Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 for T3i

sigma seems $100 costlier than Tamron in amazon, but which one is more sharper ? exp at wide angle as 17-25 mm which I soot often at Lakes

also which one handles better in bad weather like windy, cold, cloudy days

thks

Sigma 17-50/2.8 base on the review I read is the better of the two. If price difference isn't huge, buy Sigma. If price difference is huge, buy Tamron VC and saved some money.

There are 2 version of Tamron 17-50: a non-vc and vc. I have own both. I do not like tamron 17-50 (non-vc) numerous AF issues and imho over-hype. The newer VC from my ownership experience was impressive, AF is quieter & more decisive, VC works amazingly well.

Struggled with the same on my T3i some time back and got the Sigma. Cannot comment on the Tamron, but the Sigma does not have full time manual focus override. Wish it did, though not a deal breaker. Images were very sharp. I still have it, but do not use it much since I got a 5D Mark III.

thks guys and did forget to ask that it is sharper and better than the kit lens?

esp in difficult weather

It's capable of F2.8 across the entire zoom range, though it can be soft unless on a tripod. More light is gold. I'd say it is sharper than the Tamron. If you shoot RAW and process in Lightroom, it can provide some outstanding images. Better choice for indoor shooting than the Canon kit lens as well.