I’ve seen plenty of talk about the new 35-150, but very little about the 28-75 refresh. I used to own the original version but sold it in favor of the 24-105. Part of me is thinking I could use a f/2.8 std zoom, part of me is thinking I just have GAS.
So are most people already set and happy in this range? I think I would like the optics of the Sigma 24-70, but not the size. I would be happier with the size of the Sigma 28-70, but wonder if it optics will be surpassed by the new tamron.
I think more people would be more excited had they not raised the price. The Sigma was better optically with better build quality and now it’s $125 cheaper too. Between the price increase on this and the over $2k (after tax) asking price on the 35-150, I’m not sure what Tamron is thinking. They are starting to get a bit greedy and getting a bit too big for their britches. They built their success on quality but AFFORDABLE lenses. Seems they are getting away from that, and that’s a very bad idea,
In terms of resolution, the 28-75 will probably be right up there with the 24-70 2.8 S, which is to say state of the art. However, I think rendering will be the X-factor here.
Any zoom will most likely be (I'm aware exceptions exist here) behind equivalent primes when it comes to technical performance—and I think this is especially true of standard zooms. So if you compare the G2 with the two offerings from Sigma, you'll have two lenses that not quite meet prime performance, and while I'd imagine the G2 will be slightly better here I feel the Sigma will offer superior rendering.
Of course, this is all speculation as I'm not aware of a single review of the G2 that's out yet. It could be that the G2 is very close to, or perhaps within spitting distance, of the Sigma lenses—in which case you'd also have to factor in the Tamron's superior reproduction ratio and inclusion of linear motors into a purchasing decision more heavily.
I am personally not the market for that type of lens. But if I were, I hope they would fix/smooth the OOF, the rendering and flare resistance, rather than sharpness.
For my zoom trilogy I have the Tamron 17-28 2.8 and the 70-180 2.8. In between I have the Sony 24-105 4.0. I often think I should get the 28-70 2.8 Tamron to complete the set. But I never loved the rendering of version 1 so I stuck with the Sony. I find that the OSS in the Sony makes up for the 1 stop slower aperture in most circumstances.
I am interested to see what generation 2 of the Tamron brings. We should see reviews soon.
Dexter75 wrote:
I think more people would be more excited had they not raised the price. The Sigma was better optically with better build quality and now it’s $125 cheaper too. Between the price increase on this and the over $2k (after tax) asking price on the 35-150, I’m not sure what Tamron is thinking. They are starting to get a bit greedy and getting a bit too big for their britches. They built their success on quality but AFFORDABLE lenses. Seems they are getting away from that, and that’s a very bad idea,
The new mark-2 Tamron's price rise is supposed to correspond to a claim of considerably improved optics vs version 1. We'll see what the claimed improvements amount to when we see reviews. It may be distinctly sharper than the Sigma and justify the price. But, as others have said, sharpness isn't the only performance metric.
Although I saw the preliminary shots and they do seem like an upgrade over G1, I am not totally convinced to sell my G1 28-75 and upgrade to G2. Perhaps my wallet is happy that I do not see much differences!
I don't have the 28-75/2.8 G1 but the 28-200/2.8-5.6 (which is almost the same size and weight as the 28-75/2.8 G1 but goes 28-75/2.8-4 and on top of that one also get a built in 75-200/4-5.6).
So I would say that the 28-75/2.8 is only interesting for me if it surpasses the optical quality quite much and I don't mean only sharpness in middle and corners but also sunstar and flare resistance. It will be a little lighter vs the 28-75/2.8 G1 and the 28-200 I have understood, but I think it will be basically the same size.
One could argue that the use of linear motors and improved optics (based on MTF) put it above the Sigma now on a couple of fronts. Maybe Sigma wins on build, but it's not sealed. Sigma seems to have found a sweet spot for rendering. It's also smaller and lighter.
The Sigma is on sale right now. Both the Sigma and Tamron G2 have the same MSRP in the US.
Tamron has the right to price their products...if they want too much compared to the competition, then it will hurt sales. If they produce a compelling product, people will pay the same price as the Sigma if they feel it's warrented. If you aren't happy with the price increase, then just buy the Sigma....I mean we have free will here......
As someone else noted, the big question in my mind is the rendering.
I'm interested in the new Tamron.
