5DmkIII

Assuming you are referring to the Nikon 17-55, I can definitely recommend the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8. Half the price of the Nikon, and comes with VR. The VR means it makes a fairly decent video lens too. Not sure if the Canon has IS, but the sigma is still cheaper, and practically just as good.
He is referring to the canon 17-55 f/2.8 EF-s. No use on a 5d though.
 
Assuming you are referring to the Nikon 17-55, I can definitely recommend the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8. Half the price of the Nikon, and comes with VR. The VR means it makes a fairly decent video lens too. Not sure if the Canon has IS, but the sigma is still cheaper, and practically just as good.

Except at f/2.8, where one could argue it matters most. I've shot with the new Sigma on Canon, and a Nikonian friend bought the Nikon version. It's a great lens for the money, but it simply doesn't rival the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM.
 
I've heard the Tamron 17-50 is better than the Sigma. It's on my wishlist, but so is an upgrade to FF, I'm a confused individual.
 
Except at f/2.8, where one could argue it matters most. I've shot with the new Sigma on Canon, and a Nikonian friend bought the Nikon version. It's a great lens for the money, but it simply doesn't rival the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM.

Is this perhaps due to sample variation? A few of the review sites (DxO, LensTip, Bob Atkins, to name a few that I verified) found that the Sigma is comparable to the Canon in terms of sharpness at f/2.8, even in the corners.

But of course, sharpness isn't everything, so things like full-time manual focus override also have to be taken into account.

Anyhow, the OP just said that he is strapped for cash, so I though I'd recommend the cheaper alternative.
 
I lost sight of the OP's budget restrictions. But it's still fun to argue about gear :)

Is this perhaps due to sample variation? A few of the review sites (DxO, LensTip, Bob Atkins, to name a few that I verified) found that the Sigma is comparable to the Canon in terms of sharpness at f/2.8, even in the corners.

Could be if they're having centring issues, I suppose. I've seen three though, and they all performed similarly. That said, I'm the one who always points out that border/corner sharpness doesn't matter at f/2.8 if you're after shallow DOF. But there are definitely situations where it does matter.

But of course, sharpness isn't everything, so things like full-time manual focus override also have to be taken into account.

The Sigma has HSM. Are you saying it doesn't have FTM?
 
I lost sight of the OP's budget restrictions. But it's still fun to argue about gear :)

The Sigma has HSM. Are you saying it doesn't have FTM?

Nope, it does not have FTM. Nobody knows why, since they have it on some of their other ( cheaper! ) lenses. It boggles the mind how they can build superb optics for an enthusiast lens and neglect the FTM.

My copy is Nikon mount, though, but I doubt that the Canon mount would have FTM. Btw, I use it at f/2.8 almost exclusively, and I have never had reason to complain. But I mostly shot people and test charts :)

Anyhow, I am OT, so I'll leave it at that.
 
My copy is Nikon mount, though, but I doubt that the Canon mount would have FTM. Btw, I use it at f/2.8 almost exclusively, and I have never had reason to complain. But I mostly shot people and test charts :)

Checked with my Nikonian friend and it turns out I was wrong (about the border/corner sharpness) - I confused it with the older 18-50mm f/2.8.
 
This looks like one serious piece of hardware! The bonus for my industry is the HD filming that you can do with it
 
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