Currently viewing the tag: "zoom lens"
To read my original review please click here. Thanks.
Update: 09/29/2012
After more than a year of using the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF)
The Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 Mounted on a Canon EOS 60D
Before anything else, I got mine from Amazon
I bought this lens to replace my year old Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC. I sold it after getting my Canon EF-S 10-22mm F/3.5-4.5 Ultra-Wide Angle Lens. Now I have perfect trio, the EF-S 10-22mm, tamron 28-75mm F/2.8, and the Canon EF 70-200mm F/4 IS USM.
I was really hesitant at first, and I really wanted the Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8, I didn't even bother to look at the Tamron at first. My eyes were stuck at the Sigma 24-70mm EX and the Canon 24-70mm F/2.8, then while I was reading some reviews I came across the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 and all reviews say that it has a great optics and produces excellent image quality across the board, so I look deeper and was convince and finally bought it, thinking that I'll just return it if it doesn't work the way I want.
Ok so let's get on with the review. The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 is a fast zoom lens, compatible with both full framed and APS-C sensor cameras. It is regarded as the smallest and lightest in the history of Fast Zoom Lenses, and yes it is, up to now, it still is the most compact lens in the 24-70mm focal range competing with top name brands like Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Sigma. This little gem has a fast F/2.8 fix aperture and is very affordable. It bears the SP designation, for Super Performance which is Tamron's top of the line lenses.
What's with the name?
Like all Tamron lenses, this lens has a very long name – Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF)
- SP – SUPER PERFORMANCE : Tamron SP (Super Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality.
- XR – EXTRA REFRATIVE INDEX GLASS : XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass can bend light rays at steeper angles, thereby decreasing the physical length of the lens while enhancing imaging performance by minimizing optical aberrations.
- ZL – ZOOM LOCK : Another original Tamron mechanical engineering concept is the Zoom Lock (ZL), a simple convenience feature that prevents undesired extension of the lens barrel when carrying the camera/lens unit on a neck strap.
- Di – DIGITALLY INTEGRATED : Di (Digitally Integrated Design) is a Tamron designation that applies to lenses that have been optimized for digital capture using advanced multi-coating techniques and optical designs that assure excellent image quality across the entire picture field.
- LD – LOW DISPERSION : Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colors to come to different points of focus at the image plane.
- ASPHERICAL : These innovative optics allow us to achieve the ultimate in image quality, and at the same time produce lenses that offer remarkable zoom ranges in extraordinarily compact packages.
- IF – INTERNAL FOCUSING : Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing.
Tamron likes the names of their lenses to be descriptive. For this post I will just refer to this lens as Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8.
Specifications:
| Model | A09 |
| Lens Construction (Groups/Elements) | 14/16 |
| Angle of View | 75°-32° |
| Diaphragm Blade Number | 7 |
| Minimum Aperture | F/32 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.33m (13") (entire zoom range) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 1:3.9 (at 75mm) |
| Filter Diameter | ø67 |
| Weight | 510g (18.0oz.) |
| Diameter x Length | ø73mmx 92mm (2.9in x 3.6in) |
| Accessory | Lens hood |
| Mount | Canon Nikon with Built-In Motor Pentax Sony |
What's included?
The Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 comes with a detachable petal lens hood, manual, and registration form. There's no padded case included like most Sigma Lenses.
Build Quality.
The Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 build quality is descent. It's light, made of plastic and rubber and feels solid enough. It has no weather proofing and no dust sealing. It's lighter than my previously owned Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8, the 17-50mm is way bigger and heavier, and the 17-50mm can smash the 28-75mm if they fight 1 on 1 on the ring. Comparing it to the kit lens, the 28-75mm wins hands down. The zoom and focus rings are just the right size, perfect for my hand, it is well damped, not to tight, not too loose. Also the zoom and focus rings are made of rubber which are really nice to grip. The Tamron 28-75mm extends when zooming, but the front element doesn't rotate, making it perfect for CPL users. The focal length lock is a great addition, maybe when the lens gets old the lock will surely prevent zoom creep, which is common on most zoom lenses.
