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Tamron

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Model A09E)

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Style: Canon


Set: US Version


Features

  • 28-75mm autofocus zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture
  • Focal Length : 28-75 mm, Minimum focusing distance of 13 inches, rotation-type zoom
  • Designed to meet performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras
  • Smaller and lighter than most fast zoom lenses; weighs 18 ounces
  • Measures 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches long; 6-year warranty

Description

From the Manufacturer This ground-breaking high-speed mid-range zoom is prized by pros and serious shooters for its fast F/2.8 constant aperture, evenness of illumination, and its outstanding imaging performance, and by all photographers for its compact size and reasonable weight that make it feel like an ordinary standard zoom. These admirable characteristics have been achieved by the use of special XR and LD glass, the efficient use of aspherical elements, and non-rotating internal-focus (IF) design. This remarkable zoom lens also focuses down to 0.33m (13”) (1:3.9 magnification) at all focal lengths for satisfying close-up performance and is compatible with APS-C and full-frame-format SLRs. Not surprisingly it is widely acclaimed as a classic. The most compact and lightest in the history of fast zoom lenses. Thanks to the revolutionary downsizing "XR" technology employed by Tamron in the development of high-power zoom lenses such as the 28-200mm and 28-300mm, the dramatic compactness that makes this lens the world's smallest and lightest is achieved. Its compactness makes it look and feel like an ordinary standard zoom lens, yet the versatility that a fast constant maximum aperture offers will definitely reshape your photographic horizons. SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di Features Digitally Integrated (DI) Lenses for the Best Imaging Performance Di (Digitally Integrated Design) is a Tamron designation that applies to lenses that have been optimized for digital capture using advanced multi-coating techniques and optical designs that assure excellent image quality across the entire picture field. Because of these characteristics, Di lenses provide outstanding performance on cameras with full-frame and APS-C format sensors as well as on 35mm film. Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colors to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely lowdispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colors. This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.) Super Performance (SP) for Discriminating Shooters Tamron SP (Super Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality. In creating SP lenses Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints. As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best. Extra Refractive Index Glass (XR) Extra Refractive Index (XR) glass can bend light rays at steeper angles, thereby decreasing the physical length of the lens while enhancing imaging performance by minimizing optical aberrations. This has allowed Tamron to develop a line of shorter, smaller- diameter, lighter lenses without sacrificing lens speed, and actually upgrading image quality compared to older designs. XR glass is costlier than conventional glass but it yields enhanced optical power distribution, making possible many of the outstanding and innovative lens designs that bear the XR designation. XR glass, with its superior light-bending power, makes it possible to design a short-barrel lens with the same light-gathering ability (aperture value) as a long-barrel lens—even with a smaller lens diameter. By using this principle Tamron has been able to shorten the length of the entire optical system and produce lighter, more compact lenses of the same speed, and also to provide greater zoom ranges in lenses that are much more convenient to carry by hand. Internal Focusing (IF) System Internal focusing provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron’s Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions. Aspherical Lens Elements (ASL) Tamron uses several hybrid Aspherical lens elements in many lenses bearing the Aspherical designation. These innovative optics allow us to achieve the ultimate in image quality, and at the same time produce lenses that offer remarkable zoom ranges in extraordinarily compact packages. By perfecting theses cutting-edge advances for series production, Tamron has advanced the state of optical design, and virtually eliminated spherical aberration and image distortion from the high- power-zoom series.Through the effective application of Hybrid Aspherical Technology, one lens element can take the place of multiple elements without compromising performance. This is what allows us to produce remarkably compact long-range lenses that deliver a uniformly high level of image quality at all focal lengths and apertures. Zoom Lock (ZL) Another original Tamron mechanical engineering concept is the Zoom Lock (ZL), a simple convenience feature that prevents undesired extension of the lens barrel when carrying the camera/lens unit on a neck strap.


