Tamron 28-75mm 2.8?

[ryan7783]

Anyone have any experience with this lens? I'm looking for a good portrait lens. I already have the 50mm 1.8 - so no need to suggest it.

I've read some decent reviews on it but I'm curious to know what you all think of it. I generally like to stick to Nikon or Nikkor products but if this lens is nice enough, I'll consider it. Anyone?

 

[randerson07]

This is my main lens, I think its fantastic. And 28mm on my film SLR is nice and wide.

I also have a tamron 17-50 and love it as well. The build quality is good but dont think that it will match nikkor or canon. The focusing is a litte loud, but its not bad.

There are lots of examples both on film and digital in my flickr

 

[ryan7783]

what do you mean by loud focusing? and is it correctable in PP?

 

[randerson07]

I mean physically, when your focusing on your subject the lens makes noise, the Image Quality is top notch.

 

[ryan7783]

I mean physically, when your focusing on your subject the lens makes noise, the Image Quality is top notch.

oh that doesn't bother me - after all I'm not sneaking up on my subjects. :mrgreen:

thanks for the help :thumbup:

 

[Rhys]

I have this lens. I also have the 17-85IS. I don't ever seem to use the 28-75 as it's slow and inaccurate focussing is such a pain. My 17-85IS snaps into sharp focus in a way this lens should but doesn't.

Personally I would avoid this lens altogether and get something from Canon or Nikon even if it costs twice as much because it'll make the difference between "ooh I wish that was sharp" and "gosh that's sharp".

 

[ryan7783]

is it really as bad as you say or are you talking comparatively with the Canon glass? I noticed you have your own business - so I suppose your standards are pretty high, yes?

I just want a good portrait lens - period. Something I can use for portraits but also takes decent "general" shots too. I like my 50 1.8 but sometimes I like being able to zoom out a bit, especially in tight spots.

I've also been very interested in the Sigma 10-20mm 2.8 but I don't know how versatile that lens is for portraiture and general shots.

 

[randerson07]

I dont see the same issues, Ive used the 17-55IS alot as my mother has one. I also own a 70-200L and have used a 70-200 IS L quite a bit. Yes they focus much quieter and much faster, but my Tamrons do not miss focus, and they are just as sharp.

The only reason I want to upgrade to a 24-70L is that Ive put a few thousand clicks on my Tamron and have abused it and the cameras attached to it, and its starting to show, the barrel wobbles a bit when fully zoomed out. Where as my 70-200L shows no signs of wear.

If your price range is $400 or so, I would get the tamron or even the sigma. I owned the sigma before the Tamron. I broke it using it on a humid, Sandy, Salty, windy, Florida beach. But it was a few yrs old and worth the $200 or so I paid for it used.

 

[Montana]

I have heard lots of good about this lens! I don't own it myself, but would like to. I have the 17-70 and the 50-500, both Sigmas. I never have any problems with my sigma glass. For the money, I love 'em.

 

[Mike_E]

I have this lens. I also have the 17-85IS. I don't ever seem to use the 28-75 as it's slow and inaccurate focussing is such a pain. My 17-85IS snaps into sharp focus in a way this lens should but doesn't.

Personally I would avoid this lens altogether and get something from Canon or Nikon even if it costs twice as much because it'll make the difference between "ooh I wish that was sharp" and "gosh that's sharp".

A new Tamron is $350, a new Nikon is $1700. 5 times the price ($1350) for something someone who doesn't use the lens all day every day is nuts! I found a Tokina 28-80mm f/2.8 that I really like for a bit more than the Tamron.

 

[jcolman]

I just bought this lens and I love it. Sharp as a tack! Much sharper than my $900 16-35 L glass.

 

[Stranger]

very very nice glass for its range. I love mine

 

[deudeu]

I know of at least one pro who uses this zoom when he is not using a prime.

http://www.pbase.com/benjikan/publishedworks&page=4

I know the pink power shots were done using this lens.

This should give you a good idea of what you can do with this...

I know I want one!

 

[ryan7783]

thanks so much for posting picture examples of what this thing can do. I really think I'm sold on this lens now.

 

[deudeu]

I think that for portraits it is a very well spent $350!