tamron 17-50 f2.8

[jhob]

I've heard nothing but good things about this lens and am on the verge of making a purchase. Only downside I can see are exposure problems with TTL BL with my SB-800, the build quality not being quite up to tokina or nikon standards and factory quality control being a bit variable. Anything else I should know?

I was waiting for the tokina 16-50 to come out but have given up now, being partly persuaded by recent price drops on the tamron - I should be able to get it for less than £250 now.

[Wile E. coyote]

One of the reviews I read rated the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 above the tamron, have you looked at that?

[jhob]

No, I've not seen that. Every review I've read has the tamron well ahead of the sigma. I take particular note to photozone's reviews:

Tamron 17-50 (http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tamron_1750_28_nikon/index.htm)

Sigma 18-50 macro (http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_1850_28m_nikon/index.htm)

I'd be interested to read the review that you saw if you can find the link?

[Joe T]

The reviews Ive read say the Tamron 17-50 2.8 is fantastic. :)

[ppp]

ditto, currently saving for one myself

[wallisj]

I have one .... very happy with it .... not the fastest at focusing and not the quietest either but a very solid lens with excellent IQ

Got some images taken with it in my "Bath" gallery (church/statues/lady on bridge)

[jhob]

The noisy focussing was a bit of an issue for me but the superb image quality has won the day! I can always manual focus if the noise will be a problem, for example during a wedding ceremony. I've ordered one from warehouse express, I accidentally ordered a D200 at the same! Here's hoping they approve me for credit now otherwise I'll have to cancel the D200 and save up for it the hard way!

If anyone else is after the 17-50 then get warehouse express to price match ajpurdy's prices for a decent saving

[ppp]

How noisy is it compare to say the 18-55 kit lens? Louder or not?

[db247]

added some test shots on my nikon fit lens trade conundrum thread.

[ppp]

any word on the noise level?

[db247]

haven´t pushed it yet mate, i´ll post asap when get some more results.

[ppp]

sorry i mean autofocus noise level, should have been clearer.

[db247]

Sorry mate, ok I do miss the Nikon for this aspect but I can´t see it affecting my work at the moment. Hold on.. i´m going to give it a little go before I log off..

Ok.. it´s not silent. It´s not a nasty sound either, but it´s clear and audible. I don´t know how best to describe it as in that respect I´m currently not that fussy. It gives off a decent whirr as it focuses so if that´s a problem test it first.

[ppp]

nah that sounds fine for me, many thanks mate.