Okay so Ive had my Canon Rebel XTi now for almost two weeks and after a trip to the zoo and an Irish Music Festival Ive figured out that Im going to need a different lens. Right now I have the kit lens (18-55 mm). Any preferences in brands -- especially Sigma or Tamaron. Im looking at getting something up to about 200 mm. Thanks!
If you are looking for an all-in-one, perhaps try Tamron's new image stabilized 28-300 (I think they call it VC). Sigma makes one that is stabilized as well - the 18-200. Honestly Tamron seems to get a pretty good rep over on the Nikon side, while the Canon side seems to always prefer Canon lenses only; I think it may have to do with the more-electronic lens Canon EF lens mount. But as long as you get a good copy it should be fine, either brand. Lensrental's Roger feels that the Sigmas are in for service more often then any other brand, and they are in service a long time.
I rented the sigma 18-200 IS and was pleased with it's performance. I would recommend renting each of these and seeing which you like better. It will save you some disappointment in the end.
I bought a Tamron 28-105 for an "all purpose" replacement to the Rebel Kit lens. Frankly, I wasn't very impressed. It was awfully soft, and I thought the colors seemed a little muted throught it. I used it for about 6 months, and when I moved up and bought a 5D, I bought it in a kit with the 24-105 L lens. The difference was incredible. That's just my opinion though - plenty of others seem to like the lenses. Me ? I would have been happier if I had spent the $$$ on a 17-40 L (even with half the range).
