Opinions Please

[mdaddyrabbit]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=258516&is=REG

Just trying to get something in what I call a "Get by lens" anyone have this and can give me some idea of its quality?

[Skip Souza]

Hi there.

I have the Tamron in question and it pretty much lives on my 20D. I am a "long lens" type of guy so I appreciate it's reach for a walk about lens.
Pro:
* Inexpensive.
* Small and light for every day use and carrying on my bike.
* 28-300 mm covers a lot of ground in small package.
* Reasonably fast focus. Much faster than wife's 70-300 IS
* Decent photos if used within it's limitations.
* Decent close focus for macro work.
* Small, light and inexpensive. Did I already say this?

Cons:
* Soft at both ends, especially at aperatures below f/8, better at f/11.
* Long end somewhat optimistic, more like 280mm.
* Slow. What did you expect for the money 2.8L ?

Would I do it again?
Yes. For the money you can not find any other single lens that offers the coverage and convenience.
I hope to replace it with two lenses at five times the cost, the 70-300 DO and the EF-S 17-85 IS.

Since you have the wider end covered with the kit lens (don't sell this lens short), and if you can get by with a little less on the long end, and if size does not matter, and if you have a couple extra C notes you might consider the 70-200 f/4 L, a damn fine lens. You could always extend its' reach with a Kenko TC. I know a lot of ands, just a thought.

For more information check this site (http://www.e-fotografija.com/artman/publish/article_306.shtml).
Good luck.