Canon 17-55 F2.8 or Sigma 17-50 F2.8

[FDavel]

These two lenses are very similar and sigma was obviously trying to offer the same quality as the canon for a better price. Have they succeeded? When I look at the tests, the sigma seems to be better and cheaper than the canon. I am just not sure about using the side and top/bottom focus points with the sigma. I heard rumors that the sigma is only accurate when using the middle focus point. Does anybody have any experience with both these lenses? Is it really worth spending the extra 2k on the canon?

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/53...0f28os?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/42...is_50d?start=1

[FDavel]

http://www.dpreview.com/products/sig...r-reviews/list

[FDavel]

OK! Not all at once lol! For those of you sitting with the same decision to make... Here is a review that also includes the Tamron 17-50 F2.8
It seems to me that the sigma is the better buy...

http://darwinwiggett.wordpress.com/2...-17-50mm-f2-8/

[jayson]

The Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS is a phenomenal lens. In my opinion it is the best lens for a canon crop sensor. Excellent for weddings and events. Lens is super sharp. The IS works brilliiantly.

[AlexMasu]

The 17-55mm lense is excellent lense and works well for me, but i would not buy that lense at R10k i got a secondhand one for R6K, value for money the sigma looks to be the lense...if you've got the cash go Canon

[Ivan Muller]

stick with the brand, better camera lens interface, works with dpp..etc etc

[LeonardF]

I would go with the Canon. The Sigma is not that much cheaper in South Africa i.e. R1500. (15% cheaper). Many of the reviews talk about the value for money on the Sigma but this is based on the Sigma being 60% of the Canon price as is the case in the USA ($619 vs $1059).
Then you still run the risk of incompatibility issues when you upgrade to a later Canon body. See link below
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk...ron-17-50mm-VC
Then there is the whole quality control and did you get a good copy................................Why take these risks if you are not getting the 40% saving in cost