Tamron 17-50 VC

[kpixels]

Do you reccomend it?
I have a t1i...want to get a portrait lens for portraits, groups, weddings..outdoor mostlt, but need a god one for indoor church settings..any help or suggestions to any other lens appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Big Mike]

I had the older version, the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 (without VC) and it was a good lens. Great image quality and the price was right.

I've heard the VC version is pretty good, but I've also read that some are finding it less sharp than the previous version. Also, it's a good deal more expensive than the non-VC version....which makes it a harder choice to make when compared to the 'best' lens in this category, the EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS.

 

[MLeeK]

Just remember tha tif you are going to ever upgrade to full frame-this one won't transfer. I also have the non VC version and I wish I could use it on my 5d2. I had to purchase the 28-75 f/2.8 to use with it.
AND you also have to be aware of the wide angle. At 17mm you get into barrel distortion-bent lines and big noses. I am FOREVER getting myself into trouble with it and having to correct it in post processing. Otherwise it's a great lens!

The VC decision is simple to me-First there was excellent photos taken before VC/VR/IS/OS... and it was done by following some basic guidelines. The most basic of which was that to avoid shake your shutter speed had to be equal to or greater than the reciprocal length of your lens. So at 50mm your shutter has to be faster than 1/50. Some teachers even taught that it had to be twice the reciprocal length of the lens which would be 1/100 or greater.
Then there are a few other guidelines you have to follow for shutter speed: If your subject is still life 1/80, if your subject is alive 1/125... So... is VC needed? Not really on that lens!
At some point you actually have to turn the VC off because it drains your battery and can actually cause vibrations in your image.

 

[shootermcgavin]

I'd personally look at sigma, if you can go to the store and put both lenses on you will feel the difference. They both took great images though. Tamron just tends to have a stickier zoom.

 

[kpixels]

I think I just need to go to a camera store in my town and check them all out...too bad there isnt any rental stores around here..dont know if I want to try the online rentals..

Im having a tough time making a decision!

 

[MLeeK]

Don't be afraid of the on-line rentals. They are WELL frequented by the pros all of the time.
LensRentals.com - Rent Canon, Nikon, Olympus, or Sony Lenses
www.borrowlenses.com
Rentglass.com - Lens rentals by mail for Canon and Nikon SLR cameras
Aperturent.com - Rent lenses & cameras by mail. Pick up in Atlanta.

get the insurance and go for a week if you can. You won't regret it.

 

[kpixels]

Cool! Thanks for the linksz..and for your help

 

[ghache]

I have the non VC version and it is sharp wide open. From F3.5+ it is tack sharp. I love mine. I bring it whenever i dont want to bring heavy and more expensive gear while getting clear result.

 

[djacobox372]

great lens, id pick it over the sigma, sigma looks and feels better, but tamron has better iq and reliability.

ive owned two sigma f2.8 zooms, both developed focusing problems, ive owned 4 tamrons and have never had an issue.