First of all, I am more of a hobbyist than a professional photographer. Secondly, I take photographs with my old Sony A6000 for family and casual occasions. Thirdly, I already own the kit lens 18-55 which is enough for some of my casual needs, and I also have an already wonderful the prime lens of Sony 35mm f1.8. That prime lens image production is fantastic and the size is definitely travel-friendly.
However, in some occasion, kit lens image quality is notoriously bland, and lack shallow depth of field (for bokeh, of course) is the dealbreaker sometimes. In other lens, the 35mm prime lens, even though I like it so much, the lack of zooming flexibility is what I miss most. In most of the cases, I felt limited so much when I am needing a wide focal length in a narrow space.
So what I am looking for is simply a zoom lens with larger aperture, something f1.8 to f2.8. AND quite importantly, without breaking my wallet, ideally around $600 (or around IDR 10 Million, in my country currency)
After a few bit of googling it and AI asking, there are two best candidate for it: Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 DI III-A VC RXD for Sony E vs Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 Sony E APSC DC DN.
There are already tons of review and comparison on these two on various platforms only to confuse me more. I decided to rent both lenses for 3 days and trying it out myself.
Here's my review.
Both are the definite upgrade from my kit lens, almost on every aspect. The Tamron extra 20mm from the Sigma is super handy for zooming into subject from further distance. The constant f2.8 in all focal length is an absolute deal. If you come from kit lens, both Sigma's and Tamron's is a great update.
What I like from the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8?
The size. Definitely a preferrable lens for my travel. The lack of stabilization shouldn't be a big issue. Even for handheld videos, you can always stabilize videos through video editing software. I am not a professional videographer as well, so this is nonissue. The price is also cheaper than the Tamron's.
Then what I like from the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8?
Definitely the extra zoom. It's always nice to have for various needs. The stabilization may also a great thing, but I do not really need it. However, the size is quite bulky when paired with my Sony A6000. The size and weight is like twice of the Sigma's... which is quite significant.
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| Shot with Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 DI III-A VC RXD. Focal Length 70mm, f/2.8, Shutter speed 1/10. ISO 160. The stabilization seem helps alot on slower shutter speed. |
What I pick neck between both lenses?
Funny enough, after 3 days renting both lenses, I think I will stick with my 35mm f1.8. LOL. Only when I really need extra zoom, for extra wide angle and a bit of zooming, I think I will go with the Sigma one.
Remember, I need zoom lens for travel, so portability is the key. Tamron is rather big. Even that I had ever used bulky setup combo like Canon 5D MKII with 24-70 f/2.8, the Tamron is definitely huge for my Sony A6000.
Meanwhile the Sigma 18-50 is half smaller and similar to my Sony 35mm f/1.8 (the smallest compared to both lenses). The absence of extra zoom in Tamron isn't that missed badly for me, altough I had to admit, it's always nice to have extra zoom.
But when I put back my Sony 35mm f/1.8, and took a few shots, I think I actually had a very good lens already. The weight which is pretty light, is also a fun experience.
Therefore, if I need extra versatility than a fixed 35mm and 18-55 kit lens during my travel, I will definitely go for Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 to be paired with my ASPC Sony A6000.
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