DivotDan
04-25-2008, 03:05 PM
So, as a general rule I do not buy 3rd party lenses. There are a few out there with good reputations, but if you can find a good copy is generally the caveat. I saw someone selling a used Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 lens the other day for about $100 less than retail. Tamron is about to release the update to that lens updated with an internal drive motor like the Sigam HSM lenses. Long and short, I decided I was willing to try it out for over $700 less than Nikon's version....which I know a few people here have and I have used before (it freaking rules btw!).
At any rate, I got it int he mail on Wednesday and have been shooting a bunch with it. Fast glass is always fun, but this lens is super crazy sharp. And with a 10" min focus distance I can really shove it in someones face at 17mm.
Down sides, it feels kinda plasticy...but no more than any of the lower model Nikon kit lenses. The zoom ring is a little tight on the wide side and then moves much better after 24mm. The zoom goes from min to infinity in less than a full turn of the screw, so change short focusing distances is not always dead on and I'm having to get used to that. All of my Nikon lenses are always dead on.
For the price I'm pleased with it, and it will be a nice bridge till I'm willing to get a 14-24 f/2.8. I'm keeping my 18-70 too, as a backup and nice beat around lens. Here is one of the shots I like the most. I had a bunch of cute pictures of my dogs as they are typically my first subjects.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2440411823_dd165dbbc6_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/divotfilms/2440411823/)
At any rate, I got it int he mail on Wednesday and have been shooting a bunch with it. Fast glass is always fun, but this lens is super crazy sharp. And with a 10" min focus distance I can really shove it in someones face at 17mm.
Down sides, it feels kinda plasticy...but no more than any of the lower model Nikon kit lenses. The zoom ring is a little tight on the wide side and then moves much better after 24mm. The zoom goes from min to infinity in less than a full turn of the screw, so change short focusing distances is not always dead on and I'm having to get used to that. All of my Nikon lenses are always dead on.
For the price I'm pleased with it, and it will be a nice bridge till I'm willing to get a 14-24 f/2.8. I'm keeping my 18-70 too, as a backup and nice beat around lens. Here is one of the shots I like the most. I had a bunch of cute pictures of my dogs as they are typically my first subjects.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2440411823_dd165dbbc6_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/divotfilms/2440411823/)