Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical A-mount lens review by Janvb

Janvb#1564 date: Dec-22-2006
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 4.9	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I have experience with this lens
compared to:	28/2,35/2, 28-75/2.8, Sony 50/1.4, 24-85RS,Sony kit
price paid:	366 EUR
positive:	Sharp, good AF even in fairly low light, weight, size, Nice colours sometimes almost old style minolta like
negative:	bit soft at 2.8, very usable for small prints but f4 is so much better.
comment:	This is a very nice zoom lens, stopped down the quality is like a prime. Nice range, compact compared to the 28-75. OK the build is not like the old Minolta lenses but for me that's no issue, I prefer less weight. Ideal walkaround lens for nature & city, even indoors on ISO 800/1600 it can perform if the lighting is OK. Think it's a very good lens for the price. CZ will have to do a very good job ( e.g. very sharp full open) with the 16-80 to convince me to trade this lens.