This fast zoom from Tamron promises to be a good alternative to the popular Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC, which has proven to be an affordable walkaround lens for 1.6x crop crowd. However, the list price of almost US $800 is much higher than the Sigma which retails in the street around the US $400 dollar range. It is much closer to the upcoming Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, expected at the US $1200 price point. However, the Canon has image stabilization which puts it a technical advantage.
This Tamron is expected to perform very well as it is based on their top–selling SP AF28-75MM /2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF, but for it to sell well, it should be much closer to the 500 dollar range, in the vicinity of the Sigma.
Currently, sample photos are not yet available online and we are eagerly awaiting the first ones from this new lens.
2 replies on “Tamron SP AF17-50MM F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF”
[…] The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC is one of the earliest F2.8 lens in the 18-50mm range, and has been very popular since it was released several months ago. At its current street price in the 400-500 USD range, it can very well compete with the upcoming Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM and the Tamron SP AF17-50MM F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF which are both expected in the next few weeks. Unfortunately, these two new lenses will come at a premium price, putting the Sigma 18-50 in a very competitive price advantage. […]
[…] The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S NIKKOR is a new standard zoom lens that should replace its 28-70 f/2.8 sibling, similar to Canon’s 24-70 L. Compact construction reminds us of the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and the Tamron 17-50 f2/.8. […]