Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras by Tamron
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Digital camera reviews of Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: Exceeded expectations
Summary: 5 Stars
I was so apprehensive with purchasing this lens. I bought the lens with the idea that I was going to have to exchange it several times before getting a copy that could focus properly in low light and was tack sharp, but perhaps I was just a very very lucky one. My lens focuses incredibly quickly and sharply even in the darkest of conditions especially compared to my 18-55 IS kit lens that I sold months ago. Yes, as in the other hundreds of reviews the focus is loud, but its not that bad... It is very apparent by the sound that it makes that it is focusing but people exaggerate how loud it truly is. I was pretty scared that I was going to get a very bad copy since quality control on these lenses are so bad so I ran it through a thorough battery of tests and it came through with flying colors. MY lens is even sharp at f/2.8 as some people have bickered about. Yes vignetting is very apparent at f/2.8 but I like that effect for my pictures. The lens build quality is not as bad as I was expecting either. It feels like it was built fairly well with a secure sense of quality weight to it.
Overall, even through the apprehension of receiving a poor copy I received a fantastic copy and could not have gotten a better walk around lens for 90% of my shots than the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for my Canon XSi, especially at only $400. Take some beautiful portraits and even better landscapes. The bokeh on the lens is good too.
Specs:
Canon XSi
Canon Speedlite 430EX II
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS
SOON some nice primes, most likely 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.8
Digital camera Review: Excellent Lens!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're in need of a nice solidly-built lens, with superior image quality and a decent price tag, then you are certainly in luck with this lens. From it's mostly-metal construction and solid metal camera mount, to its bokeh-happy 7-blade aperture and super-accurate, high-speed autofocus, this lens is worth every penny I paid for it. I bought mine as a replacement for my somewhat limiting 50mm prime. Having the ability to shoot as wide as 17mm gives me that extra level of flexibility without sacrificing image quality.
If you decide to purchase this lens, please do as I and many others have, make sure the dealer you use is an Authorized Tamron Dealer. Tamron's 6-year manufacturer warranty is one of the best in the business, and given how expensive even the most simple of repairs can be, is absolutely worth that extra minute you'll spend registering the lens after purchase.
Digital camera Review: Excellent Value
Summary: 5 Stars
In so many words, if you need a much better all-around kit lens replacement for your XTi, like I did... then this is THE lens you're looking for. Get it, you won't regret it!!!Digital camera Review: Excellent Value
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this lens as a general-purpose walkaround to go with my 20D. I've been thoroughly satisfied with its performance for the past six months, from traveling in Canada and Europe to portraits for friends. It's not a perfect lens--but in its price range, it can't be beat.
Pros:
-Image Quality: I don't have a lot of experience with L-quality glass, but from what I've heard from those who do, it compares favorably. What I do know is that it's far sharper than other budget lenses, including cheap primes like the 50mm f/1.8, and stays crisp when shooting wide open.
-f/2.8: what more need I say? For those who shoot in a variety of situations and can't afford multiple fast primes, the ability to shoot a stop or three faster than a kit lens is worth a lot, and it's even better with glass that stays sharp even wide-open.
-Bokeh: along with f/2.8, seven shutter blades make for very nice bokeh and make this an acceptable portrait lens at the 50mm end.
-Size & Weight: the 17-50 looks and feels just right on my 20D--it doesn't look like a toy (like the kit lens) and has a nice bit of heft, but it's not uncomfortably heavy or cumbersome. I spent full days walking around Italy with it in my bag or around my neck and never felt too weighed down by it.
-Price: Since I bought this lens right before leaving on a trip that I wanted it for, I ended up paying a bit of a premium for it, but at Amazon's price, it's, in my opinion, the best deal for a serious amateur looking for a quality starter lens at a reasonable price.
-Included Lens Hood: it's a nice to see a company sell a complete product, rather than charge an extra $40 for a little piece of plastic.
At this price, it's hard to come up with any real cons. The barrel distortion at the wide end is rather heavy, CA can be an issue (but not a huge one), and it'd be nice to have a little more range on the long end, along the lines of Sigma's 17-70mm. Users of Canon lenses may also dislike the fact that it zooms in the 'wrong direction', but with a little getting used to this shouldn't be a problem. None of these really detract from the fact that this lens performs very well at a very good price.
Digital camera Review: Excellent Value - Autofocusing Inconsistent
Summary: 5 Stars
This lens is a great value. Sharp, high contrast images even at large apertures. Great for portraits, landscapes and general "walkaround" photography. Appears to have a warmer color balance than my Canon 28-135mm lens. I noticed some chromatic aberration at small apertures, f/16, f/22 (other reviews do not concur with this). I'm guessing this lens was optimized for use at large apertures.
Has a quality, solid feel for its price. The zoom ring rotates in the opposite direction to other canon zooms, which can be annoying if not used often. I feel safe using this often with it's 6-year warranty.
My other Canon lens Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras seems to have a more neutral color balance, lower contrast and less chromatic aberration at small apertures, so I'll be sticking with that for product photography.
The comparable Canon lens to this, Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras is almost $600 more. I don't think that it is $600 better - maybe if it were $300-400 more than this lens it would be competitive.
If you don't have money to burn this is an excellent lens.
EDIT: After additional shooting, I've noticed the inconsistent focusing that others have mentioned. My 28-135 focuses correctly 95% of the time on my 40D body, compared to this lens which seems to focus correctly about 75% of the time. It seems to favor front focusing. I tried this lens on both XSI and 20D bodies and the same behavior was apparent, but the 20D seemed to be a bit better (maybe not as noticeable because of the lower resolution).