Tamron Lenses

[Shane72]

I just ordered a Canon 40D as an upgrade from my XTi and am thinking of getting a new all-round lens. I have three Canon lenses but will be selling my wide angle/telephoto with the XTi as I believe I can get better return selling the whole kit. This leaves me with a telephoto and a 50mm prime lens. Anyway, I've only owned one non-Canon lens and it wasn't very impressive though this was a long time ago, the lens doesn't even work on the DSLRs.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with Tamron lenses. Specifically I'm eying the new 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3. This looks like a decent lens I could use for most situations. I know it will have its limitations but I've read good reviews including one in Popular Photography this month.

I'm just hesitant buying a third party lens and have no experience with Tamron though I know they've been around a long time. I'd like to hear any experiences with third party lenses regarding durability and reliability, especially with Tamron.

[boxmom]

I have a couple of Sigma lenses, which have been very reliable. I think you will really like the 18-270 range. I have a 18-200mm zoom and it is very handy, and it is almost always on the camera. Have you considered packaging your old camera w/the 50mm lens? What kind of things to you photograph?

[Shane72]

Thanks for the response!

I do a little of everything I shoot some products and models in scrubs and uniforms for my company's ads and website - not my primary job, we'll do this about once every month or two. I've done a few weddings and do some portraits on the side. I also like to do landscapes, architecture and sports. Of course I've got thousands (literally) of pictures of a certain boxer too

I don't make much money in photography, I just enjoy it. This is why I'm not looking at L glass, just something that will serve my purposes. The lens I'm selling is just a kit lens so it's not a big loss. I don't do a lot of landscapes or other wide-angle shots but it's nice to have the wide angle when I need it. The 50mm is a fast lens and works great for portraiture when using a DSLR with an APS sized sensor. It's also come in handy when I couldn't use flash. My other telephoto is a nicer lens (28-200) and I'll keep it for sports as it focuses really fast and that's about the only negative I've consistently read about the Tamron lens I'm looking at - slow focus.

I've read good things about Sigma's and they look really durable but I really like the range of the 18-270. I feel like I'd rarely ever have to change it!

[boxmom]

Good idea hanging on to the 50mm--I was assuming it was a "kit" lens. I do some portraits on the side, as well. I have been using the 18-200 for those some too. It is a nikon lens, and incredibly sharp. I love being able to zoom in and out while shooting portraits, especially of the dogs. You are right, once you put that lens on, you will only take it off when you need a faster lens. Good luck with your new gear. Looking forward to seeing more fabulous pics of Rocky in your gallery.

[Shane72]

Thanks for the discussion! I received my 40D today and it wasn't very difficult to retire the old camera! Just the feel of this thing is great, not to mention the expanded capabilities. Guess who my first test subject was I think I'll be going with the Tamron next month. It's got a 6 year warranty so it can't be too bad.

[Shane72]

By the way, I love your gallery! Great pictures of a some beautiful boxers!

[jimseabee]

just bought one. We had bought a canon xt 2 years ago(great price) and a used tamron 28-200 lens.(100 usd) it finally broke 10,000 pictures later, and we bought a new tamron 18-200. i just ordered the canon 430ex speedlight.

I like my lens. I just use Adobe Light room 2 to correct the "issues" with the pictures

[jimseabee]

Go to a camera store and try out the lens, that is what the DS and I did, i like tamron, great price great warranty. It works for what we use it for.

[Shane72]

Originally Posted by jimseabee

just bought one. We had bought a canon xt 2 years ago(great price) and a used tamron 28-200 lens.(100 usd) it finally broke 10,000 pictures later, and we bought a new tamron 18-200. i just ordered the canon 430ex speedlight.

I like my lens. I just use Adobe Light room 2 to correct the "issues" with the pictures

Thanks for the info! I'm a big fan of Lightroom, especially since I shoot almost exclusively in RAW, even with my smaller point and shoot Olympus 550 UZ.

Unfortunately, the only camera store we have here is a Ritz in the mall and their selection is usually small unlike their prices

I've got a 420ex that I've used for 10+ years. Great flash and quite durable. The 430ex looks like a nice improvement, especially for digital.

[Shane72]

Alright, I got my 40D and wanted to go ahead and order the Tamron 18-270 lens before Christmas so I could take advantage of the $50 mail-in rebate. I received it a couple of days ago and used it all day today. Let me say, it's a great lens paired with the 40D!

I mostly used my camera mounted 420 EX flash with diffuser bounced off the ceilings and walls. I was shooting handheld with shutter speeds as low as 1/60th of a second, even with focal lengths above 200 and the Vibration Control rocks! I carried my laptop for instant feedback and the images are tack sharp! The colors were naturally warmer than my Canon lenses too. I intentionality shot some photos of lines that would show barrel distortion at 18mm and as expected there was a little but that was easily corrected with software. There was no noticeable vignetting through the full focal range but I didn't test all apertures at all focal lengths.

It's a bulky lens but not really any fatter or heavier than my Canon 28-200. The zoom barrel turns opposite the direction of Canon lenses and is kind of stiff in the mid-range but these aren't big issues. It can be a little slow to focus in low light but not bad. Overall I think it's a lens that will serve me well for years to come. I'm a happy camper!

Thanks to everyone for your comments and advice!