Brand: Tamron


Focal Length Description: 28-75 millimeters


Lens Type: Standard


Compatible Mountings: Canon EF


Camera Lens Description: 75 month


Product Dimensions: 3.62 x 2.87 x 2.87 inches


Item Weight: 4 pounds


Manufacturer: Tamron


Item model number: 28-75mm Canon


Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No


Date First Available: June 13, 2003


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Sunday, May 19

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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Outstanding lens!
Style: Canon Set: US Version
I have never bought a non-Canon lens because I just love the look, feel, and optical quality of the Canon line particularly the L series lenses. But I kept reading glowing reviews about this lens. On multiple websites. So, I went out and took a look. First impression: the build quality is not as good as a Canon L series lens. Duh! It costs about 1/4 as much for goodness sake. This is a plastic lens - not metal. But I must admit that the build quality was pretty darn good. Better, I think, than the Sigma lenses I've seen. Fit and finish was very nice and tight. I'd give the build quality a 4/5. Not bad. I figured I could live with it. Next, I put the lens on my camera. I'd read reviews complaining about the speed of the focusing. It may not be quite as quick as my 200 f2.8 L series lens but it was pretty darn good and for my purposes, plenty fast. A 4.5/5 I'd read reviews complaining about the noise and the fact that the AF was not USM. I thought the AF worked very quietly. Not at all distracting and barely discernable. Noise - not an issue. Then, I took pictures with the lens and I was absolutely floored! How in the world did Tamron manage to produce a lens that performed so well optically for such a reasonable price?! Beautiful contrast, excellent resolution, gorgeous colors, and extremely sharp, particularly above f2.8. But, f2.8 is very good as well. Obviously the first comparison that comes to mind is between this lens and the Canon 24-70 f2.8 L. I would say, I kid you not, that this lens is in every respect optically the equal of the Canon or better than the Canon. I could not believe it. I tested this lens directly against a brand new copy of the Canon 24-70 f2.8L. Method: I tested both lenses on a tripod @ F 2.8 and 8.0 @ 28mm 50mm and 70mm. Target limestone wall 9.5 feet parallel to the sensor plane. Remote release employed. No mirror lockup. Center and all four corners were evaluated to my naked eye on a monitor using 100% crops. Both lenses were new copies received within the last 7 days. The limestone wall lent itself perfectly to evaluating sharpness and subtle contrast and color rendition. There was enormous detail present in the wall with subtle colorations present. Findings: 28MM F8: Tamron definitely sharper in the center and corners 28MM F2.8: Tamron definitely sharper in the center and corners 50MM F8: Tamron slightly sharper in the center and very slightly sharper in corners 50MM F2.8: Tamron slightly sharper in center and equal in corners. 70MM F2.8: Canon sharper in center and at corners. Incidentally noted was inability of Tamron to focus as sharply as I was able to achieve with manual focusing. 70MM F8: Tamron sharper in center with Canon slightly sharper in corners. Some have said that there is less flare with the Canon, but if you use the lens hood that should not be a problem. I didn't notice excessive flare in my copy. Admittedly there is significant copy to copy variation in both the Canon and the Tamron, but my findings convinced me that at 1/4 the price, and with the Tamron weighing 1 pound less than the Canon that the Tamron was the lens for me. Optically 5/5!! I cannot recommend this lens highly enough. It is the first non-Canon lens I have owned and I am thrilled. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2004 by JanSobieski
    • Excellent lens - might buy one more for myself
Style: Canon Set: US Version
Review Image by Vijay Raghavendiran Vijay Raghavendiran
Review Image by Vijay Raghavendiran Vijay Raghavendiran
Review Image by Vijay Raghavendiran Vijay Raghavendiran
Review Image by Vijay Raghavendiran Vijay Raghavendiran
Review Image by Vijay Raghavendiran Vijay Raghavendiran
Review Image by Vijay Raghavendiran Vijay Raghavendiran
Review Image by Vijay Raghavendiran Vijay Raghavendiran
