Table of Contents
amazon Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di II reviews
Introduce
In 2006, Tamron released a super-branded product called the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f / 2.8 XR Di II LD Asperical [IF]. Photographers often call the Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC (as distinguished from the Vibration Compensation version, which costs about $100). This lens has the same focal length as Canon’s 18-55mm lens kit, but the quality is more than superior.
In the world in general, people have a clear prejudice against the lens produced by third-party manufacturers such as Sigma, Tamron, Samyang … These lenses are also known by nicknames such as lens for For Canon, for Nikon).
But the prejudices on the wrong point is very basic, the lens is not genuine quality will be less than genuine Canon lenses. The truth is not so. The third lens company as Sigma, Tamron are taking care of their products very well, with extremely competitive prices. So if you compare seriously, many Sigma lenses, Tamron super quality top that Canon lenses also have to lose. Due to the quality and price competition, the third lens company is still alive and well. Their products have a voice and attract a large number of users.
About quality, the Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC is more than 18-55mm STM lens in all aspects: sharpness, detail when enlarged, large mouth, good fonts. True Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC is at least equal to 40mm f / 2.8, while the focal length is much better, the color is also more realistic. This is a worthwhile lens.
Compatible: Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC for 1.6x cropper. Only on cropper, new image is full. Unlike the EF-S lens, the Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC can be mounted, cropped on the 1.3x crop and full frame, but the image will be blacked out.
Advantages of lens:
– Sharp, very good detail
– True colors
– Good price compared to quality
– Can be used for professional work
Disadvantages:
– The f / 2.8 is slightly soft
– May lose value in the future
Digital
– SP: Super Performance – the highest quality Tamron lens
– XR: (Extra Refractive Index) Glass – Lens contains a special lens with high refractive index, which helps to improve image quality.
– LD: (Low Dispersion) – A component that improves lens sharpness and aberration
– IF: Internal Focusing (IF) System – The focus system is in the lens, which keeps the lens from changing the length of the focus
The sharpness of the Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC is equivalent to 40mm f / 2.8. While the details are superior, and colors are more subtle, more subtle. The color of Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC is equal to 50mm f / 1.4 or 85mm f / 18 of Canon. You can use Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC to take portraits, fashion, yearbook, artwork … About removing Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 non VC will not delete many fonts. Like 50mm f / 1.8, though it erases better than the 40mm f / 2.8 and lens kit.
where can you get a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di II online
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens with hood for Canon DSLR Cameras:
Tamron SP Auto Focus 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR: Buy it now
Tamron SP AF 17-50MM F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Sony (Model A16) – International Version (No Warranty): Buy it now
Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras (Model A16M): Buy it now
Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical for Nikon APS-C Digital SLR Cameras (6 Year Tamron Limited USA Warranty): Buy it now
Optical Performance
Aperture and Light Gathering
One of the standout features of the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II is its constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range. This wide aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and greater control over depth of field. The lens excels in situations where available light is limited, making it suitable for indoor photography, evening shots, and creative work requiring a shallow depth of field.
Image Quality
The lens is known for its impressive image quality, especially considering its price point. It delivers sharp images with good contrast and color accuracy. At the center of the frame, sharpness is consistently high across the zoom range, while the corners exhibit some softness, particularly at the widest aperture settings. Stopping down the aperture improves sharpness across the entire frame, with f/4 to f/5.6 being the sweet spot for optimal image quality.
Distortion and Chromatic Aberration
The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II exhibits minimal distortion, which is commendable for a zoom lens at this price range. Barrel distortion is present at the wide end (17mm) but is relatively well-controlled and not typically noticeable in most images. Chromatic aberration is also kept to a minimum, although some purple fringing may be visible in high-contrast situations. This is a common trait in lenses of this type and can be corrected in post-processing if needed.
Flare and Ghosting
The lens features a multi-coating that helps to reduce flare and ghosting, though it is not entirely immune to these issues. Under strong backlighting conditions, some flare and ghosting can occur, but it is generally not excessive. Using a lens hood or adjusting the shooting angle can help mitigate these effects and improve overall image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
Bokeh and Depth of Field
The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for pleasing bokeh and effective control over depth of field. The lens’s 7-blade rounded aperture contributes to a smooth and aesthetically pleasing bokeh, which enhances the separation between the subject and background. This is particularly advantageous for portraiture and macro photography, where a shallow depth of field can create a more impactful image.
Autofocus and Manual Focus
Autofocus Performance
The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II is equipped with an internal focusing (IF) system that provides fast and accurate autofocus performance. The lens features a built-in motor that enables quick and quiet focusing, making it suitable for both still photography and video recording. The autofocus system performs well in most lighting conditions, though it may experience some hunting in low light or low-contrast scenes.
Manual Focus
The lens offers a full-time manual focus override, allowing photographers to fine-tune their focus even when the autofocus system is engaged. The manual focus ring is well-damped and smooth, providing precise control over focus adjustments. The focus ring’s resistance is comfortable, making it easy to achieve accurate focus for creative compositions and detailed shots.
