View Full Version : Tamron 17-50mm 2.8
scooby snacks
16-01-2009, 01:26
I've currently got a Siggy 24-70mm 2.8 and a 70-200mm L f4 but I'm thinking of getting a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 to replace the Sigma as I'd like something a bit wider than 24mm due to using a 1.6 crop 400d.
Any opinions on the Tamron?
I'd like to keep to a 2 lens setup (money is a bit tight at the mo) and thought the 17mm would be better for landscapes, etc whilst the 50mm tele end would still be useful and I could switch to the 70-200 for more reach. Would I miss the extra reach of the Siggy?
i have the 28-75mm version of the Tamron and love it! its my most used lens and optically is the best of the lenses I own even though it was one of the cheapest.
ArthurDent
16-01-2009, 06:27
The 18-55 IS is worth considering if you're on a tight budget. Supposed to be way better than the original kit-lens.
More here: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=335&sort=7&cat=27&page=3
and...
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/181-canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f35-56-is-test-report--review
At The Gates
16-01-2009, 09:44
I have the Tamron and i think it's great. Can't think of any real faults with it. It barely comes off my camera.
Why not use an EXIF analyser (e.g. ExposurePlot (http://www.cpr.demon.nl/prog_plotf.html)) to see what % of your shots are taken between 50 and 70 mm? You'll have your answer.
scooby snacks
16-01-2009, 11:43
Why not use an EXIF analyser (e.g. ExposurePlot (http://www.cpr.demon.nl/prog_plotf.html)) to see what % of your shots are taken between 50 and 70 mm? You'll have your answer.
Thanks for the link, it looks good but unfortunately all my pics are in Canon's Raw2 format and I'm using a Macbook (not sure if Mac is supported).
I had a look through the pics on my laptop using Canon's DPP software (a bit of a chore:|) With the 24-70mm the majority of the pics are in the 45-50mm range. Followed by quite a lot at 24mm and then a few at 70mm. Maybe 1 or 2 in the 50-70mm range, so the 17-50mm should be fine. To be honest, I've compared pics at 70mm with the Sigma and the Canon, and the Canon looks much nicer.
So I think I'm sorted:thumbs: Thanks for all the advice.
DeadYankee
16-01-2009, 11:52
17mm isn't that much wider. You'd be better keeping the sigma and getting a wide angle lens (10mm) unless you plan on going full frame in the near future. Even then you could still sell it.
scooby snacks
16-01-2009, 12:06
17mm isn't that much wider. You'd be better keeping the sigma and getting a wide angle lens (10mm) unless you plan on going full frame in the near future. Even then you could still sell it.
Good advice and normally I'd do that but unfortunately I can't afford to buy another lens and keep the Siggy. I did own a 10-20mm for a while but hardly ever used it at 10mm, and when I did I usually had to crop to get rid of areas of 'nothing'. The majority of my pics with that lens were 15-20mm.
To be honest, I've gone right off the 24-70mm:( The zoom ring is pretty stiff ( a common 'feature' in this lens), its weighs a ton and its pretty soft at 2.8. I'm not expecting the Tamron to be razor sharp, but all the reviews I've read state it's pretty useable at that aperture.
At The Gates
16-01-2009, 12:54
The Tamron is pretty good at 2.8. Focusing at infinity on that aperture it's obviously not super sharp, but if you're focusing nearer it's great. The zoom ring is stiff on the Tamron too though! Well certainly compared to my 55-200 VR
I picked up the new model recently with the AF motor, and it's a very nice little performer.
I've just simply not used it though, so will be selling it on shortly if you're interested at all?...
Oh crap, you're Canon.. Scrap that. :razz:
scooby snacks
16-01-2009, 13:07
The Tamron is pretty good at 2.8. Focusing at infinity on that aperture it's obviously not super sharp, but if you're focusing nearer it's great. The zoom ring is stiff on the Tamron too though! Well certainly compared to my 55-200 VR
The Siggy is weird, its stiff (very)between 24-28mm then loosens up all the way to 70mm. Its still pretty stiff though. I read numerous reviews that stated this before I bought it but it was still pretty surprisingly just how stiff. I think anything would be stiff compared to the Canon 70-200, that thing is smooth.
Just ordered the Tamron, looking forward to having a play.
I picked up the new model recently with the AF motor, and it's a very nice little performer.
I've just simply not used it though, so will be selling it on shortly if you're interested at all?...
Oh crap, you're Canon.. Scrap that. :razz:
How much? ;)
How much? ;)
£230?
It's UK bought btw (Warehouse Express (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=384))...
I'm tied up in work till god-knows-what-time this evening, but can start a thread in the classifieds tomorrow with pics if you're interested.
The Siggy is weird, its stiff (very)between 24-28mm then loosens up all the way to 70mm. Its still pretty stiff though. I read numerous reviews that stated this before I bought it but it was still pretty surprisingly just how stiff. I think anything would be stiff compared to the Canon 70-200, that thing is smooth.
Just ordered the Tamron, looking forward to having a play.
The Tamron is a very nice lens, I've had a good look at it over the past couple of months when trying to decide what kit to buy. Ultimately I went with the Canon 17-40L because I'll mainly be taking landscape pictures with few portrait/group shots thrown in, so wanted to spend the money at the wider end. The Tamron though of course is 2.8, and has the extra 10mm and is supposed to be as sharp as a razor, a bargain at the current price.
£230?
It's UK bought btw (Warehouse Express (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=384))...
I'm tied up in work till god-knows-what-time this evening, but can start a thread in the classifieds tomorrow with pics if you're interested.
If you can do that and include a NEF that's shot wide open I'll take a look tomorrow. Might not be till late as I'm shooting a wedding :help:
raymondlin
16-01-2009, 19:01
I had a Tamron, if i am not planning to go FF I would've kept it, anyway, it is a GREAT lens, bargain for the money, it was sharp, good contrast and fast.
If you can do that and include a NEF that's shot wide open I'll take a look tomorrow. Might not be till late as I'm shooting a wedding :help:
Sure. How do you want the NEF? I don't have anywhere to upload it to.
scooby snacks
17-01-2009, 12:20
I got the 17-50mm today and just took a few snaps. Really impressed so far, focuses much quicker than the Sigma and is a much nicer size and weight.
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4037/img0452ue6.th.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0452ue6.jpg)
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