Tamron has released this lens , which is image stabilized. I realize that it is a new release, however I am curious if any are using Tamron and how they compare to Canon.
I was considering the Canon 17-55 F2.8 IS, if the Tamron compares, I may consider their 17-50 F 2.8.
I don't thiink this lens is readily available just yet. There are 2 or 3 other threads about this lens also. Seems to be gathering it's share of interest though. If it is as good as others say the "non-VC" is, this would be a very nice addition.
$25 mail in rebate ends Dec 31, 2009. If Best Buy gets this in stock by the end of the month, they have a 10% coupon for cameras. Assuming lenses are included? That could potentially be a very nice deal on it.
Has anyone got one yet? I've seen it for sale now in Canon mount, and I am considering one (I'm also looking at the new 15-85 IS or a 17-55 IS) the price seems reasonable.
I haven't used the non VC model though, how good is the AF on the Tamron lenses?
I rented one of these for a wedding tomorrow. My first observation is that the focus is much slower (and noisier) than the Canon 17-55 2.8. But that the photos are rich and gorgeous. I like the Tamron's size and weight. It will get a lot of use at tomorrow's wedding - am curious to see if I like it or not compared to the Canon. Focus speed is important to me so we'll see how it fares.
Mitch W wrote:
I rented one of these for a wedding tomorrow. My first observation is that the focus is much slower (and noisier) than the Canon 17-55 2.8. But that the photos are rich and gorgeous. I like the Tamron's size and weight. It will get a lot of use at tomorrow's wedding - am curious to see if I like it or not compared to the Canon. Focus speed is important to me so we'll see how it fares.
I've contemplated this lens. Please post some pics and let us know how you like the VC Mitch.
I dont see this lens as a good value unless its used for a couple hundred dollars less. For this kind of money you might as well go all the way to a 17-55 IS. Im perfectly happy with my 17-50 non VC.
I too was looking at this lens, instead of the EF-s lens. I was able to put it on my camera from a Tamron rep. What I found was that the image quality could compete with the Canon and focus seems very good. But the reason I ended up purchasing the Canon's lens is the fact it is very slow to focus compared to the Canon lens. If focus speed, doesn't bother you then it could be a lens for you.
For the $400 difference in increase, the Canon was a good decision for me.
I've rented both the Canon 17-55 2.8 and now the Tamron 17-50 VC. I've shot entire weddings with both. My feelings mirror Reg's above. Both take outstanding photos with rich colors and creamy bokeh. I was very impressed with the Tamron's photos. But where the Canon will lock focus in a lightening-quick split second the Tamron hunts, and hunts, and hunts. And once it does find a spot to focus on it takes a considerable amount of time for its noisy motor to focus. That, in my opinion, is why you end up paying 30 - 40% more for the Canon. For some people the Tamron will be exactly what they need. But I shoot weddings and it will be entirely possible, probable even, to miss the money shot while waiting for the Tamron to focus. I do like the overall size of the Tamron, which is a little smaller and lighter than the Canon. But now I just assume the Canon requires that extra size to house the superior focusing motor. But don't take my word for it. Do what I did and rent both and see what works best for your style of shooting.
Mitch, thanks for sharing your direct comparison of the Canon and Tamron. Normally I don't think too much about focus speed, but since the difference is that significant, it's clear the Canon is the better choice for fast moving situations.
I know Sigma offers HSM; in the alphabet soup Tamron uses to ID their lens, is there an equivalent acronym?
scottgee1 wrote:
Normally I don't think too much about focus speed, but since the difference is that significant, it's clear the Canon is the better choice for fast moving situations.
I've only used the Canon 17-55 once but for me the Tamron 17-50 2.8 (non-vc) focuses fast and I've never had a problem with fast moving situations with the Tamron
