Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical A-mount lens review by lattiboy
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sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5 overall: 4.6 | tested on:
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ownership: | I own this lens |
compared to: | Sigma 17-70mm DC Minolta 50mm f/1.7 Tamron 90mm Minolta 28-135mm |
price paid: | missing |
positive: | Sharpness Color Bokeh (though to a lesser extent) Excellent range Center is quite sharp wide-open |
negative: | For the price range, there is nothing I could really say bad about this lens. MAYBE close focus doesn't match 17-70mm Sigma DC. I'm stretching with that one... |
comment: | It is hard not to love this lens. It is quite compact and light for the focal length + aperture. I'm actually kind of shocked they were able to produce this lens when you compare it to the 28-70mm f/2.8's that abound. The corners are a bit soft @ f/2.8, but this can actually be a plus depending on what and how you shoot. By f/4.5 you're VERY close to prime sharpness. At f/5.6 it matches/exceeds my trusty 50mm AND the amazing MinO 28-135mm (lens which I hold all other lenses up to). I was on the fence with this one because I thought 50mm was too short and because I love my Sigma 17-70mm DC, but after a few days with this on my camera I am selling my Sigma. Additionally, the range actually forces you to get close to your subject, which is the advice of almost all great photographers. I really doubt this lens will often leave my camera, as I think it's as close to all-around (size, sharpness, color, handling) perfection as you're going to find. A bargain at twice the price. |
rating summary

- total reviews: 214
- sharpness: 4.59
- color: 4.45
- build: 4.14
- distortion: 4.16
- flare control: 4.45
- overall: 4.36