Versatility and Use Cases
General Photography
The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II is a versatile lens suitable for a wide range of photographic applications. Its focal length range (17-50mm) covers a broad spectrum from wide-angle to short telephoto, making it ideal for landscapes, portraits, and general everyday shooting. The constant f/2.8 aperture provides consistent performance across the zoom range, allowing for creative depth-of-field effects and improved low-light capability.
Landscape Photography
The lens’s wide-angle capabilities make it well-suited for landscape photography. At the 17mm end, it captures expansive scenes with good sharpness and minimal distortion. The f/2.8 aperture allows for capturing detailed landscapes in various lighting conditions, although stopping down the aperture to f/8 or f/11 will provide even greater depth of field and sharpness across the frame.
Portrait Photography
The constant f/2.8 aperture is advantageous for portrait photography, allowing for a shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh. The 50mm focal length provides a flattering perspective for portraits, and the lens’s sharpness ensures that facial details are captured clearly. The lens’s versatility also makes it suitable for both full-body and headshot portraits.
Event and Indoor Photography
The lens’s wide aperture and focal length range make it a valuable tool for event and indoor photography. The f/2.8 aperture enables effective low-light performance, reducing the need for high ISO settings or flash. The zoom range provides flexibility in framing shots, allowing photographers to capture candid moments and group shots with ease.
Travel Photography
For travel photographers, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II offers a compact and lightweight solution that covers a versatile focal length range. Its constant f/2.8 aperture provides consistent performance in various lighting conditions, and its build quality ensures that it can withstand the rigors of travel. The lens’s flexibility makes it a practical choice for capturing diverse subjects while on the go.
Comparison with Competitors
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a direct competitor to the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II. It offers similar focal length coverage and a constant f/2.8 aperture but includes image stabilization, which provides an additional advantage for handheld shooting. The Canon lens also benefits from a slightly better build quality and optical performance, though it is generally more expensive than the Tamron option.
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC OS HSM
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC OS HSM is another competitor that offers a similar focal length range and aperture. It includes optical stabilization (OS) to help reduce camera shake and enhance handheld shooting performance. The Sigma lens is comparable to the Tamron in terms of image quality and features but may be priced similarly or slightly higher.
Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 Di II VC
The Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 Di II VC is a newer model in Tamron’s lineup, offering a slightly wider focal length range and built-in Vibration Compensation (VC). The VC system provides stabilization, which can be beneficial for handheld shooting, and the lens’s updated design improves overall performance and build quality. It is a strong alternative to the 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II, particularly for users seeking enhanced stability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Constant f/2.8 Aperture: Provides excellent low-light performance and control over depth of field throughout the zoom range.
- Versatile Focal Length Range: Covers a wide range of shooting scenarios from wide-angle to short telephoto.
- Compact and Lightweight: Offers a good balance of performance and portability, making it suitable for various photography styles.
- Good Image Quality: Delivers sharp images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration for its price range.
- Affordable Pricing: Provides a cost-effective option for photographers seeking a fast, versatile zoom lens.
Cons:
- Build Quality: While solid, the lens is not as rugged as higher-end models and may be less durable in extreme conditions.
- Corner Sharpness: Softness at the corners, especially at wide apertures, may require stopping down for optimal sharpness.
- No Image Stabilization: Lacks stabilization, which can be a drawback for handheld shooting in low light or at slow shutter speeds.
- Manual Focus Precision: While functional, the manual focus ring may not be as precise as those found on higher-end lenses.
Customer Feedback
Positive Reviews
The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II has received praise for its excellent image quality, particularly at the center of the frame. Users appreciate the constant f/2.8 aperture, which allows for consistent performance and creative flexibility. The lens’s compact size and affordability are also frequently highlighted as key advantages, making it a popular choice among hobbyists and amateur photographers.
Constructive Criticism
Some users have noted that the lens’s corner sharpness is not as strong as that of higher-end models, and there may be noticeable softness at the edges, particularly at the widest aperture settings. The lack of image stabilization is also a common point of criticism, as it limits the lens’s effectiveness for handheld shooting in low light or at slower shutter speeds.
Conclusion
The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II is a well-rounded and affordable zoom lens that offers a constant f/2.8 aperture, good image quality, and versatility for APS-C DSLR cameras. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle, while the wide aperture provides excellent low-light performance and creative control over depth of field.
Although it may not have the advanced features or build quality of higher-end lenses, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II represents a solid value for photographers seeking a reliable and versatile zoom lens at a reasonable price. Its performance across various shooting scenarios and affordability make it a worthy consideration for those looking to enhance their photographic toolkit.
Overall, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II stands as a commendable choice for amateur and enthusiast photographers, offering a good balance of features, performance, and value. Whether used for general photography, portraits, or travel, it provides the essential tools needed to capture high-quality images and explore creative possibilities.