Strong Points and Reasons to buy this lens:
- Fast F/2.8 Fix Aperture
- Excellent Image Quality / Excellent Optics
- Light / Compact / Perfect for the traveler
- Great for Low Light
- Cost
Weak Points :
- No Full Time Manual Focus
- No VC /IS /OS /VR
- No Weather Sealing / Proofing like the Canon 24-70mm L
Performance
The Tamron AF 28-75mm feature a built-in focusing motor, the lens extends when zoomed, but does not change length on focusing and the front of the barrel does not rotate. The focus ring however rotates during autofocus, so I'd like to remind you to keep your hands away from it.
Auto Focus of the Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 is quite good and probably better than the Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8, it's consistent and acquires focus fast. It also performs great in low light situation, it doesn't hunt, again, in this case, I find it better than it's younger brother 17-50mm, and my nifty-fifty ( EF 50mm F/1.8).
Manual focus is very smooth and well damped, almost as nice or close to the EF 85mm F/1.8.
Here are sample photos taken with the Tamron 28-75mm mounted on a Canon EOS 60D. Sample photos were taken at 28mm and at 75mm at apertures F/2.8, F/4, F6.3 and F/8 at ISO 100, white balance set to Daylight. Photos were taken between 10 and 11 am. During the test the camera was mounted on a tripod and all images were taken in raw format and was converted to jpg using adobe lightroom 3, no adjustments where done to the photos, all are OOC(out of camera).
Shot at 28mm
Test Scene Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 28mm F/8
Cropped – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 28mm F/2.8
Cropped – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 28mm F/4
Cropped – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 28mm F/6.3
Cropped – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 28mm F/8Shot at 75mm
Test Scene Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 75mm F/88
Cropped – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 75mm F/2.8
Cropped – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 75mm F/4
Cropped – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 75mm F/6.3
Cropped – Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Test at 75mm F/8Conclusion:
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF)
You can get the Tamron AF 28-75mm from Amazon and is available in the following mounts:
- Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
- Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) with Built-In AF Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
- Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras
- Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras
Update: 09/29/2012
I have posted an update for this review. You can read it here.
This is a follow up on the mini review a wrote for my Tamron 17-50mm VC back in March of 2010. You can read the post here.
For the past 1 year and 19 days at the time of posting, the Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC has been my primary lens. It’s the lens that I use most the time other than my Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 II. I’ve use it in events, rallies, birthday parties. I’ve use it in hot and cold weather conditions, I used it day or night and it still take great pictures except for the occasional hunting when it is really dark.
I’m really happy with my decision to buy it over the more expensive but impressive Canon EF-s 17-55. Mainly because I was able to save around $450, the EF-S 17-50mm was around $1099 at that time. I then use the savings to get myself a EF 85mm F/1.8 USM Prime Lens which is a great lens for portraiture and macro when paired with an extension tube. As I remember I was set to get the Canon brand, but what made me picked the tamron was really the price. $1099 is a lot of money and for me to spend that much on a lens that is not L quality is too much.
Ok, let’s disect this lens. The Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC has a somewhat textured finish as you can see on the photo on the left, it’s entirely made of hard plastic, but it feels really solid and very well made, in fact it’s heavy, heavier than my previous, EF 28-135mm IS USM, it weighs 21.8 oz, or 1.365 lbs. with the lens cap and lens hood on. When attached to the EOS 20d they weigh 3.020 lbs or 48 oz. The lens mount is made of entirely of metal which is important. The zoom and focus ring are rubberized which add to the overall excellent feel and handling of the lens. The size of the focus ring is just for my hand, I can easily reach on and turn it when needed. Full-time manual focus would have been nice, but I don’t miss it. I know that already before I bought it. With this lens, I have to flip a switch to engage AF / MF and to use the focus ring. Manual focus is nice, it’s smooth, almost like the EF 85mm F/1.8 USM.
