A tribute to the Tamron 28-75 2.8

I just wanted to say how happy I am with this lens on my 5D classic. I went through hell trying to find an affordable lens that would focus well on this camera. Then I happened to pick up this well used Tamron for $260 about a year ago on Craigslist.

It's funny how much stuff Tamron prints on the lens: Tarmon SP AF Aspherical XR Di LD (IF) 28-75mm 1:2.8 MACRO 67mm

This lens focuses quite reliably even in low light and it is pretty sharp wide open. If I stop down a little it makes my old 5D classic look like a Mark III. The sharpness is stunning. It's not stabilized, but I shoot with strobes a lot so that's not an issue.

If I put a UV filter on it, I get some lens flare from the strobe behind my model, so I just leave the filter off. No flare at all then!

I know from sad experience that lens performance varies a lot from copy to copy, even with the most expensive lenses, so your mileage may and almost certainly will vary!

Mike in Vancouver, WA

I have one and it is the lens that I have owned the longest, of what I have now.

It's been through a 40D> 5D > 2 x 5DII's

I may replace it with the new Tamron, though, at some point.

I've used it at clubs, shooting concerts with crap lighting and it has never failed me. It's gone flying off my car seat more than once and keeps on working.

Highly recommended.

Yupe. Love this lens to death. I even found two more copies for two of my friends. They love it too. I use mine on APS-C and APS-H censors. Can't imagine what it would be like on a FF body.

I found it decent on a crop but really appreciated it on a FF.

I like my Tammy on 5Dc. Sharp wife open and colors are nice SOOC.
I use protective clear filter and don't have any problem.

Pupu wrote in post #14533126

iPad autospell...

2.8

I had that lens for a few years, and replaced it with the Canon 24-70L. The Canon is sharper, more contrasty and focuses faster, but for 1/4 of the price, the Tamron was quite a good lens.

Had one, great bang for the buck!

davisphotos wrote in post #14533551
I had that lens for a few years, and replaced it with the Canon 24-70L. The Canon is sharper, more contrasty and focuses faster, but for 1/4 of the price, the Tamron was quite a good lens.

^^^^^^^^^^^ Same here.

I love my Tamron 28-75. It does a great job outdoors and in the studio. No plans to swap it for anything else right now.

davisphotos wrote in post #14533551
I had that lens for a few years, and replaced it with the Canon 24-70L. The Canon is sharper, more contrasty and focuses faster, but for 1/4 of the price, the Tamron was quite a good lens.

Same route here. I sold the Tamron after 2 years, and get the 24-70 when I found an affordable 2nd-hand. I admit that while the Tamron was/is a great lens - especially considering its price, but in terms of color, bokeh and contrast, the Canon 24-70 is much better.

It is a great gem of a bargain. The 24-70L is better of course, but for 1/4 of the price, the Tamron is very nice.

As a backup to the 24-70 it's pretty cheap insurance...considerin​g how even used 24-70's are going up in price right now