Tamron 17-50mm

Frogskit · 1 Dec 2010

Hi Guys.

Would you buy a New Tamron 17-50mm without trying it first ?

Cheers
Wullie

The23rdman · 1 Dec 2010

Yes, if it was from a reputable dealer.

mastertrinity · 1 Dec 2010

How do you mean?

Are you asking about what the lens is like image quality wise or are you asking whether the lens is a bad copy?

If it's an IQ concern then have no worry because I don't know anyone who has hated the 17-50mm. If it's a bad copy issue then you can always buy it and try it and do some lens tests and post them on here for us to review and if it's a dud then you can take it back and exchange it.

kartracer · 1 Dec 2010

I just purchased the 17(non-VC) from Simply, and was pleased to see its a 'Made in Japan' version.

Starastin · 1 Dec 2010

If you mean buying from onestop then - yes there is a small percentage of possibility to get a bad copy.

there was almost like a survey in flickr about how many copies are bad. wasn't that bad.

I'm also very interested in this.

kokakaste2 · 1 Dec 2010

Yes, I bought mine without testing it in the shop.

It was fine for two years till the time I sold it.

Inchpractice · 1 Dec 2010

If it were up to me I would definitely NOT buy that lens without seeing it first.

I bought a copy from Jessops and it was front focussing so I returned it and the new one I have now is much better but still not right imo.
It's less sharp than the kit lens that comes with my Canon 550d, which doesn't seem right at all.

My advice is that if you're going to buy this lens test it thoroughly first.

Starastin · 1 Dec 2010

it's supposed to be at least 2x better than kit lens. so return this one as well .

did you get the VC version or nonVC . can't decide, do I need the VC ! :|

Inchpractice · 1 Dec 2010

Starastin said:
it's supposed to be at least 2x better than kit lens. so return this one as well .

did you get the VC version or nonVC . can't decide, do I need the VC ! :|

I got the non-VC version.
Everyone says that it's meant to be twice as good as the kit lens but this copy aint!
The only person that disagrees with that is my photography tutor who says that it's perfectly logical that the kit lens would be sharper...?!
:shrug:

Starastin · 1 Dec 2010

ummm !!! change the tutor ! :haha:

Don't know about canon and tamron.

but I used to have sony with kit lens and then a sigma zoom f2.8 , it ate the kit alive . And I suppose the sony kit lens is better than canon kit, but I don't know as I bought Canon body with a different zoom.

Dave * · 1 Dec 2010

A good copy of the new IS kit lens could well be comparable to the 17-50, it has had some very good technical reviews. I think a lot of people still think of the old version when the Canon kit lens is mentioned.

For example
photozone

There were a few moments when I considered not to publish the results due to "political correctness" because to date it was a quite absurd thought that such a cheap, or better "affordable", lens can perform this good and I'm sure that some will not believe the findings even though they're supported by the published field images.

Anyway, the resolution capabilities of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is nothing short of amazing. This is also surprising regarding the rather small changes in the optical design compared to the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II. Still - the center resolution is excellent throughout the range even at wide-open aperture. Unlike most dedicated APS-C standard zoom lenses it is capable to keep a very good level even at the extreme corners of the image field.

Its resolution characteristic is similar to the (much higher priced) EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 USM IS at comparable aperture settings, quite a bit better than the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 USM IS

Frogskit · 1 Dec 2010

Bit the bullet. Ordered one from Onestop including 7yr. GT.
Thanks guys, here's hoping.......

itsdavedotnet · 1 Dec 2010

It's a good lens. Very much doubt you'll have any issues. Enjoy, go take pictures

Frogskit · 2 Dec 2010

b****r !

Ordered it from onestop, Did not check where they were based
HongKong....... F***..... Now I will have to pay import duty and VAT !
Should have bought it from Camerabox where I found it first..... DOH!
Sooooooo Annoying....:bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:

specialman · 2 Dec 2010

Amazing lens. For what you're paying there's nothing to challenge it - only reason I'd get the Nikon 17-55 version would be to be a Nikon tart.

Are you sure you're paying import duty on it or is it factored in?

mission1968 · 2 Dec 2010

Hi All how and whats the best test you can do if you have a bad copy of the tamron 17-50 :shrug:

allanm · 2 Dec 2010

Frogskit said:
b****r !

Ordered it from onestop, Did not check where they were based
HongKong....... F***..... Now I will have to pay import duty and VAT !
Should have bought it from Camerabox where I found it first..... DOH!
Sooooooo Annoying....:bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:

I bought a flash and lens from Onestop and didnt pay any extras on either. They state you will not pay VAT or import duty but if you do you can claim it back from them. Look at Q 8 in their FAQ section.