Here are some of the features I love:
- Takes outstanding photos.
- F/2.8. Great for low light.
- VC (Vibration Compensation) really works, adds 4 stops of stabilization, perfect for hand held low light situations.
- Heavy, makes the weight well balance for my tastes.
- Made of hard plastic but has excellent build quality, very solid.
- Metal lens mount.
- It’s sharp especially when stop down.
- Auto focus is consistent and fast, although in very dim light, like any other lens, it hunts.
- Manual focus ring works great, not too tight, not too loose.
- The front element of the lens does not rotate during focusing or zooming, making it ideal for filter use. This is important if you love usin CPL.
- Comes with a great Lens Hood ( I used it 95% of the time). Perfect for protection and shade.
- Although not weather sealed like L lenses, it’s durable enough and can handle the beating.
- Zoom ring locked is a great addition. THis will surely prevent Zoom Creep if it ever happens. This is a big problem with the Canon ef 28-135mm IS USM
- Perfect for Street Photography. Shoot at 17mm and you can capture people in it’s environment, shoot at 50mm for close-up portraits.
What I don’t like:
- After a year of continous use, I’ve noticed that some dust has accumulated on the inside, which does not affect image quality.
- A little soft at F/2.8
- No full-time manual focus. I need to flip a switch to engage AF/MF.
The Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC in action:
You can see more of my photos that were created using the Tamron 17-50m F/2.8 VC on my 2011 and 2010 Photos of the Day Section.
Conclusion
This lens is not perfect, it has it’s own weaknesses. But when you learn to work around those weaknesses, it will give you excellent results. Would I recommend it? Yes I would, definitely. If you are sure that you will not upgrade to a full frame sensor in the future, this lens is perfect. This is one of the reason why I chose it over the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
If I’m going to buy a lens in the $1000 + price range I’ll make sure that I get myself an L quality lens and something that will work on a full framed sensor. But that’s just me.
Here are some photos of the Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC
The Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC is available from Amazon, B & H and Adorama in Canon and Nikon Mounts:
Canon Mounts
Nikon Mounts:
The Latest Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD is Now Available For Pre Order at Amazon.Com
- Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 100 to 300mm with most cameras
- Offers Sigma’s OS System (Optical Stabilization) allowing handheld photography even in low-light situation
- HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus
- FLD glass elements with performance equal to fluorite glass for compensate for color aberration
Read my first post about this lens here.
It has been more than three months since I got this lens last december, and the more I use this lens, the more I like it. I mentioned before that I will replace it, when i have the money to upgrade, but now, I decided, I’ll keep it. This lens gave me a chance to save my money so I can get the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM
The EF 70-210mm F4 Macro, is a good lens, it has good optics. If only it has usm and Image stabilizer, it can be a great performer. Just like any other non stablized lens, you will need a tripod or monopod with this lens. It can be pretty challenging when you use a non stabilized lens indoors and in low light situations, that’s why I always carry my Manfrotto 680B Monopod
Continue reading »
I have an updated review of the lens here. You can read it when you're done here. Thanks. I Not really a thorough review, just my impression and experience with this great lens.
I bought my Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 SP XR Di II VC (Vibration Compensation) Zoom Lens for my Canon XS from Amazon on January 11, 2010 and since then it has been my primay lens. Before this Tamron 17-50mm, I was using the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Zoom Creep is a lens’ tendency to slowly (or rapidly) extend or shorten, depending on the downward or upward tilt of the camera. It absolutely necessitates the use of two hands while using the lens and is problematic.
Several people have suggested different methods in dealing with this problem, my favorite being the use of a piece (or pieces) of “gaffer’s tap” along the barrel of the lens, to “lock it” at the zoom length you have chosen for your shot. Gaffer’s tape rarely leaves residue, unlike masking tape and such. Get a roll.
From DCresource.com
Business Cards by Moo, Get Yours Now!!!
