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Canon 17-55 f/2.8 or Canon 24-70 L f/2.8 to replace Tamron 17-50 f/2.8

Started Jun 4, 2013 | Discussions thread
jitteringjr Veteran Member • Posts: 3,608
Add a prime instead or go long.

Assuming you have the non VC version of the Tamron, it is a pretty good lens in the IQ department.  The Canon 17-55 will only be a touch sharper throughout the frame.  The Sigma 17-50 will be sharper in the center but slightly softer at the corners.  The 24-70/2.8 is probably overall softer.  The new 24-70/2.8 II you will notice sharper images, but not as much as your wallet's weight would drop in buying it.

The reason to upgrade the Tammy is going to be for stabilization, faster and quieter focusing, or better build.

On the other hand, anything you replace the 75-300 with will give you noticeable IQ improvement.  Even the 55-250 will be a jump in IQ. Here are some ideas for replacing that keeping in the same budget as the 17-55 or less:

Tamron 70-300 VC, 70-200/4 non IS or the IS version, the 135/2 L, the 200/2.8 L, Sigma 70-200/2.8 OS, and the Sigma 50-150/2.8 OS.

If you want to keep to the standard focal lengths, maybe add a nice prime or two.  The Sigma 35/1.4 and the Canon 35/2 IS are both excellent standard primes for crop.  There is also the Sigma 30/1.4.  I have the older version, but there is a slightly improved Art version now.

 jitteringjr's gear list:jitteringjr's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM Canon EF 135mm F2L USM +9 more
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GKN
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