Tamron 17-28mm vs Sigma 16-28mm: These two wide-angle zoom lenses are fierce competitors in the world of photography, each vying for a place in the kit of discerning photographers. Both lenses offer a compelling blend of versatility, image quality, and portability, making them attractive options for capturing expansive landscapes, architectural marvels, and dynamic street scenes.
But which lens reigns supreme in this head-to-head battle?
This in-depth comparison dives deep into the technical specifications, image quality, build, and performance of both lenses, uncovering their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll explore the subtle differences in their focal length ranges, maximum apertures, and image stabilization systems, ultimately helping you decide which lens best aligns with your photographic needs and aspirations.
Lens Specifications and Features
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD and Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary are both high-performance wide-angle zoom lenses designed for mirrorless cameras. They offer a wide field of view, fast aperture, and excellent image quality, making them ideal for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography.
However, there are some key differences in their specifications and features that might influence your choice.
Focal Length Ranges
The focal length range determines the field of view captured by the lens. The Tamron 17-28mm lens covers a slightly wider range than the Sigma 16-28mm lens. This means the Tamron lens can capture more of the scene at the wide end, which is beneficial for landscapes and architectural photography.
Choosing between the Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm lenses boils down to your priorities. Both offer excellent image quality and wide-angle perspectives, ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes and architectural marvels. But when it comes to travel photography, the lens is only one piece of the puzzle.
The best camera for travel is a balance of size, weight, and features. Ultimately, the Tamron 17-28mm might be a better choice for those seeking a more compact and lightweight option, while the Sigma 16-28mm excels in low-light situations due to its wider aperture.
The Sigma lens, on the other hand, offers a slightly narrower field of view at the wide end but extends to a slightly longer focal length at the telephoto end. This makes the Sigma lens more versatile for a wider range of subjects, including portraits and street photography.
Maximum Aperture
The maximum aperture of a lens determines its ability to gather light and its performance in low-light conditions. Both the Tamron and Sigma lenses have a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. This fast aperture allows for shallow depth of field, creating pleasing background blur and enabling shooting in low-light conditions without compromising shutter speed.
The Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm lenses are popular choices for wide-angle photography, but some photographers crave an even wider perspective. For those seeking the ultimate in wide-angle coverage, the Leica DG 15mm f/1.7 lens offers a truly immersive field of view.
While the Tamron and Sigma lenses excel in their versatility, the Leica’s fixed focal length allows for exceptional sharpness and low light performance, making it a favorite among landscape and architectural photographers who prioritize image quality above all else.
Lens Construction
The lens construction refers to the number of elements and groups that make up the lens. This affects image quality, including sharpness, contrast, and distortion. The Tamron 17-28mm lens consists of 16 elements in 12 groups, while the Sigma 16-28mm lens has 16 elements in 13 groups.
The difference in construction can impact image quality, but it’s difficult to definitively say which lens performs better without comparing actual images.
Image Stabilization Systems
Image stabilization systems help to compensate for camera shake, improving sharpness, especially in low-light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. The Tamron 17-28mm lens features Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) system, while the Sigma 16-28mm lens lacks image stabilization. This means the Tamron lens is better suited for handheld shooting in low-light conditions, while the Sigma lens requires a tripod or other stabilization methods for optimal results in such scenarios.
Minimum Focusing Distances
The minimum focusing distance determines how close you can get to your subject while still achieving focus. The Tamron 17-28mm lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 meters (11 inches), while the Sigma 16-28mm lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.25 meters (10 inches).
This means the Sigma lens can get slightly closer to the subject, making it better suited for close-up photography.
Filter Size
The filter size refers to the diameter of the filter thread on the lens. Both the Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm lenses have a filter size of 77mm. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of filters, including UV, ND, and polarizing filters, allowing photographers to enhance their images and achieve specific effects.
Image Quality Comparison
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD and the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary are both popular wide-angle zoom lenses designed for mirrorless cameras. While they share some similarities, their image quality performance can vary significantly. This section delves into the key aspects of image quality, offering a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Sharpness and Resolution
Sharpness and resolution are crucial aspects of image quality, determining the level of detail captured in an image. The Tamron 17-28mm generally excels in sharpness, particularly at wider apertures. It maintains excellent detail throughout the focal length range, with a slight drop in sharpness towards the edges at the widest aperture.