I am someone who swears by Canon and would not buy any other lens. Tamron has made me swallow my pride with this lens, I have to admit this is one gorgeous piece of glass, especially for the price and the 2.8 aperture. Comes with a hood, body kinda feels a little cheap, but to me, all that matters is the quality of the pictures and I am completely satisfied, thoroughly impressed with the quality of the photos. Very sharp images at 2.8, through out the zoom range. I even took a portrait with this lens at 65-70mm 1/250 @ 2.8, ISO 400 with my EOS 3 (35mm)...one of the best portraits I've taken. Incidentally, this is the first photograph I clicked with this lens and I have to admit that I am floored. Honestly, I am toying with the idea of buying one more for my 20D. Gorgeous background blur, which is one of the factors that impressed me the most and the DoF is good enough to focus the subject completely. I like to focus on the subject's eye and have enough DoF to cover the entire body (depth) of the subject rather than blurring out any part of the body. This lens serves the purpose and would give the portrait a really professional feel. The other factor that impressed me is the minimum focusing distance - I took some macro shots in a tide pool in Point Loma / San Diego and I am thoroughly impressed with the sharpness @ 2.8 as well as the distance. I think I went as close as 7-8 inches ( did not measure, as seen by my friend) and was happy with that too. In short, if you are toying with the idea of buying the 24-70 2.8L (which was the case with me) and want to leave that for an upgrade, you wont regret buying this lens. I think I will wait for the Canon 1-2-3 rebate for the 24-70 2.8 and will still keep this lens as a part of my kit. 5 stars, must buy! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE ON 17 MAR 2007 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Decided to go for an upgrade to Canon 24-70 f/2.8L and conducted amateurish tests side by side at various focal lengths and apertures, all else being the same. Ended up returning the Canon and decided to keep the Tamron. The Canon was certainly a good copy, tacccckkkk sharp, but couldnt beat the sharpness out of the Tamron. The Tamron came out much sharper across wide open apertures (centers & edges, as examined by the naked eye at 100% image size) and equal sharpness between the two lenses at f/8 and above. Stunning image quality in both, the Canon locked the exposure much more consistently than the Tamron (which moved a half a stop or so while trying to focus). The only two areas where Canon beat Tamron was (1) Canon focussed silently and much more smoothly compared to the Tamron (2) Build quality, Canon is really built like a tank, cant think of any other word. Tamron feels cheap and plasticky when compared to the Canon. Finally, I didnt feel like I was getting much value for $800 more, as my Tamron was already giving superior, TACK sharp image quality. However, for 1/3rd the price, 1/3rd the weight, I decided it was too pricy and upgrade and returned the Canon. Go Tamron! ----------------------------------- Update on 23 Nov 2007 ----------------------------------- Almost 2 years with this lens, couldnt be more satisfied. this lens has never failed me during multiple trips in extreme conditions of heat, cold and extreme (S California wild fire) winds. No dust or other issues. I did notice that images were soft after f/16 due to diffraction, but I do not think that is the lens' fault. Images at f/22 and f/32 are very soft and unacceptable for professional prints or enlargements above 8x10 when shot at 8MP (20D), but that was more my fidgeting to see what happens at those apertures. I almost never use anything narrower than f/13, so it doesnt concern me. Overall, very satisfied with this purchase, this one is a keeper even if I buy the 24-105L or 24-70L. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2006 by Vijay Raghavendiran Vijay Raghavendiran
    • An Unbelievable Value
Style: Canon Set: US Version
Review Image by J. Caruso J. Caruso
Let me start by saying I didn't want to like this lens. I've been a Canon lens purist since my first camera. I've always considered second party lenses to be inferior and not worth my time. Recently, however, I acquired another body (EOS 1). I wanted a dedicated walk around lens for it, since I'd been alternating my 24-70L between my digital and this new body. Unfortunately, my funds are a bit limited at them moment, so I wasn't able to purchase another 24-70L as I would have liked. So I began an extensive search for a lens that would fit my needs AND budget. After a while, I started leaning toward the 28-105 f/3.5-4.5. However, although I got close to purchasing one several times, I just couldn't pull the trigger. It seemed good enough, but I just wasn't convinced. Then just by accident, I read a review of the Tamron. The review went on and on about the performance and sharpness of the lens. I thought it was all just hot air. Then I saw a second review that stated the same thing. I became intrigued. I started