Is my Tamron 17-50 adding contrast?

Did some shooting over the weekend, and when looking at the captures it just seems to me that all things shot with the Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 have more contrast when compared with the other lens used extensively, the canon 24-105 IS.

It's not objectionable contrast. In fact, it's applied well and enhances the picture, making it look sharper. I looked on Miranda and could not find any user comments about this lens adding contrast, so I was just wondering if others here had noticed the same thing. If this is the case, do all tamrons add contrast?

Well, it won't 'add' contrast, per se, though some lenses innately render the image with greater contrast. It's usually seen as a sign of high-quality optics. My Tokina 12-24 and Canon 80-200L are contrastier than my Sigma 18-125, for example.

contrast isn't "added" by the lens per say, but contrast, along with things like sharpness, distortion (or lack there of), CA, colors are part of the optics that are designed into the lens. Generally, higher quality optics tend to have more contrast.

Tee Why wrote in post #2014777
contrast isn't "added" by the lens per say, but contrast, along with things like sharpness, distortion (or lack there of), CA, colors are part of the optics that are designed into the lens. Generally, higher quality optics tend to have more contrast.

Well, I didn't really mean "add" contrast, but rather it produces images with higher contast. Thanks. Glad to know it's indicative of better optics. I am happy with the lens, but I must say I have had some CA problems with it.

I have the lens too and I really haven't seen any CA except when shooting leaves against a bright sky at 17mm f2.8 to check specifically for CA. Hmmmm

Other than the noisy AF, I really like the lens. The optics can't be beat in my view.

You should try Canon lenses, my 17-55 doesn't just add contrast, it MULTIPLIES it!!

I have the lens and love it.

jaymrobinson wrote in post #2016181
You should try Canon lenses, my 17-55 doesn't just add contrast, it MULTIPLIES it!!

Perhaps it's just a result of the focal length range and the various elements necessary to achieve it. I also have assorted canon L, non-L, and IS lenses and not one produces images with the high contrast of the tamron. The only one that comes close is the 10-22.

And yes, I must admit the CA problems I have had have been in areas of extreme contrast such as a dark, almost black tree trunk against a light, almost blownout sky.