The Sigma 16-28mm, on the other hand, exhibits a softer rendering, particularly at the wider end of the zoom range. It shows improved sharpness at narrower apertures, but it may not reach the same level of detail as the Tamron.
- The Tamron 17-28mm offers superior sharpness, especially at wider apertures, making it ideal for capturing intricate details.
- The Sigma 16-28mm exhibits softer rendering, especially at wider apertures, but improves with narrower apertures.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
Chromatic aberration (CA) and distortion are optical imperfections that can affect image quality. CA occurs when different colors of light focus at different points, resulting in colored fringes, particularly in high-contrast areas. Distortion, on the other hand, can cause straight lines to appear curved or bowed.
- Both lenses exhibit minimal chromatic aberration, which is effectively corrected in post-processing.
- The Tamron 17-28mm has a slightly higher level of distortion, particularly at the wider end of the zoom range, while the Sigma 16-28mm exhibits lower distortion.
- Both lenses have distortion correction profiles available for popular photo editing software, enabling you to easily correct any remaining distortion in post-processing.
Bokeh and Color Rendition
Bokeh, the out-of-focus areas of an image, plays a significant role in creating a pleasing aesthetic. Color rendition refers to the accuracy and vibrancy of colors in an image.
The Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm lenses are both popular choices for photographers seeking wide-angle versatility. While both offer excellent image quality and sharpness, the Sigma boasts a slightly wider field of view, making it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes.
To see examples of how these lenses perform on a Canon Rebel T7, check out this collection of Canon Rebel T7 pictures featuring various lenses. Ultimately, the choice between the Tamron and Sigma comes down to personal preference and specific shooting needs, with the Sigma offering a wider perspective and the Tamron prioritizing slightly faster autofocus.
- The Tamron 17-28mm produces a smoother and more pleasing bokeh, particularly at wider apertures, making it suitable for capturing portraits with a soft background.
- The Sigma 16-28mm exhibits a slightly more pronounced bokeh, which can be either a desirable or undesirable characteristic depending on the desired aesthetic.
- Both lenses offer accurate and vibrant color rendition, with a slightly warmer tone in the Tamron and a more neutral tone in the Sigma.
Vignetting
Vignetting is the darkening of the image corners, especially at wider apertures. It can be corrected in post-processing.
The Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm are both excellent wide-angle zoom lenses, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the best one depends on your specific needs and priorities. For a Canon 5D Mark IV, the decision might come down to your desired focal length range – the Sigma’s wider 16mm end offers a bit more perspective for expansive landscapes, while the Tamron’s 28mm end might be more useful for architectural photography.
To delve deeper into the best lens for your Canon 5D Mark IV, check out this comprehensive guide: best lens for canon 5d mark iv. Ultimately, the choice between the Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm boils down to your individual shooting style and the types of subjects you typically photograph.
- Both lenses exhibit vignetting at wider apertures, particularly noticeable at the widest focal length.
- The Tamron 17-28mm exhibits a slightly more pronounced vignetting compared to the Sigma 16-28mm.
- Vignetting can be easily corrected in post-processing using software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One.
Image Examples
To illustrate the differences in image quality, consider these hypothetical scenarios:
- Landscape Photography:The Tamron 17-28mm excels in capturing sharp landscapes with vibrant colors, particularly when shooting at wider apertures. Its smooth bokeh helps to create a pleasing background blur, enhancing the subject’s prominence. The Sigma 16-28mm may produce slightly softer images, but its wider field of view can be advantageous for capturing expansive scenes.
- Architectural Photography:The Sigma 16-28mm’s lower distortion can be beneficial for photographing architectural structures, ensuring straight lines and minimal perspective distortion. However, the Tamron 17-28mm’s sharper rendering can capture finer details in the architecture.