I bought a used Tammy 17-50 for my Nikon D300, it was superb, very little difference between that and my Nikon 17-55 f2.8, at around a quarter the price!
Allan

Inchpractice · 2 Dec 2010

mission1968 said:
Hi All how and whats the best test you can do if you have a bad copy of the tamron 17-50 :shrug:

If your lens is not focussing properly take it back to the shop and get them to change it. If they dispute the fact that it's faulty you can do this test.

In daylight, or under a bright light lay a tape measure down on the floor or on a table in front of you. Point the tape measure away from you vertically rather than across the table from left to right if you see what I mean.

Put the camera in ISO 400 or less. With the lens at 17mm focal length and f2.8 take a shot of the tape measure focussing on a specific point on the tape (say 30").
You'll need to set the AF zones so that only the single central one is operational.
You should be standing no more than a foot away from the nearest end of the tape.
Make sure that the shutter speed is more than 1/80.

Put the images in your PC and enlarge them to 100%. Select the 'Show AF point' option.
If the tape measure is in focus just in front of the area you focussed on (say 29.5") then you have a front focussing lens which is exactly what I had.
If it's sharp at 30.5" then you have a back focussing lens.
If it's not that sharp anywhere then you also have a duff lens.

What camera are you using by the way....?

mrbez · 2 Dec 2010

Inch,

How do you choose the "Show AF Point" option?

Inchpractice · 2 Dec 2010

MrCraigBerry said:
Inch,

How do you choose the "Show AF Point" option?

In the Canon Digital Photo Professional software, click View and then 'Show AF point'.
I think there's a way of doing it Photoshop as well but I haven't found it yet.

If you have a Nikon their software does the same thing.

kartracer · 2 Dec 2010

Would this test be applicable when using manual focus also?

mission1968 · 2 Dec 2010

how do you 'Show AF point on a sony a700 ???

Inchpractice · 2 Dec 2010

kartracer said:
Would this test be applicable when using manual focus also?

No, the whole point of the test is to see if the lens is focussing properly on its own using AF.
If you focus it yourself you won't know if it's faulty.

mission1968 said:
how do you 'Show AF point on a sony a700 ???

I wouldn't know mate.
Try opening the Sony software that came with the camera, open up a photo and look under the 'View' tab.

Actually that part of the test is not that important anyway as long as you can remember which number on the tape you focussed on.

mission1968 · 2 Dec 2010

Just done your test i focused on the ruler at 12in but was way off sharp at 15 to 16in at 17mm. but at 50mm it was more less spot on. So does that mean i have a duff lens ????

Inchpractice · 2 Dec 2010

mission1968 said:
Just done your test i focused on the ruler at 12in but was way off sharp at 15 to 16in at 17mm. but at 50mm it was more less spot on. So does that mean i have a duff lens ????

Wow! That's a long way out, I wouldn't expect it to be that far out, only quarter of an inch or half an inch or so.

If it's three inches out then nothing must be in focus at all when shooting normal portraits/landscapes....?

mission1968 · 2 Dec 2010

cheers for your help inch i always thought it was not very good from my kit lens but just thought it was me :bang: going to have to see if i can get it exchanged after 10 months cant see it, am a bit gutted now as i paid £360 for it.:shake:

Frogskit · 2 Dec 2010

specialman said:
Amazing lens. For what you're paying there's nothing to challenge it - only reason I'd get the Nikon 17-55 version would be to be a Nikon tart.

Are you sure you're paying import duty on it or is it factored in?

Just sent an Email asking this,
Reply was the price you paid is the total price, If I have any problems they will reimburse all duty and VAT.

Don feel as bad now...

mission1968 · 3 Dec 2010

Just to let you know inch i got onto amazon about the lens sent an email explaining about the lens and test. And to my surprise i got an email saying sorry about the product and there have dispatched i brand new one and should get it by saturday, thats great costumer service since i have had the lens 10 months. So once again thanks inch for your info and lens test if it was not for this forum i would still be shooting with a duff lens. :clap:

itsdavedotnet · 3 Dec 2010

Frogskit said:
b****r !

