p.1 #1 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
Hello,
So I posted a thread about the D700 and how amazing it was and now here I am testing out a stunning DX lens vs. my current lens. I tested the 17-55 DX on the Nikon D300 and the Tamron 17-50 also on the Nikon D300. My tests aren't perfect but I try my hardest. I rented this lens from my school and it has been used alot. Not a new lens.
First Impressions:
I thought the 17-55 DX was built better then the Tamron. This is obvious since you pay twice as much for it. I don't think the build quality is a problem with the Tamron but since I am getting into my own business and hardcore shooting, I want something working as hard as me in all conditions.
The shots on the back of the camera showed the 17-55 with a slight difference in sharpening. I was impressed with the quality of the lens and how well it performed. Although the Tamron did hold up very well and it will definately keep my eye brow raised. I might just keep the Tamron for play/walkaround and Nikon for pro/work.
So I want some input on these pictures and what you like or have done yourself. I have always wanted to do this test and now I have finally done it.
Here are some shots...
Nikon vs Tamron First Test
17-50
17-55
Nikon vs Tamron Second Test
17-50
17-55
Here are some other pictures without crops. Enjoy!
p.1 #2 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
I don't think there's ever been any argument that the Nikkor has anything on the Tamrom sharpness wise. However; you might find interesting things if you do a low light focus test with each lens. It's my understanding the Tamron has a fair degree of field curvature at the wide end something I also noticed in my time with the Canon 17-55IS. I've never noticed it with the nikkor.
If you're a landscape shooter or a hobiest the Tamron remains a very good deal.
p.1 #3 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
Why all the new 'tests' on the Tamron 17-50 f2.8, and am assuming with the motor thing. As I said before, the front ring rotates and that is a huge disturbance.
Hey Tamron, redo the lens and get rid of the rotating fronrt ring and THEN claim professional status.
p.1 #5 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
something rotates, I had one
Joe
Sep 06, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Andre Labonte Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #6 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
Nice test Chris. IQ wise the Tamron is a great lens. My issues with the Tamron had to do with all the other aspects of the lens, build quality, ergonomic, AF speed (especially in low light where the Tamron is a real dog). All these other issues clearly showed the Nikon to be the winner.
An YES, the DAMB FOCUS RING ON THE TAMRON ROTATES WHEN YOU AUTO FOCUS!!! It's right where I hold the lens. Can you tell that little feature agrivated the living hell out of me?
p.1 #10 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
We cannot expect that at its price the Tamron will be better than the Nikkor but on regard to image quality, the Tamron does very well.
I do not do professional work anymore but if I was into professional work I would go with Nikon. Perhaps the Tamron can be used professionally but I have not used one and have no idea if it will take the punishment.
The images, on the other hand, are very convincing to me.
William Rodriguez
Miami, Florida.
p.1 #11 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
Thanks for the comments everyone!
I was very impressed with my Tamron. I will most likely keep it and purchase the 17-55 or even try out the 24-70 for my D300. I really like getting into pro glass and the only one I have so far is my 70-200.
p.1 #12 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
Chris,
I started out w/ the Tammy 17-50 and absolutely loved it. I picked up a 17-55 DX for a killer deal here on FM and have been shooting w/ that ever since. Here are my observations off hand. No real testing in controlled settings, but real world use testing:
Tammy 17-50 sharpness is even if not probably slightly better than my 17-55 DX.
Build quality of the 17-55 is worth the price difference alone. When I was in Thailand a couple months ago, took a nasty spill w/ my D300 and 17-55 attached. I slammed the 17-55 face down on to the ground as i fell. Circular polarizer broke ($190 Hoya Pro). ONce I cleaned out the broken glass, the 17-55 kept on shooting, even til this day. The Tamron was dropped once from about 2 feet while i was getting my gear out of the car and the bag wasn't zipped all the way, small crack in the front of the lens barrel. Tammy would have been a bunch of small pieces if it suffered the same impact as the 17-55.
I still love my Tammy, but now it's strictly used as a back up or if I want a super light set up, i'd slap the tammy onto my D50.
p.1 #13 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
ordered a T17-50 from ebay to replace my T28-75 on D300. Hope it's a sharp copy.
Sep 12, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Andre Labonte Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #14 · Nikon 17-55 vs. Tamron 17-50! Pics inside
Justin Berman wrote:
you guys are insane, who cares if it rotates. If you are using it in af mode, keep your hand back on the zoom ring where it belongs.
And have wrist cramps in no time. That's a great idea if you are shooting for a short time with small hands. I have big hands, can end up shooting for hours and often in low light that requires as much support near the end of the lens as possible. We all have our on style, and for mine, the Tamron SUCKS!!!!
Joe