Dexter75 wrote:
I think more people would be more excited had they not raised the price. The Sigma was better optically with better build quality and now it’s $125 cheaper too. Between the price increase on this and the over $2k (after tax) asking price on the 35-150, I’m not sure what Tamron is thinking. They are starting to get a bit greedy and getting a bit too big for their britches. They built their success on quality but AFFORDABLE lenses. Seems they are getting away from that, and that’s a very bad idea,
899.00 is a pretty darn good price if the performance is there. Improvements:
1. Best image quality in standard zoom lens class
2. Fast, quiet VXD linear motor for high-speed and high-precision autofocus
3. MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.18m (7.1 in) at wide end and maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7 for creative close-ups
4. New design provides enhanced texture and greater user-friendliness
5. Lightweight, compact design with emphasis on ease of use, plus 67mm filter size
I don't see Tamron getting greedy here. Their triplet of primes in terms of IQ are dirt cheap and slightly better is most aspects than Sigma's I series. You're getting a 6 year warranty as well.
I think what most of us want to see is if the OOF rendering has been improved. They are saying it has a smooth out of focus rendering, but nothing about improvements although the entire lens is suppose to be "significantly" improved.
I'm definetly excited and can't wait for some reviews.
I don’t understand the comments about a price increase. Isn’t it just $20 more? That’s nothing when you’re already spending over $800. The g1 did start at $799 but it went up to $879 shortly after. That was an $80 increase with no changes. This now is a $20 increase with potentially significant improvements. Seems fair.
I don’t plan to upgrade my g1. I’ve considered swapping it for the extra reach of the 28-200 or for the smaller size of the Sigma 28-70, but I have other things distracting me from that line of thought, thankfully.
Yep, still waiting on more samples to evaluate the bokeh. There are a few small samples here that definitely suggest the bokeh rendering is better on the G2:
I only see one full size portrait at the bottom and it looks good as well.
I liked the smaller size of the Sigma, but it seemed to lack a bit in sharpness in the samples I've seen, especially at longer focal lengths. And as others said, the Tamron 28-200 is a strong contender also, offering quite a bit more reach while giving up only around a stop in aperture.
They look good in general. But not sure about the bokeh of the one with the toddler (the filename ends with _13) The night portrait looks very good though.
I had the first gen of this Tamron and used it quite a lot during almost 2 years. I then switched to the Sigma 24-70mm DG DN for the improved rendering, sharpness and 24mm option. While the Sigma is really good, I didn't enjoy using it as much as the Tamron because of the extra weight and size. I sold it when I got the 35GM.
If the Tamron G2 improves both the sharpness and rendering of the 1st gen, I will get probably get it. My 35GM + Sigma 85 f/1.4 DG DN is a great combo. But I sometimes miss a zoom when I travel and visit new places.
I'm one of those 28-200 users. Interested but don't really see a need to move away. If nothing else, that would likely mean needing to get something in the 70-xxx or 100-xxx range, too.
They look good in general. But not sure about the bokeh of the one with the toddler (the filename ends with _13) The night portrait looks very good though.
I had the first gen of this Tamron and used it quite a lot during almost 2 years. I then switched to the Sigma 24-70mm DG DN for the improved rendering, sharpness and 24mm option. While the Sigma is really good, I didn't enjoy using it as much as the Tamron because of the extra weight and size. I sold it when I got the 35GM.
If the Tamron G2 improves both the sharpness and rendering of the 1st gen, I will get probably get it. My 35GM + Sigma 85 f/1.4 DG DN is a great combo. But I sometimes miss a zoom when I travel and visit new places.
Thanks for the link to the full size photos. From what I saw they seem to be missing some of the sharpness I am used to seeing. Could be shooting with good primes has spoiled me. I see less of the highlighting of the bokah balls than the G1, that should help with making the background less busy.
The issue with size and weight I think can only be learned with time and trying new lenses. You might concider the 24-105, I was pleasently surprised by it. I am thinking about the G2 for a little brighter zoom, but the Sony 24-105G is will be staying in my kit. The focal range and IQ is a keeper. On my last trip I took the 35GM and 24-105 along.
ReleaseDrive wrote:
I don't see Tamron getting greedy here. Their triplet of primes in terms of IQ are dirt cheap and slightly better is most aspects than Sigma's I series. You're getting a 6 year warranty as well.
Don't forget the value of Tamron's warranty, customer service, and relationship outreach. I think it is the best in the lens industry.
I got this email just this morning.
How is Your Lens Doing?
Did you know that all lenses purchased from an authorized Tamron USA Retailer can get an annual clean and check at no extra cost? Simply complete the repair request form and follow the instructions. Or contact Customer Service at [email protected] for details. If your lens ever needs to be repaired, we offer 3-Business Day Repair Turnaround to get your lenses back in action quickly. Tamron lenses are backed by our 6-year Limited USA Warranty to ensure consistent quality and peace of mind. Get in touch with support, browse firmware updates, or find a user manual on our Support page.
The free annual tune up is an incredible value. Some companies charge $100s for each lens for such a service.
My VIP status (easily achieved through number of lenses purchased since 2011), my coverage is for life. Amazing benefit. You definitely get your money's worth with Tamron lenses.
