Sigma 18-50 vs Sony 16-55 vs Tamron 17-70 Lens Comparison

In this video I compare three of the best F2.8 walkaround zoom lenses for Sony APSC. You can check prices and buy your own lens here:

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[keystonebrotherb]

I bought the Tamron and glad that it’s big. My customer thinks it looks more expensive and professional than the little Sigma. I have a cage and a handle and people will pay more for that! Lol

[chatzida]

For video/hybrid users the VC image stabilization of Tamron is adding a lot to its value!

[michaelmolcsan]

I recently got the sigma 18-50 and I absolutely love it. It’s small, light, and the images that come out of it are just *chef kiss*. Granted, I have ibis in my camera so I don’t need the lens stabilization.

[ASVideo]

I own the Tamron 17-70 and in my opinion:
If you need the best picture quality for photography pick the Sony
If you need a video/photo lens and you don't have IBIS in your camera pick the Tamron
If you don't have much money pick the Sigma that for the price is amazing!

Currently i'm using the Tamron with my Sony A6300. Before i was using prime lenses, now i sold all of them and i'm using just the Tamron.

[rebeccamoore]

I have the Tamron. I do like a smaller size, but since I shoot with the a6600, it doesn’t seem too big. I enjoy the 17-70 range, and paired with the Sony 70-350 Focal lengths are pretty well covered. And I personally find the Tamron nice and sharp. Thanks for the comparison!

[nolongerslave]

I still ended up getting Tamron 17-70 over the Sigma 18-50, and I did not regret it. The extra reach of 20mm zoom with constant F2.8 is so crucial at certain moments, and it also gives greater shallow depth of field. I also appreciate with the extra 1mm wide when I shoot sceneries. Overall it feels great on my A6600 body and it doesn’t seem to be that bulky at all.

[cwantuch]

Thanks! This made my decision easy and I purchased the Sigma.

[joemiller]

This is the comparison that I have been waiting for. After watching, I don't regret my decision to go with the Tamron this past holiday season. My a6400 doesn't have IBIS, but the Tamron does have VC, it's fully weather sealed, and has a bit more reach. Given my use case - backpacking and cycling - the Tamron was a no brainer. The extra weight than the Sony and the Sigma is offset by the fact that I'll be able to reach further out wildlife and won't have to worry when it rains. All three lenses look great and potential buyers should really consider their use case for determining what's best for them before they buy.

[phuongshane.tran]

I recently bought the tamron 17-70 for $700 and i'm so glad I bought it. A bit late considering the price but when i compare the features that the tamron brought for my a6400. 17-70 is perfect zoom range, vibration control which is perfect for my a6400( no ibis), weather seal. I took it out for a photoshoot today and it performed unexpectedly awesome. For the price, sigma wins clean and clear but for overall features such as price range, vibration control, zoom range, and weather seal. Tamron is a total winner for my a6400
Another great review and comparison video Arthur. Thank you!

[alekslavuk]

Thank you for the great comparison. Got Tamron after all. I couple of reasons: 1) I have Sony a6400 which does not have IBIS, so Tamron's VC was a primary factor. 2) Having already Sony 70-350mm with OSS, adding 17-70mm Tamron completes the range. 3) Also, I frequently travel with Sony 70-350mm and already got used to its dimensions and its center of gravity on my camera. So, when it came to size/weight, I actually compared Tamron to Sony 70-350mm (its companion lense in my collection), rather than to its direct competitors. Thank you again for the great guidance!

[WeTheKims]

I bought the sigma 18-50 for my ZV-E10 and I love it! I don't even need OSS because I have to turn off all stabilization anyway in order to use gyro stabilization in catalyst browse anyway and the results are gimbal-like! I love the size. It's my favorite lens I've ever owned because its so compact. The lens is a work of art, really. I even enjoy just looking at the lens.

[aantonich]

I love my Tamron 17-70. It is on my a6000 70% of the time. My other workhorse lens is the sigma 100-400. The stabilization is key for me as I don't have the steadiest hands. The extra 20mm is real nice also.

[kylesharbrough]

Been waiting for this video. I picked up the sigma 18-50 over the holidays to replace my 16-50 kit lens. I will say I was impressed with the quality of the lens and the sharpness. Granted this is my first nice lens purchase. The only drawbacks I had were that there's no weather sealing and no image stabilization. This is a bummer but I think the price is justifiable for what you get.

[ivanostman]

Love comparisons from Arthur. I think Tamron wins this battle. Extra 15-20mm (70 range) and VC are the reasons that forces me to buy this lens.

[MrSwaggernaut]

My takeaway is that between the Sigma and Sony, the sigma takes the cake for 95% of use cases. Tamron versus Sigma seems to come down to the trade-off of range vs size (price difference isn't as big either so that helps), and for that I think to each their own.

[trapix]

My camera is Sony ZV-E10.
My main work is indoor/studio videography. I will also do outdoor videography and photography.

My choice is Sigma 18-50 for being lightweight, handy, compact and minimum focusing distance of 12.1cm.
On the other hand, Tamron 17-70 has an additional 20mm zoom and Image Stabilization.

Since the Sony ZV-E10 doesn't have in-body image stabilization and the Tamron has image stabilization, I think it might be better for outdoor videography and photography.

Since I haven't used either of them, I can't judge how effective the Image Stabilization is on the Tamron.

Can you tell me which lens should I get for Sony ZV-E10?

Reply please 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[leoandthefuture]

Agreed 100%. I tested these lenses deep with my second camera (first is 7smkii) Sony ZVe-10 and a DJI RS 3 mini. The Sigma 18-50mm WON.

[AndrewJones-tjet]

Great to see you do the comparison of these three. The Sigma looks like a great deal and very compact as well. I've got the Tamron 17-70mm and although larger than the others I certainly enjoy the greater focal range, lens stabilisation and decent minimum focus distance. The Sony always seemed a bit on the expensive side and I always wonder why they did not include OSS lens stabilisation in this one.

[joachimelenador]

I have Tamron, I bought it before Sigma came out and I do not regret. I tested Sony for a while and as I'm not professional I really missed the stabilization I have in other lenses (Sony 1.8 35mm for example). That's why I picked Tamron as it has stabilization. If I would have A6600 instead of A6100 I would definitely pick Sigma.

[klaasbloem]

I own the Sony lens, it replaced my Sony 18-105 G lens because 18mm was not wide enough for my needs. So the Sigma is no option for me, it is smaller, but that is to be expected starting at 18mm on the wide end. Love the 16-55mm.