- Astrophotography:The Tamron 17-28mm’s sharper rendering and wider aperture can be beneficial for capturing the stars with more detail and clarity. The Sigma 16-28mm’s wider field of view can capture a larger portion of the night sky, but its softer rendering may result in less detail in the stars.
Build Quality and Design: Tamron 17-28mm Vs Sigma 16-28mm
The build quality and design of a lens are crucial factors for photographers, influencing their durability, handling, and overall user experience. The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD and the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lenses both offer compelling features, but they differ in their materials, weight, and design elements.
Build Materials and Construction
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens features a magnesium alloy construction for its barrel, providing both strength and lightness. This construction makes it more robust than the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary, which uses a polycarbonate construction.
The magnesium alloy construction in the Tamron lens offers greater resistance to impact and wear, making it a more durable option for photographers who often use their lenses in demanding environments.
Weight and Size
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens weighs approximately 420 grams, while the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary weighs about 470 grams. The Tamron lens is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
The weight difference is attributed to the magnesium alloy construction in the Tamron lens compared to the polycarbonate construction in the Sigma lens.
Focusing Mechanisms
Both lenses feature internal focusing mechanisms, meaning that the lens elements move internally during focusing. This design helps to maintain a consistent lens length during focusing, which is beneficial for maintaining balance and stability when shooting. The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens uses a stepping motor for autofocus, while the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary employs a linear motor.
Stepping motors are known for their precise and quiet operation, making them suitable for video recording. Linear motors, on the other hand, are generally faster and more powerful, delivering quicker autofocus speeds.
Weather Sealing, Tamron 17-28mm vs sigma 16-28mm
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens features weather sealing, which protects it from dust and moisture. This feature is important for photographers who shoot outdoors, especially in challenging weather conditions. The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens does not offer weather sealing.
Design Features
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens has a dedicated zoom ring, aperture ring, and focus ring. The zoom ring is smooth and responsive, allowing for precise adjustments. The aperture ring is located at the front of the lens, making it easy to access and adjust.
The focus ring is also smooth and well-dampened, providing a tactile and accurate focusing experience.The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens also features a dedicated zoom ring, aperture ring, and focus ring. However, the aperture ring is located at the rear of the lens, which may not be as convenient for some photographers.
Price and Value
The Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm lenses are both excellent choices for photographers seeking a wide-angle zoom lens with exceptional image quality. However, their pricing and value proposition differ, making it essential to consider your budget and intended use before making a decision.
Price Comparison
The Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm lenses are priced similarly, making the choice more about specific features and performance aspects. The Tamron lens typically retails for around $800, while the Sigma lens is slightly more expensive at around $900. This price difference is not significant, especially considering the quality and performance of both lenses.
Value Proposition
Both lenses offer excellent value for their price. The Tamron 17-28mm provides exceptional image quality and a wider field of view, making it ideal for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography. Its compact size and lightweight design are also attractive for travel photography.
The Sigma 16-28mm, on the other hand, offers even wider coverage, a faster aperture, and superior sharpness at wider apertures. This makes it a more suitable choice for low-light photography and situations where depth of field control is crucial.
Alternative Lenses
There are several alternative lenses in the same price range that offer compelling advantages. The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM, for example, is a popular choice known for its excellent image quality and weather sealing. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is another strong contender, offering similar performance with a slightly wider zoom range.
However, both lenses are slightly heavier and less compact than the Tamron and Sigma lenses.
Factors to Consider
When choosing between the Tamron and Sigma lenses, several factors are crucial. If budget is a primary concern, the Tamron 17-28mm is the more affordable option. If wider coverage and faster aperture are essential, the Sigma 16-28mm is the better choice.
For travel photography, the Tamron lens’s compact size and lightweight design are advantageous. Ultimately, the best lens depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Closing Notes
The choice between the Tamron 17-28mm and Sigma 16-28mm ultimately boils down to your specific priorities. The Tamron lens excels in sharpness and versatility, while the Sigma lens offers a wider field of view and potentially better low-light performance. Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your shooting style, budget, and the type of photography you prioritize.
By carefully considering the nuances of each lens, you can make an informed decision that empowers you to capture stunning images and push the boundaries of your photographic vision.