Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Review
Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Feature
- 17-50mm aspherical zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon DSLR cameras
- Delivers fast shutter speeds and natural soft-focus effect to produce sophisticated results
- 3 elements of XR glass, 2 hybrid aspherical lens elements, and 1 element of LD glass
- Minimum focus distance of 10.6 inches; internal coatings eliminate ghosting and flare
- Measures 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.3 inches long; weighs 15.2 ounces; 6-year warranty
I’m not sure I can add much to the very comprehensive reviews already submitted for this lens. Because there is already so much written about this lens, I’ll try to keep this brief. By and large, I agree with others: this is a solidly built lens, it covers a very convenient “walk-around” focal range for a 1.6x APS-C DSLR, it has most of the features I was looking for, and it has very good optics.
Like many others, I was unwilling to shell out the dough for the comparable Canon model (17-55 IS), which would have cost me about two-and-a-half times more money. I also decided not to pay extra for the Vibration Controlled (VC) model, based on reports that the optical quality of the VC version was inferior. I opted for better sharpness and a lower price-point over the extra 3-stops or so of hand-held shooting that the VC offers (plus, I’ve heard that the VC is a bit loud in operation, but I’ve not tried one).
I’ve had the lens for only a few days, but my initial impressions are very positive. I did a quick comparison between this lens (at 50mm) and the Canon 50mm f/1.8. Wide open, the prime lens was much sharper in the corners, but the Tamron held its own in center sharpness. When the Canon was stopped-down to 2.8 (to equal the Tamron wide-open), the disparity was much more glaring; the Tamron wide-open at 50mm just cannot compete with the sharpness of the prime at f/2.8. But I think the Tamron’s corner sharpness tends to fall off as you move outward in the zoom range, so corner softness seems less of an issue at the wider focal lengths. Stopped down to f/4, the Tamron starts closing the gap, and by f/5.6 or so, I would say the advantage is negligible (though still noticeable if viewed at 100%). My conclusion from this unscientific comparison? This Tamron is excellent glass. For an inexpensive zoom to compete with (even if not surpassing) the sharpness of a notoriously sharp prime lens is impressive (the 50mm 1.8 is pretty sharp, and it is exceptionally so for its price). Yes, corner sharpness lags a bit, but that is to be expected from a zoom that isn’t priced at four digits or above. All things considered, including price, this lens performs very well in the area of sharpness, in my opinion. One other note about this comparison: the Tamron at 50mm was slightly wider than the Canon 50mm. This is neither good nor bad, just noteworthy.
Some other notes: build quality is sturdy. The lens mount is metal, and the barrel is plastic, but the plastic could be mistaken for metal. The lens does not feel cheap or chintzy–you can tell there is plenty of glass in there–but it is reasonably light-weight. It zooms fluidly but not sloppily: there is a good level of resistance in the zoom ring. I was pleasantly surprised with the focusing speed–pretty quick–and accuracy seems very good, too. But, focusing is a bit noisy, with a high-pitch buzz coming from the motor. Definitely not on par, sound wise, with the USM lens I replaced with this (but probably not quite as loud as the Canon 50mm f/1.8). Not a big deal for me, but if you wanted to shoot events with this lens (such as weddings), the focus motor will make it harder to remain inconspicuous.
Some other very minor nits: There is no full-time manual focus, and the focus ring turns during auto-focusing. This is not really a big deal, but I have to be careful not to interfere with the focus ring with my support hand during shooting. The lens is fairly compact, so if you have big hands you may need to train yourself to stay off the focus ring. I really with it featured full-time manual focusing. Also, while the lens is quite compact, it does grow 30-40% or so as it zooms out. There is a zoom lock switch to lock the lens at 17mm during storage. The included hood is a nice touch, but feels a bit cheap.
All in all, bravo to Tamron. I don’t think this is a perfect lens (hence the 4.5 stars), but it is a very practical lens. For its price and its type, it is very sharp. I can’t fault it for the lack of full-time manual focusing, because I knew it lacked that feature when I bought it. This lens is a fantastic and inexpensive alternative is the DSLR “walk-around” zoom class.
Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Overview
The SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 is a lightweight, compact, fast standard zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras, expanding the product concept of the popular SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 zoom lens. In addition, portrait shots are made beautiful with the natural out-of-focus effect characteristic provided by the fast F/2.8 aperture. Additionally, a broader photographic expression through the use of faster shutter speeds as a result of the maximum aperture offers enhanced photographic pleasure. The lens boasts one of the best close-up shooting performances in the class of fast standard zoom lenses designed exclusively for digital cameras and featuring an F/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, to ensure stress-free photographic shots at all focal lengths and distances.
Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Specifications
The Tamron AF 17-50mm aspherical lens expands on the popularity of the AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di zoom, with a 17mm focal length that offers a wider angle of view than an ordinary standard zoom lens. Designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with smaller-size imagers (24 x 16mm or smaller), the 17-50mm standard zoom is extremely lightweight and compact for its speed. And with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the range, it delivers fast shutter speeds and a natural soft-focus effect that makes your photography even more sophisticated than usual.
Superior image quality
Constructed with cutting-edge Tamron elements–three elements of XR (extra-refractive index) glass, two hybrid aspherical lens elements, and one element of LD glass–this elegant piece of technology inherits Tamron’s tradition of premium image quality and compact size. By incorporating Tamron’s SP (super performance) and Di-II (designed exclusively for digital cameras) specifications, along with special internal surface coatings to eliminate ghosting and flare, you’re guaranteed to get the superior performance you need from your digital camera.
Broadening your horizons
Tamron’s SP AF17-50mm offers a wider angle than the standard 18mm zoom lenses ordinarily used with digital cameras. With a wider-angle focal length of 17mm (26mm equivalent), this lens is unbeatable for indoor photography, and for capturing full-length people shots or an entire building. The lens is also top-level in its class for minimum focus distance at 27cm (10.6 inches) across the entire zoom range, making it easier than ever to enjoy the creative combination of wide-angle and macro photography.
- Focal length: 17-50mm
- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Angle of view (diagonal): 78 degrees (at 45 feet) to 31 degrees (11 feet)
- Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups
- Minimum focus distance: 10.6 inches
- Maximum mag ratio: 1:4.5
- Filter size: 67mm
- Diaphragm blades: 7
- Minimum aperture: f/32
- Standard accessory: Flower-shaped hood
- Compatible mount: Canon AF, Konica Minolta AF-D, and Nikon AF-D
- Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.3 inches long
- Weight:15.2 ounces
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 26, 2010 09:10:32
