Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 review (w/pics!)

[wenrob]

First in a nutshell: Mama likey!

Pros:
SHARP, even wide open, seriously I'm blown away.
Color and contrast is awesome. May be a little contrasty for some but I'm a contrast junky.
Focus is excellent. I use focus points rather then single shot and am nailing 8 out of ten. I took 56 pics here and 40 of them are keepers easy.
Wider angle, didn't know how much I missed it.

Cons (though minor)
Can be a little slow to focus in lower light but not frustratingly slow. Easily compensated for.
A little distortion on the wide end but if you make sure to hold your camera level it's easily corrected.
Vignetting seems heavy to me but doesn't really bother me, I like vignettes.

Most of these were shot at f/2.8 ISO 640 SS 200. I really could have dropped the ISO but my kids were cooperating so I didn't want to take the chance of losing them by changing settings.

She dropped her sucker and it broke (twice!)

But she was happy after sister took her to rinse it off

This ones not quite up to par but she's so stiff in front of the camera and I made her laugh, it's one of my favorites

 

[mom2rtk]

Those are awesome! But then I guess it helps to have adorable kids!

Question: Did you get the one with IS or without? Just curious. I've been kicking around selling my XSI kit lens with IS as a down payment on one like this. I'd be curious to hear any opinions on this.

 

[wenrob]

Those are awesome! But then I guess it helps to have adorable kids!

Question: Did you get the one with IS or without? Just curious. I've been kicking around selling my XSI kit lens with IS as a down payment on one like this. I'd be curious to hear any opinions on this.

I don't think this one comes with IS. Honestly with the ability to shoot throughout the lens at f/2.8 and it being 17-50mm IS or VR is not needed. I really don't think you'd regret this lens. I'd trade VR (IS) for a fast lens any day. I love it already and my 28-70 is going to get jealous!

Thanks for the kind comment on my kiddos.

 

[My2Girls66]

Do you think its a better lens than the 28-75? Or is the focal length that you like better? Curious because I've been debating between the 2 for ike year now! I think the 28-75 would be better for me because I don't usually shoot wide but.....I fear wanting wider or the 17-50 just being a better lens. The photos look great, btw.

 

[wenrob]

Do you think its a better lens than the 28-75? Or is the focal length that you like better? Curious because I've been debating between the 2 for ike year now! I think the 28-75 would be better for me because I don't usually shoot wide but.....I fear wanting wider or the 17-50 just being a better lens. The photos look great, btw.

I think they're comparable though I think the 17-50 is a bit sharper and better at nailing focus. (or maybe I'm getting better at nailing focus?) For me I missed the wide end and I think that is what has me happy right now. I still wouldn't trade my 28-70 for anything, I *heart* that lens, it's the perfect walk around IMHO. I am trying to round out my kit and had always planned to get something on the wider end and something on the longer end. If you don't have similar plans and want something for walk around I'd say to get the 28-70.