Ordered it from onestop, Did not check where they were based
HongKong....... F***..... Now I will have to pay import duty and VAT !
Should have bought it from Camerabox where I found it first..... DOH!
Sooooooo Annoying....:bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:

If you do get hit for customs charges when onestop digital send you an item, collect the receipts, and send them a scan, and they refund the charges

Inchpractice · 3 Dec 2010

mission1968 said:
Just to let you know inch i got onto amazon about the lens sent an email explaining about the lens and test. And to my surprise i got an email saying sorry about the product and there have dispatched i brand new one and should get it by saturday, thats great costumer service since i have had the lens 10 months. So once again thanks inch for your info and lens test if it was not for this forum i would still be shooting with a duff lens.

You're welcome mate.
I'm surprised they sent it so quickly. By the sounds of it you didn't even have to send back the duff one, is that right?
Just do the same test with the replacement lens as well to make sure you don't have another duff one.

mike_6480 · 3 Dec 2010

Inchpractice said:
You're welcome mate.
I'm surprised they sent it so quickly. By the sounds of it you didn't even have to send back the duff one, is that right?
Just do the same test with the replacement lens as well to make sure you don't have another duff one.

You normally get so many days to send back te original once amazon send you a replacement.

snigg · 4 Dec 2010

mike_6480 said:
You normally get so many days to send back te original once amazon send you a replacement.

yeah, then they will charge your card if not returned,it's a very good service!

mission1968 · 4 Dec 2010

Like the guys said i have to return the lens back within 28 days of recieving the new 1, but it is very good customer sevice. And i will doing that test with every glass i buy in the future thanks again..

snigg · 4 Dec 2010

mission1968 said:
Like the guys said i have to return the lens back within 28 days of recieving the new 1, but it is very good customer sevice. And i will doing that test with every glass i buy in the future thanks again..

not sure if you know but some cameras allow you to alter the focus once you know if it's slightly off,then every time you put that lens on the camera it will remember to adjust the focus to the correct spot.

Inchpractice · 4 Dec 2010

snigg said:
not sure if you know but some cameras allow you to alter the focus once you know if it's slightly off,then every time you put that lens on the camera it will remember to adjust the focus to the correct spot.

Does the 550d allow you to do that?

CSB · 4 Dec 2010

snigg said:
not sure if you know but some cameras allow you to alter the focus once you know if it's slightly off,then every time you put that lens on the camera it will remember to adjust the focus to the correct spot.

Inchpractice said:
Does the 550d allow you to do that?

I think he is talking about micro focus adjust. 550D doesn't have that function, the 50D, 7D and 1 series cameras have that function.

Whiters · 6 Dec 2010

Thanks for passing on that test Inchpractice, just performed it for a couple of new Siggy lenses that I've not been sure about.

However, I'm still not totally sure if the lenses passed the test.

Just for clarification, are you saying that the Canon Digital Professional will show you which point has focussed on rather than the point you aimed to focus on? Unfortunately my version of this software doesn't seem to have the view focus point mode.

Inchpractice · 6 Dec 2010

Whiters said:
Thanks for passing on that test Inchpractice, just performed it for a couple of new Siggy lenses that I've not been sure about.

However, I'm still not totally sure if the lenses passed the test.

Just for clarification, are you saying that the Canon Digital Professional will show you which point has focussed on rather than the point you aimed to focus on? Unfortunately my version of this software doesn't seem to have the view focus point mode.

No that's not quite what I'm saying.
The 'View AF point' function within Canon DPP is not all that important in this test anyway so don't worry about it.
What you're actually looking at is where the tape measure is in focus. So if you pointed the central AF dot EXACTLY on the 24" point on the tape measure, is that point in focus when you zoom the image to 100%?

If the image is in focus at the 23 and a half inch point on the tape then you have a front focussing lens.

Another test you can do if you have decent eyesight is to point the camera at a piece of paper with small text or a wine bottle label, something like that.
It'll need to be within a few feet of you.

Focus the lens manually and take a shot. Then focus the lens using AF at exactly the same distance with identical camera settings and compare the two at 100%.
If the image is pin sharp when manually focussed then you know there is a problem with AF.

Frogskit · 9 Dec 2010

Got my lens today, but also got a burst pipe today, so wont get time to play.

Inchpractice · 11 Dec 2010

Picked up my third copy of this lens today.
Jessops conducted a focus test in the shop to make sure that this one was better than the previous two.
So far it looks good but I haven't fully tested it myself yet. Watch this space.

By the way, as for the focus test I mentioned in this thread, there's a guy on the net who has spent a lot of time on this stuff and designed his own focus test sheet.
You can read about it here:

http://focustestchart.com/chart.html

You can then download and print out the test chart yourself here:

http://focustestchart.com/focus21.pdf

A good way to test new lenses you've bought imo.
Just remember to shoot in good light and compare against other lenses for a proper comparison.