Tamron lenses

[jenn-]

Are these considered as good as the name brand lenses? I keep seeing them listed in bundles with the cameras I am looking at.

 

[YEKCIM]

Are these considered as good as the name brand lenses? I keep seeing them listed in bundles with the cameras I am looking at.

Some are, some are not. You can google for reviews on any you are looking for. Keep in mind that some third party lenses do not have the in-lens focus motor, so they would not AF on a D40 or D40x if you are considering one of those models.

As a general rule, I'd try to stay with Nikon, if the focal length range is comparable and the price is affordable. As an example, I wanted an ultrawide zoom; Nikon's 12-24mm is a fine lens, but is almost $1000, which was out of my range. Instead I bought Sigma's 10-20mm for less than half that. It's probably not quite as good a lens, but is a little wider and less expensive, and gets generally good reviews. It also has the in-lens focus motor, although that was not an absolute requirement with the D50.

My other three lenses are Nikon, as they fit the focal length range I wanted, got good reviews, and were within my budget. In addition, I don't think any third party offered anything comparable.

Hope that helps.

~Ed

 

[webshark3]

It's better to look at and review a specific lens than a brand. Sometimes, the same line of lenses even differ (i.e. the original Canon 50mm Mark I was superior to the newer Canon 50mm Mark II). Sometimes it's extermely difficult to tell a version 1 from a version 2 of a lens, and the differnce can be from garbage to incredicle...

I own a Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 zoom lens (about $300). Optically, it's equal to the Canon 24-70mm F2.8 ($1500), but it's a full pound lighter and much smaller. However, the trade-offs include slower AF, lesser build quality, and it's not weather-proofed.

 

[Gdad]

I had a Tamron 18-200mm - it was really pretty good image quality wise- but the focus motor was incredibly slow and noisy compared to Nikon lenses.

 

[webshark3]

I had a Tamron 18-200mm - it was really pretty good image quality wise- but the focus motor was incredibly slow and noisy compared to Nikon lenses.

I don't own a Nikon, But have seen enough from Disney folk on Dpreview using Nikon's 18-200. I LOVE that lens. The Tamron is nice to, but Nikon just did something really great with that 18-200...

 

[handicap18]

I don't own a Nikon, But have seen enough from Disney folk on Dpreview using Nikon's 18-200. I LOVE that lens. The Tamron is nice to, but Nikon just did something really great with that 18-200...

Back to what you said. The Tamron 18-200 is $400 less than the Nikkor 18-200. And thats just based on the suggested retail. In reality its very difficult to find the Nikkor under $1000.

I love my Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro. One of the best lenses Tamron has made (based on reviews on MANY different photo sites).

They also makek a great 28-75 f/2.8 lens (as webshark has already stated) and their wide angle 12-24 f/4 lens is very good too.

 

[Groucho]

I've got the Tamron 28-75mm also and am fairly happy with it, though not overwhelmed. I might have gone for the Pentax equivalent but it's out of production and used ones are very expensive, and the new digital-only version is also significantly more than the Tamron (though certainly nicer.)

Though the Tamron will usually cost you more than $300! It's $380 at B&H minus $10 rebate, and I spent more than $300 for my used one.

Like YEKCIM said, to answer the original question, you really have to look on a lens-by-lens basis... everyone got some great lenses and some lousy ones, including the camera manufacturers.

 

[webshark3]

Though the Tamron will usually cost you more than $300! It's $380 at B&H minus $10 rebate, and I spent more than $300 for my used one.

I bought mine (28-75mm) before all the hype about it broke out. It was a "diamond in the rough". New for $299 and a $50 rebate brought it to $249.

Gotta love equipment that goes up in value.

 

[Anewman]

I bought mine (28-75mm) before all the hype about it broke out. It was a "diamond in the rough". New for $299 and a $50 rebate brought it to $249.

Gotta love equipment that goes up in value.

I purchased it at Buydig @ $330 a couple weeks ago, I loved it from day one... UNTIL my wife messed with the quick release on my tripod, down went the 20D with lens attached onto a hard wood floor.

Tamron did the repair under warranty even though it was our fault, I a was going out of town so I paid a RUSH fee($50). I was very impressed with Tamron's customer service. They have an authorized service center down the street in Cerritos CA, I dropped it off and it was ready in about 4 business days.

And the lens seems to be as good as new and is still covered by their warranty.

here is the first shot(and 100% crop) I took with my freshly repaired lens.

 

[crarmy]

I was under the impression that Tamron makes Canon lenses, can anyone confirm that??

 

[Groucho]

I was under the impression that Tamron makes Canon lenses, can anyone confirm that??

There's a lot of name brand sharing in the aftermarket field but not too much with the OEMs... I don't believe Tamron makes any Canon lenses, though there may be one or two exceptions - but it's certainly not true across the board.