Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD lens review

I've done a short review about the Tamron 70-200mm VC lens for Canon mount for a local store/community called Red Dot Photo SG, and you can find it here:

http://www.reddotphoto​.com.sg …200mm-f-2.8-Di-VC?p=11923

Alright, back to the lens...

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/headshotzx/8324​717303/
Tamron 70-200 Review 1 by headshotzx, on Flickr

This review isn't going to be remotely technical. You can see all the specifications on the Tamron page (and Red Dot Photo's page!). I'm not that kind of photographer - it doesn't need to constantly be all about the resolution power of this and that, etc. It should just perform well in real life applications.

Over a period of a week, I photographed and filmed at different locations, with a Canon 5D Mark II and the Sony NEX FS-700.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/headshotzx/8325​837984/
Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC BTS by headshotzx, on Flickr

So my first impressions?

The lens is a keeper at the price. It's such a steal compared to what Canon's asking for the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS Mark II. I personally own the Mark I version of that lens because, well, I don't shoot with the 70-200 range often nowadays.

It's sharp enough corner to corner when used on my 5D Mark II. It's autofocus works fine enough for my tracking, on both a 5D mark II and a borrowed 5D Mark III, although I didn't get to shoot sports. It's colour seems a little warm to my eyes, but honestly that's subjective. Could be flattering for portraiture though - unintended flaw-turned-boon, perhaps?

Hope it helps!

Zexun

Hmm seems like few people are interested in this lens! Anyway, I forgot to add in the fact that on my Metabones Smart Adapter II, the lens couldn't stop down on my FS700 camcorder because I didn't update the firmware, so the video was shot entirely wide open.

Nice review, but I didn't see anything in there about autofocus speed. For a brief time I had the older Tamron 70-200 and it was a dog in that sense (but nice image quality and sharpness), so that's what I'm most interested in.

I enjoyed your sample pictures - very nice!

I enjoyed the review. Thanks for posting. This lens has been penciled in on my short list for a while.

ccasey wrote in post #15437412
Nice review, but I didn't see anything in there about autofocus speed. For a brief time I had the older Tamron 70-200 and it was a dog in that sense (but nice image quality and sharpness), so that's what I'm most interested in.

I enjoyed your sample pictures - very nice!

That unfortunately is something I'm unqualified to test. I have a 5D Mark 2, and I borrowed a 5D Mark 3. Ultra Sonic Drive definitely helps, and I've tested the older tamron lens too, but I just can't give conclusive results because I had neither the subject nor the camera that's good for testing.

I understand. Fully testing AF speed, responsiveness, and accuracy with scientific precision is more than I'd expect. You're certainly qualified to compare it to your Canon, though. Did it feel pretty much the same, snappier, or a noticeable step behind?

Maybe it's enough to say that it didn't jump out at you as bad.

Thanks again.

Nice write up.

Good review. I quite agree. Great lens for the price.

Long time not visiting this forum, and now I want a new lens

Actually I want the Canon 70-200 mk II, but the price is out of my reach at the moment.

I already have Canon 70-200 f/4 L IS, but I want to try 2.8.

If I sold my 70-200 (a 3 years second-hand lens) I need to add about $300 to buy this brand new Tamron.

This Tamron is at $1300 here, brand new.

Thought ?

silverant wrote in post #16206456
Long time not visiting this forum, and now I want a new lens

Actually I want the Canon 70-200 mk II, but the price is out of my reach at the moment.

I already have Canon 70-200 f/4 L IS, but I want to try 2.8.

If I sold my 70-200 (a 3 years second-hand lens) I need to add about $300 to buy this brand new Tamron.

This Tamron is at $1300 here, brand new.

Thought ?

Ya, my upgrade path went like this --> 70-200 F4 non IS -> 70-200 F4 IS -> 70-200 2.8 OS Sigma -> Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC

Wait about one more week and I'll have my review up of my tamron.

Talley wrote in post #16206668
Ya, my upgrade path went like this --> 70-200 F4 non IS -> 70-200 F4 IS -> 70-200 2.8 OS Sigma -> Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC

I give it until Easter before the 70-200/2.8 IS II is on this list.

FEChariot wrote in post #16206950
I give it until Easter before the 70-200/2.8 IS II is on this list.

well.........

My bonus comes in another month so depending on that

I'll explain in my review. Sent you a PM.

I see what you are doing there. You are fooling the finance manager. Each upgrade, it's like this, "I could sell this one and for 'just' a couple hundred more...". Much less shock than buying the 70-200/4 non IS and saying, I need two thousand dollars more for the best one."

FEChariot wrote in post #16207089
I see what you are doing there. You are fooling the finance manager. Each upgrade, it's like this, "I could sell this one and for 'just' a couple hundred more...". Much less shock than buying the 70-200/4 non IS and saying, I need two thousand dollars more for the best one."

!

I have a Canon 6D. Should I get this lens or go with the Canon f/4 70-200mm IS?