Anyone used both Tamron & Canon 17-50 2.8?

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shufflemoomin

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I am using my Tamron 17-50 2.8 for shooting concerts at a local venue but I'm starting to get annoyed with the amount of rejections I'm getting due to out out of focus problems. We're talking about 2 or 3 out of ten on average. I'm beginning to wonder if it would be a good idea to switch over to the canon EF-S 17-55 2.8? The price difference is pretty steep so I'm wondering if the quality difference is worth the extra outlay? Would I be essentially paying for the brand name? (I know the Canon has IS but that's a non-issue for me.) Any opinions or advice?
 
I've used both but I would start with ruling out technique. You may have already done this but it would be a good start before you spend any more. So, are your settings correct for the scene?
 
I'm almost 100% sure it's not technique. The camera is confirming auto-focus lock and allowing the shutter to release, but the entire scene is badly out of focus. 7 times out of 10 the images are fine, so I don't suspect an inherent problem with the lens copy. When the problem occurs, we're not talking a slight focus issue, we're talking incredible levels of blur. Nothing in the scene is in focus that I can see, so I'm not sure what the Camera thinks it's locking onto. It's only an issue in low light. It doesn't seem to occur when light levels are good.
 
It's difficult to say without actually being there but the Tamron AF is a bit ropey on the 17-50 and can hunt a bit. The AF on the Canon I've never had an issue with- and it's also much much less audible:lol:

If you're getting lock is your shutter speed not too low which could cause blurring? Easier if you post some examples with EXIF info. I would have thought if the settings were out then you would get less than 7 out of 10
 
Well I have the Canon 17-55mm IS and my daughter has the Tamron 17-50mm VC so guess that counts

Canon is perhaps marginally better IQ wise and faster to AF, but definitely not worth twice the price from a picture quality aspect

Reckon you must be unlucky, my daughter's was the first one she bought from Jessops and is absolutely fine

Now Sigma 17-70mm OS she had first is an entirely different story, front focussed by a large amount and went straight back
 
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Here's an example of a problem from last night. Shot at 1/125, 2.8 and Auto ISO (which choose at 1250). I used AF Servo and locked AF using the centre AF points onto the face. AF confirmed locked and took the shot but I have no idea what it thinks it's locked onto here. It's certainly not caused by movement blur. It was a stationary target.: http://www.kennyswan.dk/files/IMG_1619.jpg
 
Only thing I wonder about is using AF servo, is it the same with one shot AF?

Shutter speed seems fine although I must say it looks like camera shake more than anything else because I can't see what it has actually focused on
 
Ai Servo is required because I'm shooting constantly moving targets. I have tried adjusting the AI servo speed with no improvement. Camera shake shouldn't be an issue as it was shot at a 20mm focal length with a shutter speed of 1/125. Camera shake has a distinct look to it and I don't see that here. I simply see a failing in the AF system. Judging by the article that gblades kindly posted, I'm going to have to give serious thought to dumping the Tamron and going with the Canon.
 
Camera shake shouldn't be an issue as it was shot at a 20mm focal length with a shutter speed of 1/125
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Wouldn't be so sure even with those settings, not saying it isn't AF failure, but would expect to see something reasonably in focus even if it wasn't the desired target
 
I'm pretty stable when shooting concerts. I'm standing still and keeping the camera up to my eye at almost all times. I just don't believe I'm suddenly suffering from Camera Shake. This problem only exists with this lens and only exists in low light. The article posted above seems to confirm exactly the same issue I'm having. That's removed any doubt I had and I'm glad it was posted. I'll be getting rid of the Tamron and looking towards the Canon.
 
Actually, having a look at the comments in the above article, it seems that Tamron can correct these issues. I've been in touch with their local repair place and see if they can sort out these problems. If they agree, I'll give that a try before getting rid of the lens.
 
yes canon is much better in all aspects

shufflemoomin said:
I am using my Tamron 17-50 2.8 for shooting concerts at a local venue but I'm starting to get annoyed with the amount of rejections I'm getting due to out out of focus problems. We're talking about 2 or 3 out of ten on average. I'm beginning to wonder if it would be a good idea to switch over to the canon EF-S 17-55 2.8? The price difference is pretty steep so I'm wondering if the quality difference is worth the extra outlay? Would I be essentially paying for the brand name? (I know the Canon has IS but that's a non-issue for me.) Any opinions or advice?
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POAH said:
yes canon is much better in all aspects
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That's a pretty wild generalization. Even the article posted above shows that's not superior in all regards. All I wanted to know was if the Canon topped the Tamron in AF alone and I think I've got my answer.
 
shufflemoomin said:
That's a pretty wild generalization. Even the article posted above shows that's not superior in all regards. All I wanted to know was if the Canon topped the Tamron in AF alone and I think I've got my answer.
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Don't see how

Canon has better iq, better build quality, better AF so yes better in every way that counts
 
I borrowed a friend of mines Tamron 17-50 and it's one of the sharpest I've used at around F4.

I used it mainly for video however, but it was lovely and bright all day long.

Tamrons zoom barrel is mighty stiff though, can't say much for the Canon as I haven't touched one.
 
farrance said:
I borrowed a friend of mines Tamron 17-50 and it's one of the sharpest I've used at around F4.
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I don't debate the Tamron's ability for sharpness. It can be incredibly sharp, it's the AF that lets it down. Any lens' sharpness ability is moot if it can't focus. Thankfully Tamron have agreed to look at the lens for repair/recalibration under warranty, so I'll do that and give it another chance before offloading it.
 
That test shot has focused on the headstock of the bass guitar and not the person, or thats what its tried to do.

I use the same lens and shoot a lot in low light, I can honestly say I haven't experienced the problems your experiencing.

One thing from that shot are you sure you are locked to the center auto focus point as if not it could be finding the best target and trying to focus on that and if doing it with manually setting the auto focus point its easy to forget its not back to center and take a shot.

Also using servo could be part of the problem, it doesn't like low light, one shot would be better and I think you would see an improvement, I know it means you will miss some shots, but its better to have a few shots that are all in focus than a lot of shots with just the odd one in focus.

Also try a 50mm F1.8
 
shufflemoomin said:
From the review above: "The Sigma is a better landscape lens than the Canon because it has better performance in the f11-f16 range which are apertures often needed for depth-of-field."
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Diffraction will have set in by then and sharpness will have decreased. Never shot at f16 on my 40d due to this
 
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