Tamron 17-50 or Canon 17-55?

M

markinhifi

Well-known member
Okay.. So i'm torn between the Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) and the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

The Tamron is half the price of the Canon, but the only difference I can seem to find is that the Tamron doesn't have any IS. Besides that, the Canon has an extra 5mm but I don't need it.

Thoughts?
 
There's also a Tamron 17-50 with VC (Tamron's version of image stabilizer) and I like it. I think its a great lens, though there are reviews and some people who may have a differing of opinion. I think some sort of stabilization is needed for handheld video work.

Kegan
 
I know it's not cheap but if you can afford it I'd buy the Canon 17-55mm F2.8 IS AF USM. I don't know the Tamron so can't comment on that.

I've had my Canon 17-55 for a few months and it's superb. You get what you pay for - but without a hood - stupid Canon marketing! A bespoke hood is essential with this lens, as it's a little susceptible to flare (I bought a non-Canon aftermarket version less than 30 Quid and it's fine).

Both the AF and IS are brilliant on this Canon lens. For video the IS very quiet (but not totally silent) but, as always, it's best/necessary that you use double system sound. IS makes a VERY big difference on getting more stable video shots if you're planning on any non-tripod/hand-held video shots. YouTube has many examples/demo videos of just how effective this is. Although it's a little past the Xmas season (!) here's an example of something I shot in Cambridge 6 weeks ago with this lens totally hand held with IS on. You want IS or some kind of IS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehhHxjx7CjE

The quality of the optics is stunning on this lens (basically Canon L class as any decent review will tell you).

This is the best "general walk about" lens for the 7D (for stills and video) in my opinion, but in truth if you just want a lens for video only you can get away with lesser quality glass if you need to save pennies. I wanted the crisp resolution/great quality for stills work with the 7D as well, and so this lens is absolutely perfect for my needs. This may or may not be right for your needs.

Happy choosing!
 
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I noticed when comparing the two that the Canon has the focus towards the rear of the lens, and the Tamron is opposite. Is there any preference for using a follow focus and still being able to zoom? (hand position and such). Looking at my current lenses, they are Canon but vary in orientation. Does this cause much issue when changing lenses with a follow focus on rails?
 
I hear some complaints about the VC noise with this lens. Much of a problem?
Hunter007 said:
There's also a Tamron 17-50 with VC (Tamron's version of image stabilizer) and I like it. I think its a great lens, though there are reviews and some people who may have a differing of opinion. I think some sort of stabilization is needed for handheld video work.

Kegan
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No noise from VC to me - at least no more than a typical IS from a Canon lens. The autofocus however (when using for stills), is quite loud, especially in live view.

Kegan
 
I like this lens but I hear that on some of the reviews.

Hunter007 said:
No noise from VC to me - at least no more than a typical IS from a Canon lens. The autofocus however (when using for stills), is quite loud, especially in live view.

Kegan
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That I'm sure is a very nice lens and will be very expensive haha.

As for the reviews reporting noise issues, I believe I either have a quiet lens or the noise is entirely subjective and my sound guys have never complained about it.

Kegan
 
Hopefully I can check one out in the store before I buy one

Hunter007 said:
That I'm sure is a very nice lens and will be very expensive haha.

As for the reviews reporting noise issues, I believe I either have a quiet lens or the noise is entirely subjective and my sound guys have never complained about it.

Kegan
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Is the noise of the Tamron VC so bad ? (review link). Is it usable for an indoor interview and external audio rec/mic (ZoomH4)? The Canon one is just way too expensive at the moment :)
 
andykwilkinson said:
This is the best "general walk about" lens for the 7D (for stills and video) in my opinion, but in truth if you just want a lens for video only you can get away with lesser quality glass if you need to save pennies. I wanted the crisp resolution/great quality for stills work with the 7D as well, and so this lens is absolutely perfect for my needs. This may or may not be right for your needs.
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+1 This goes for the T1i/T2i as well. I'm really amazed at the results of this lens!
 
Koui said:
+1 This goes for the T1i/T2i as well. I'm really amazed at the results of this lens!
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Yeah but it is just to expensive now for me :)
Would I get some decent results with the Tamron 17-50 VC doing video ? :)
 
The thing that kept me from going with the Tamron was its lack of full time manual focus. I like to use QuickAF for rough focus, then tweak with MF. The Canon does this seamlessly, on the Tammy you have to flip a switch between AF and MF.
 
At this point in my camera skills using zooms, I'm not able to MF alone as fast as I can using QuickAF/MF. If I were shooting primes and all I had to do was MF, it might be a different story. It's the beauty of having a USM lens..quick, accurate, silent AF that nails it most of the time without me having to touch the focus ring at all. Just depends on how quickly you want your shots in focus.
 
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