Tamron 28-75 F2.8 vs Canon Kit lens v2

[commando]

This is a follow on from my earlier thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=47497), but for some reason I can't open that thread any more... can anyone else? The ghist of the thread was that I just got the new Tamron lens, and I intially wasn't very happy with it, and I wanted opinions about whether to keep it or not.

Now, after i've taken some daylight test shots with the Tamron lens, and i'm a bit happier with it now. The focusing seems to be a bit odd, but maybe that's just the user... I keep the 300D on spot focus, because I like using a narrow depth of field. Do people think it's an improvement over the Canon lens, and is it worth its price?

Anyway, if you're interested, take a look. They're thumbnailed, linked to cut down photos, then link to the original 1-2MB jpgs with full exif info.

http://www.kiwirant.co.nz/gallery/

[commando]

I have a couple of other observations about the Tamron lens:
- It's not as fast to focus as the canon usm kit lens.
- You can't focus manually without turning it to manual focus. The kit lens is the same, but I understand other canon usm lenses let you manually focus any time you like.

That's all for now. I'll report more once i've taken a few more photos on the weekend.

[Andy_T]

Only one observation ... most likely the thread title should be referring to the Tamron 28-75/2.8, right?

Best regards,
Andy

[chops]

Image 4 in your gallery is not a focusing problem. That was caused from YOUR movement when you took the picture. That picture was taken at 1/8 of a second.

[Persian-Rice]

Ya can't open it either.

Wondering if anyone posted a picture of then lens with hood? If so if they can post it again. Never had the oppertunity to check it out.

Thanks.

[slin100]

Click on the thumbnail, below, to see the full size picture. Shown next to the Tamron is the Canon 28-135/3.5-5.6 IS.
http://img27.exs.cx/img27/1844/IMG_1820w.th.jpg
Full size (http://img27.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img27&image=IMG_1820w.jpg)

[Persian-Rice]

Hah, thanks, good timing.

Thats a little guy isnt it. I think I will get one, no need to duplicate an L lens...........

[Olegis]

I have a couple of other observations about the Tamron lens:
- It's not as fast to focus as the canon usm kit lens.

Correct. The motor used in this lens is slower and makes more noise than the USM in Canon lenses.

- You can't focus manually without turning it to manual focus. The kit lens is the same, but I understand other canon usm lenses let you manually focus any time you like.

DO NOT try to focus manually when the focus switch is in AF position - this lens does not have Full manual focus like the Canon USM lenses have. First switch to MF and then focus manually. As a matter of fact, I've forgotten when was the last time that I used this lens in MF ...

I took a look at your new photographs - they are MUCH better than the previous ones and now they really show the quality of the lens. Just keep the shutter speeds above 1/focal length (the common and widely accepted rule of thumb) and try to hold the camera very still while squeezing the shutter - and you'll end up with much higher percentage of sharp images.

And the most important part - keep shooting and just have fun, that's what's this all about, isn't it ? :wink:

[chops]

That other thread seems to be working now.

Here's a link to the pictures I posted..

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=47497

[Olegis]

Persian-Rice, here are two pictures of the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and a couple of other lenses side by side (from left to right - Canon 70-200 f/2.8L, Sigma 15-30, Canon 50mm f/1.8 MkII, Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 ) :

http://www.pbase.com/olegis/image/36144983.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/olegis/image/36144984.jpg

Hope it helps.

[commando]

Only one observation ... most likely the thread title should be referring to the Tamron 28-75/2.8, right?

Oops, yes, you're right. I'll try and edit it.

Image 4 in your gallery is not a focusing problem. That was caused from YOUR movement when you took the picture. That picture was taken at 1/8 of a second.

Well spotted, thanks for pointing that out. I'm still getting used to cameras that you have to control yourself, rather than it being full auto. I was in "P" mode, I should have shifted it to a faster shutted speed.


DO NOT try to focus manually when the focus switch is in AF position - this lens does not have Full manual focus like the Canon USM lenses have. First switch to MF and then focus manually. As a matter of fact, I've forgotten when was the last time that I used this lens in MF ...

I took a look at your new photographs - they are MUCH better than the previous ones and now they really show the quality of the lens. Just keep the shutter speeds above 1/focal length (the common and widely accepted rule of thumb) and try to hold the camera very still while squeezing the shutter - and you'll end up with much higher percentage of sharp images.

It remind you by being hard to turn, so I won't make that mistake I hope. None of my lenses has ever had full time manual, so i'm used to changing to MF.

I have to keep an eye on the settings for each shot when i'm in P. I don't ususally unless i'm just doing quick shots. Maybe I just need to drink less caffine to stop the shaking ;)