The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD and the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 92mm. The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD with a length of 82mm, is 10mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD's 74mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD weighs 430g, which means it is 135g (23%) lighter than the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM which has a weight of 565g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD and the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58.
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (DX) and Pentax KAF mounts.
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sigma SA and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of 17-50mm and the fastest aperture of F2.8.