

Christopher Frost Photography Thanks Christopher. I just ordered the Sigma! Cheers

[@stephenrozario7913]

do you recommend this lens for portrait and everyday wide photography ?

[@christopherfrost]

If you watch the review, you'll find out all about how it works as a lens, including sharpness, performance at wide angles, and how well the lens can throw your backgrounds out of focus and the quality of the bokeh

[@AlfonsoIaMinecraft]

can you review the sigma 28mm f1.8 ex dg asph macro?

[@christopherfrost]

+ALFONSO IA Nah, I hear it's very similar to the 24mm version which I covered a little while ago

[@davidhoffmann3155]

Is the crop factor on this lens a thing? It’s only made for APS-C sensor so in my mind there is no reason to consider the crop factor. Am I right?

[@christopherfrost]

You /always/ consider the crop factor when you're shooting on an APS-C camera - always. So, this the full-frame equivalent of about 27-80mm (with a depth of field of about f/4.5)

[@AndreNguyen7]

Does anyone know if this will work on Canon M6 with an adapter?

[@christopherfrost]

Yes, it will (don't ask me how well, though)

[@Shooting-Up]

have you reviewed the sigma 75-300 f4-5.6 dg apo?

[@christopherfrost]

Nope, and no plans to

[@klemice]

No problem :)

[@muhammadsaad5055]

ive been using this lens for 2 months, got it in used but excellent condition, lens is sharp from f4 and great details. i like to shoot at f4 to f5.6 for potraits, i tried astro, 17mm at f2.8, in city light still got good detailed image of stars, only thing i dont like is, ita autofocus, mine works perfect from 17mm till 35mm approx, after that, like at 50mm is keeps on rotating focus ring, it does focus but like 5/10 times, i m using on d5300, anyone else have the same issue of af or is it just my lens?

[@christianbracero1015]

Is it possible for me to see samples of your photo using this lens? I'm using D5300 as well and I'm planning to buy this lens. Hoping it will be as good with astrophotography.

[@Kratos3962]

Hi, It is said that there's a huge difference between copies (sharpness, front-focusing issues), some say it has to do with the different factory. I'd be very grateful if you could tell me where your copy was made/assembled ("made in Japan" or "made in China" or "assembled in China" (from Japanese parts)) Thx in advance.

[@christopherfrost]

Well, I'd be very surprised if that is the case - I've certainly never heard of that. I don't have the lens anymore to check, I'm afraid

[@Cougar139tweak]

Great review but from 5:57 - 6:35 have you used a manual or Auto focus as a subject at that distance at f2.8 will look like shite vs f5.6 and even worse if you use Auto focus ....and mention that it is available for Nikon as well.

[@christopherfrost]

Firstly, quit swearing. Secondly, I think everyone knows that this is also available for Nikon - I don't want to treat people like they're stupid. Thirdly, I'm happy to tell you that, yes, I was careful to focus this lens correctly, seeing as I was testing it for a publicly available review. If you don't believe my test results, look at other lens review websites that have covered this lens.

[@Cougar139tweak]

0:35-0:46 "I think everyone knows that this is also available for Nikon"..what?..think about that for a second..who's coming to watch this? people familiar with the lens?.... & don't be so defensive I was being playful, who's offended by shite...honestly? With the aperture comparison perhaps a test on a closer subject with a textured lighter coloured backdrop very close behind.(for test on vignetting and fringing) just a suggestion. I liked the review, It was good. don't be mad. loosen up :)

[@RavenfluxASMR]

@@Cougar139tweak 5 years later this comment thread just shows how Christopher can handle abuse elegantly

[@mike969696]

@@Cougar139tweak Name any lens issued by Tamron or Sigma which has not been available for Nikon. Any one.

[@martycee]

Hi Christopher. I've seen all your reviews on this, the VC version and the Sigma OS and I'm still a little confused as to your precise conclusions. Are you hinting that the latest Sigma still outperforms this older Tamron or the other way round? Reason I ask is that I own this lens right now which is currently being assessed for repair by Tamron as it won't communicate with my recently purchased 70D upgrade from an old 20D I had for years from new. If it's repairable at reasonable cost it's possibly a keeper if superior to the latest Tamron and Sigma optically. If it's not economically repairable then I would junk it and go for the Sigma as an obvious replacement. I gather that this non VC lens is optically superior to the latest VC however any thoughts as to how it compares optically to the latest Sigma. Much obliged.

[@christopherfrost]

The Sigma 17-50 OS is sharper at 50mm than this older Tamron lens

[@martycee]

Many thanks Christopher. Can I also say that your reviews are amongst the very best I've seen and an object lesson in how to perform this precise skill. Waffle is the great enemy when disseminating important information and the most common problem with the many KZbin posts. Keep up the great work. It goes a long way to helping make the right purchase.

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks! All the best :-)

[@YuTuberzz]

Would you recommend this lens or the Sigma 17-50?

[@christopherfrost]

If you're talking about the newer Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM, then definitely the Sigma

[@YuTuberzz]

Thanks for your quick reply! Are there any particular reasons why? I'm seeing a lot of recommendations online for both but the Tamron 17-50 (non-VC) is significantly cheaper. I currently own a Canon 50mm f/1.4 which is really great for portraits but I was wondering if you had any recommendations of a better "all-around" lens as well.

[@christopherfrost]

The Tamron (non-VC) lens is great value, but the Sigma lens is sharper (especially at 50mm) and has image stabilization

[@YuTuberzz]

Thanks so much for your help! I will definitely keep that in mind.

[@longanddeadly]

some cameras have in body shake reduction, and dont really have to worry about it...

[@YahyaNaell]

ur reviews are great Chris

[@tinanovak3537]

this or Sigma 17-50 2.8 os hsm? Please help to decide? Great reviews.

[@christopherfrost]

Check out my review of that particular lens, it will help you decide :)

[@maxfactor4209]

Christopher Frost Photography would you please tell your personal opinion (Sigma 17-55 or this one)

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

I'm seeing this lens being sold used for $130-$150.. Good Price for Mint condition?

[@christopherfrost]

Not bad

[@abhisekdutta6739]

As it doesn't have image stabilizer, how much problem will be there?

[@krollpeter]

There is no problem, for as long as you stay above 1/60 s shutter speed. If you are however mainly a videographer, you should consider an IS lens.

[@fikotai]

I wanna get this rather than the vc version. Is it a good choice? Seems it is :)

[@itaku]

50mm is a very manageable range hand held so the IS isn't really needed, it's good to have but it's definitely not needed.

[@CinematicTechnologies]

Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 vs. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6? As far as longevity, I'm guessing the Canon will last longer?

[@christopherfrost]

Well, they're completely different lenses, so I guess it depends on if you want to do telephoto photography or general purpose

[@CinematicTechnologies]

Whops! I meant to say Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 vs.Sigma 17-50mm F/2.8. :)

[@christopherfrost]

Ethan Swords the Sigma has an edge in build quality. Check out my fast standard zoom lens comparison video

[@karmazynowy_7]

Worth upgrading from the kit lens???

[@InterMaus]

Szymon Kucharski If you want to shoot it indoors or at low light in general, then yes, it is worth getting a fast zoom lens.