I used to have this lens when it was just released. I don't recommend it solely because it wasn't well built. Yes it has metal shells but the inner mechanisms are weak weak weak. If you must buy one, make sure the zooming is smooth and the optics are not misaligned.
I was referring to the manual focus Adaptall mount Tamron SP 35-105mm F/2.8 Aspherical 65A Lens.
It has a push pull zoom mechanism and a 67mm filter size. The focus ring is pretty big and easier to use than the AF version. The build quality seems to be quite good and the lens is pretty heavy, but small in size. I have found one - old stock brand new in box - and am trying to figure out how much it may be worth and if it is worthwhile buying it or not.
I'm curious. Is this a lens that came prior to the 28-105mm f/2.8? A friend of mine has that one (AF version, EOS mount), and is struggling to get sharp photos with his 20D, but that may be an EOS problem.
35-105.2.8 sounds like a perfect lens for my E-1. Please tell me if you find more of those
Jorgen Udvang wrote:
I'm curious. Is this a lens that came prior to the 28-105mm f/2.8? A friend of mine has that one (AF version, EOS mount), and is struggling to get sharp photos with his 20D, but that may be an EOS problem.
My guess is that it would be a better performing lens on FF digital. The overall lp/mm of the lens is probably insufficient for the pixel density of the 20D, especially at wider apertures. Stick the same lens on a 5D, and all of a sudden things might change. Using the whole image circle (after all, the lens was designed to be used that way) and taking a lower resolution sample of all that area results in completely different overall usability. Maybe you're not going to print 20"x30" with wide open shots, but it'll still be a much different experience on a 5D as opposed to a 20D.
I have also heard complaints about low contrast with the 28-105/2.8 (which would certainly contribute to the impression of "unsharp" images on a 20D) but I wouldn't let that dissuade me from trying one on FF. Contrast is the least of my PP worries.
I base this opinion on my experience with the Tamron SP 24-135mm. An "OK" lens on a 20D and a fantastic lens on a 5D. This is the sleeper zoom of all time, IMO. Very sharp (yes, to the corners) at the wide end, moving to slightly softer results at the long end, with decent bokeh and macro feature. Amazing value.
I agreed with many Japanese old photo magazines that the later improved 28-105 2.8 version is much better. I have one for the Canon EOS and it is a great all around lens. I have no issues with using it on Xti. However, it didn't work well with 20D as impage is slightly soft. I love this zoom lens more than the Canon 28-70 2.8 L I used to own. The extra reach really comes in handy.
I had the Tamron SP24-135mm when I had my canon setup with the 5D and 1Ds and think it is an excellent zoom - especially for the $$$. A bit weak on the long end and Tamron's AF is nothing to write home about, but pretty good otherwise.
pascal03 wrote:
I had the Tamron SP24-135mm when I had my canon setup with the 5D and 1Ds and think it is an excellent zoom - especially for the $$$. A bit weak on the long end and Tamron's AF is nothing to write home about, but pretty good otherwise.
I am looking at this one for my E-3.
I have the Tamron 24-135 for my Fuji S3. I agree. Up to 50mm, it's sharper than most, and with beautiful contrast. At the long end, it's my worst lens. Low resolution and terrible bokeh. Wish there was a way to block it from the last 50mm
I haven't tried it on my E-1 yet. That sounds like a nice weekend project
Jorgen Udvang wrote:
I have the Tamron 24-135 for my Fuji S3. I agree. Up to 50mm, it's sharper than most, and with beautiful contrast. At the long end, it's my worst lens. Low resolution and terrible bokeh. Wish there was a way to block it from the last 50mm
The long end is certainly its weakest area, especially on a crop camera, but look here to see how it does wide open at 99mm on a 5D, compared to one of the sharpest Zeiss lenses ever made: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/611730/
cogitech wrote:
The long end is certainly its weakest area, especially on a crop camera, but look here to see how it does wide open at 99mm on a 5D, compared to one of the sharpest Zeiss lenses ever made: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/611730/
Interesting. Thank you for the link. So I should buy a D3 then
I had a Tamron SP AF 35-105/2.8 ASP 65DE for about a year. I think it is the same optical configuration as the MF version you describe. I bought it to pair with my 17-40L for travel. I found it was sharp at all apertures and focal lengths, but it has an annoying buzzing AF motor, and it just looks wierd with its many rings (focus, zoom and "styling"), so I sold it. For a while I thought of getting the MF version (which has a most excellent original photodo rating of 3.6), but I got over it and bought a 24-105L.
