Newbie to SLRs - Lens testing

Hi,

The subject says it all - new to SLRs and feel great that I am ready to make my first lens addition - the 28-75 Tamron, this weekend.

I read in a lot of review about how a particular piece is real bad. What are some of tests that one should do to verify if the lens is performing satisfactorily?

Focus in bright light and low light is where I would start. Without getting too techy, clarity on the outer edges of the pics is another one. Welcome to the zoo by the way. And lastly, buy the best glass your budget can handle. IMHO

http://www.canon-dslr.com …/Canon_SLR_Focu​s_Test.htm

Tripod, mirror lock up, shutter release cable, do 5 test shots not one.

If you have any suspicion of a front- or back-focus problem, then you ought to do a ruler test. Of course the problem might be in the camera body, or it might be in the lens.

---Bob Gross---

Hi kram, I notice that you live in Hong Kong and thought that I would put in my two cents.

Specifically regarding buying lenses in HK, I don't know if many of the shops will let you bring your body and test their lenses right there until you are satisfied before making your purchase. I bought all of my lenses at Wing Shing and Man Shing because they have a 7 days exchange policy. I normally took many different shots to confirm the newly purchased lens was okay within the 7-day period. So far I have had no problem with any of the purchases at all.

I have a Tamron 28-75mm and enjoy shooting with it very much. Good luck on your purchase.

Thanks Redbird. I was close to posting the exact same query on the return policies- decided it was too narrow a topic for this forum to ask about Hong Kong return policies.

But then, this forum is truly international.

Thanx everyone for the inputs on types of tests. Thought deciding on the lens would take more time...... looks like the weekend will be spent lens testing!!

It shoudn't take you more than about 15 minutes. If you can't be bothered doing that test (I couldn't) do what I did, see here. Try and set it up similarly to that one, I did it that way for a reason, don't have time to fully explain. Entire target should be parallel to camera sensor, give it just one target.