Bought a Tamron 28-75mm? My informal QC survey...

**
I originally posted this on dpreview forums, but I wanted to gather more stats. If you've already responded to the dbpreview thread, please don't respond here (at least, not without mentioning you've responded elsewhere). I don't want to accidentally count you twice. After I get a bunch of input, I'll update with the stats.
**

Now, I know all of you have heard good things about the Tamron 28-75mm. But everywhere you read, you hear about the quality control issues across different copies.

So, I'm curious... is everyone just repeating the same "significant variation in copies" line or is there some truth to it. Of all the people who bought the lens, where did you buy it? And did you get a good copy on your first purchase? Had to return it and get another one? Had to send it to Tamron to get it corrected?

Because even though everyone complains about the variations, everyone seems to have ended up with a sharp copy.

Great lens, no regrets. First copy, no problems for me.

I bought mine used from a local shop with no issues whatsoever. My most used lens.

i got mine brand new from B&H. no problems for me.

I bought mine at a local camera store. No problems with it. Great lens.

Good lens, but it had its own limmitations. Not as sharp wide open as I would want it to be. AF speed also suffers in low light.

But its a great lens.

Sharp lens. I wouldn't pick anything else in the same price range.

Got it in May from Amazon.com. I've been satisfied with it from the beginning.

http://www.photography​-on-the.net …p?p=2031607&pos​tcount=192

Got a great copy on my first shot, love it and can't see me parting with it. It is just as sharp as my friends 24-70L on my drebel.

Bought mine at a local shop last winter and it's incredibly sharp. Seriously, it gives my 50mm 1.4 a run for the money. Sharp as a tack. No issues whatsoever with my first copy. No need to swap or send it in. I've used it on my previous 350D and now on my 30D. I use it as my walk around lens because of it's great mix of sharpness, zoom versatility, and lower light capabilities.

Bought mine off a member here. GREAT lens IQ is awsome..wide open its VERY sharp and its a GREAT lens. I dont think the AF is that bad..its not that slow and the noise isnt really loud as well either. I think its a GREAT lens for what it cost.

Very happy with mine as well.

Happy with my first copy as well. Sharp and accurate focusing.

Bought mine from B&H a year ago. First copy, great lens.

had 3 version of it, all were sharp, reason for selling the first two was to try 24-70 f2.8 and then 24-105 f4 IS, all lens were great, finally came back to my third copy, can't justify owning the Canons 24-70 and 24-105 when the tammy was just as good.