Canon EF 28-80 mm vs. Tamaron 28-75 f/2.8

[drtidefan]

Is there much of a difference between the Canon EF 28-80 mm f/3.5-5.6 and the Tamaron 28-75 f/2.8? I'm considering upgrading lenses and am not sure where to start.

Thanks,

Dennis

[tim]

There's a huge difference - look at the reviews. Tamron scores 4.5/5, Canon 2.6/5.

Tamron (http://www.photographyreview.com/pscLenses/35mm,Zoom/Tamron/PRD_171808_3128crx.aspx).
Canon (http://www.photographyreview.com/pscLenses/35mm,Zoom/Canon/PRD_83418_3128crx.aspx).

See reviews at fredmiranda.com too.

[whchan]

The Tamron has f/2.8 and the Canon has f/3.5. Also, the Tamron has got great reviews and this Canon probably similar to the kit lens (18-55mm).

[drtidefan]

I quess the question is, should I replace my canon 28-80 with a Tamron, or should I look at a new lens like the 17-40 first?

[ed rader]

>>I quess the question is, should I replace my canon 28-80 with a Tamron, or should I look at a new lens like the 17-40 first?<<

both lengths are good but different. if you like the lens you are using now the tamron would be a good starting point, imo.

ed rader

[tim]

I quess the question is, should I replace my canon 28-80 with a Tamron, or should I look at a new lens like the 17-40 first?

What do you mainly take photos of?

[drtidefan]

I'm trying to expand my horizons, but for now I take a lot of pictures of my son (inside and out).

[DavidEB]

Look at the photos you've taken so far with the 28-80 - what focal length did you use for your favorite shots? Do you often find yourself cursing the lack of wider range? Are most of your shots taken at the long end? If your son is like my two, he doesn't want you up close shooting while he's playing. You want to have enough focal length to be out of range if he flings oatmeal. So these considerations should drive your decision with respect to focal length.

If you like to take shots indoors without flash, then the extra f-stop (2.8) on the Tamron will come in handy, or you could step up to (ouch) the 16-35 f2.8.

If you like shots of your son with a blurred-out background (look thru this forum for shots like that), then you would also lean towards the faster lens.



good luck,

[Andy_T]

I would suggest to go with the Tamron.
I did get it as 'workhorse lens', and I don't regret it.

Another option would be to use your 50/1.8 prime more for portraits.
Of course, a zoom is handy, but the prime is faster and a bit sharper.

Best regards,
Andy