Tamron Lenses for Nikon D80

AlphaMale

A friend of mine is looking to buy a new lens for his Nikon D80 and is getting advice from several sources.

The local camera store is recommending a Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF].
http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/1750_diII_a016.asp

He was considering buying a Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor.
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2149

His Father-in-Law recommended a Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO.
http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3315&navigator=6

So I'm wondering if anyone can give some direction on which way he should go. Is there one Brand name that is generally superior to others and is one of these specific lenses superior?

We are both VERY Amateur-Photogs and the foray into new lens purchasing is an adventure in itself.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ziggy53

AlphaMale wrote:

A friend of mine is looking to buy a new lens for his Nikon D80 and is getting advice from several sources.

The local camera store is recommending a Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF].
http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/1750_diII_a016.asp

He was considering buying a Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor.
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2149

His Father-in-Law recommended a Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO.
http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3315&navigator=6

So I'm wondering if anyone can give some direction on which way he should go. Is there one Brand name that is generally superior to others and is one of these specific lenses superior?

We are both VERY Amateur-Photogs and the foray into new lens purchasing is an adventure in itself.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

While all of the above are decent performers, I suggest that your friend would be best served by the:

Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD
Sigma AF 18-50mm f/2.8 DC EX macro
Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 G IF-ED DX
Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC
Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 G IF-ED DX
Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8 D IF-ED

... in pretty much that order based upon:

1) Value, trying to coordinate all the aspects of image quality and cost.
2) Resolution, breaking out that single attribute, but considering both center and edge resolution figures.
3) Constant aperture, a significant indicator of lens construction and design and a very handy feature for manual camera operation.
4) Versatility, this is a balance between zoom range and variable/fixed aperture, as well as some reflection on the resolution. Very subjective.
5) Flaws, every lens has them. Again, this is a subjective opinion (mine) trying to make sense of CA, Barrel/Pin Cushion, Vignetting and Resolution variance through the range.

Factor in that Sigma has (IMHO) the worst quality control, so you might have to try a few copies of a lens to be happy.

In other words, I agree with the camera store in this instance (pretty rare).

HoofClix

In the short to medium focal length arena that are the three that you mentioned in your post, the one the camera store is recommending is a great value because of the "fixed" f2.8 that it has. You will be able to take photos in lower light conditions at lower ISO. You'll just get more use potential out of it than the other two, allowing you to do more as you get more skilled.

Of course, depending on how much money you want to spend, Nikon's lead sled-dog in this arena is the 17-55 f2.8 ED-IF AFS-S DX:

http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2147

If you get that Tamron, use it for a while and then get really serious about it, then get the Nikon, and keep the Tamron as a backup for inclement weather conditions, etc...