Pros/Cons of the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM:
Fast and quiet AF (but… see below)
Efficient and quiet “OS” image stabilisation
Sharp all the way from F2.8 – especially at 50mm
Excellent at F ≥ 4.0 (all focal lengths)
Nice carry-case included
Occasional AF issues at 17mm (quality control?)
Occasional “reverse vignetting” ghosting at 17mm F2.8 against strong light
“Reversed” zoom & focus directions (on Nikon, Sony and Pentax)
Rotating AF focus ring + no manual override
Pros/Cons of the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 SP XR Di II LD [IF] VC:
Reliable AF (but… see below)
Efficient “VC” image stabilisation (but… see below)
Excellent at F ≥ 4.0 (all focal lengths)
Sharp at 17mm (all apertures)
Good value for money in the EU (but less so in USA)
Long (5 year) warranty
Low image quality (soft) at 50mm F2.8
Noisy AF motor
Audible “VC” image stabilization
(a bit) dimmer than the indicated F2.8 at wide angle
Rotating AF focus ring + no manual override