Tamron SP AF28-75/2.8, is it a good lens?

[johneric8]

I just started looking at possible lenses to add to my collection. Does anyone have any experience with the tamron sp af28-75 ? Is it a good lens to have for portraits and candids? is there one you would suggest over this one as far as versatility and performance? Price is an issue..

[thomasrhee]

For the money, I don't know of anything in this zoom range that's better. Some prefer the Sigma 24-70/2.8, although with the samples I've tried between the 2 lenses, I prefer the Tamron. Your mileage may vary.

Simply stated, the Tamron is a gorgeous lens regardless of money.

[CyberDyneSystems]

John,
Take a look at our -=TOP10=- lens section.. the polls rate this lens VERY highly.

[antaine]

I bought this lense 3 weeks ago and it got it's first outing at a party on Sat night. I did a lot of candid shots and it has a vary useful range. I had a 550EX attached and the photos were very good (even on complete auto mode I used as I only have the 550EX a short time).

Once or twice I found myself trying to walk backwards to accomadate groups of 4 or 5 people when i was about 12 feet away as the bottom ends equates to approx 44mm on my 10D.

Overall, it is a nice weight (not too heavy), feels quite well made and I was very happy with the shots taken. Not overally sharp at 2.8 but judging by reviews on other lenses, I don't think they are either!

[tim]

Antaine, i've found flash shots are best done in manual mode. Just choose M, set the aperture to whatever you like, and set the speed based on the effect you're trying to create. If you only want to illuminate the main subject choose 1/200th or so. If you want to get the background exposed well, meter in Av mode, or my rule of thumb is set it to about 1/80th. Have a play, it's not so hard, though in general flash shooting is one of the more difficult things to do.

[antaine]

thanks Tim, I'll save you comments - I have a wedding as a guest in May so hopefully will be in control my 550 by then! A.

[mr.photoguy]

I love it.. great lens...
If you scroll down a bit you will see a post I made for Sample images from this lens. So you can go there, and see for yourself what it is capeable of.

[tim]

If you're going to take an SLR and a big flash to a wedding as a guest, go talk to the pro when you arrive, and make sure to work around him. Your flash could bugger things up for him, so it might be best to try for candids away from where he is. With flash photography, you need a LOT of practice, so start now.

Back on topic, the 28-75 is a great lens and an excellent buy, i'm very happy with mine.

[Redbird_xo]

johneric8, the said lens is rather good for portraiture without much debate (given its excellent price point and performance). but for candids, you might need a faster (aperture) lens if you mean to shoot indoor with dim available lighting. 85mm f/1.8 might be an option for indoor dim light candids. my two cents.

[raylks]

It's good, as some review suggested.

[johneric8]

johneric8, the said lens is rather good for portraiture without much debate (given its excellent price point and performance). but for candids, you might need a faster (aperture) lens if you mean to shoot indoor with dim available lighting. 85mm f/1.8 might be an option for indoor dim light candids. my two cents.


Thanks redbird! I already have the 50mm 1.8 prime that I use with good results believe it or not for low light situations. I guess I'm just looking for a good all round lens to add to my collection. thanks to everyone for taking the time to comment on this particular lens.