my research. I went to several different sources and a clear picture began to emerge: this is a lens that a lot of people really like. This is a lens that consistently gets compared to my beloved 24-70L, and consistently holds its own--or even out performs it. At first I thought it unfair to compare it to the 24-70L, but then I saw sample images. I saw sharpness tests. I was impressed. So I took the plunge, and I'm so glad I did. As soon as it arrived, the first thing I noticed was that it did not feel like a cheap lens. I had expected it to be feather-light and almost flimsy. Instead, it feel substantial. It also came with a lens hood. I threw it on my 400D and fired off some shots and took a look. I was very happy with the results. The color reproduction was great. And so was the sharpness. Just for my own edification, I set up my tripod and made some test shots with the Tamron and then the same shots with the 24-70L. The first go 'round was done at f/5.6. I made exposures at 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm with each camera. I had a friend rename the files so I wouldn't know which shots came from which camera, so I couldn't claim bias either way. I then examined the shots. It didn't take nit-picky scrutiny to see the differences. After I selected the photos I found to be sharper in each group, my friend gave me the exif data on each one. Here is what I found: First Impression--At 25% magnification on my screen, all the photos looked fantastic. This puzzled me because I figured I'd be able to spot the 24-70L right away. I really couldn't tell the difference. Then I zoomed in to 100% and the fun really began. 28mm--The difference in sharpness was very pronounced at this focal length. One photo was the clear winner, and that was the Tamron, particularly in center sharpness. 35mm--Again, one of the photos was a clear winner, and again it was the Tamron. 50mm--For the third time, the Tamron's sharpness outperformed the Canon. I was beginning to really develop an affinity for this little baby. 70mm--At this length, the photos were pretty comparable. I picked one, however, and, to my surprise, it was the Tamron once again. ----- After these tests I felt like a heretic. I had preferred the Tamron lens over the Canon in each trial. Granted, there are more I need to do, from wide open to fully stopped down. But this initial test has made me very happy. I have seen no evidence of CA so far, and given Tamron's claims, I would have been surprised if I had. The AF is a touch on the loud side (no USM), but it works well and is accurate. A bit of noise from the AF is nothing to complain about when one sees the results in the photos. It's not weather sealed like the 24-70L, but that is not as important to me as to someone who is out in extreme weather with some regularity. Finally, given the fact that this lens is just a third of the price of the 24-70L, and given that I am so impressed with the results, I'd have to say this is one of the better purchases I've made in a long, long time. I know all Tamron lenses do not perform this admirably, just like all Canons are not "L" class. However, I will certainly add them to my research when I have a new need for a lens. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2007 by J. Caruso J. Caruso
    • Exceptional Image Quality, Even on a Full-Frame Camera
Style: Canon Set: US Version
I was a little hesitant to buy this lens. My Canon 5dMKII requires a lot out of a lens, and I had been saving to buy a Canon 24-70mm "L" for it, but I found I needed something right away. The Tamron was in my budget, and with Amazon, returns are rather easy, so I figured I'd try it out and see. I also already have the Tamron 17-50mm in my bag for use on my back-up camera, so I knew that Tamron could make an excellent product. I do a very simple test on every lens I purchase. I line up a row of books on my bookshelf so that they are all even, set my camera on a tripod, square it to the bookshelf and level it, use a remote release, enable mirror lock-up, and fire away. I take shots at 28mm, 50mm and 75mm, from f/2.8 to f/11. I take one series using auto focus, and one where I focus manually. I then view them at 100% on my calibrated monitor and see what I've got. I'm happy to say that I'm not saving for the Canon anymore. I know a lot depends on the quality of the copy you receive, but I guess I got lucky. Edge-to-edge sharpness is outstanding, even wide open. My Tammie has a tiny amount of edge softness at f/2.8 from 50mm to 75mm, but every zoom in this category does. It's not noticeable at normal viewing or printing sizes, and it goes away once the lens is stopped down to f/4. I was quite shocked to find that, set to f/4, it was as sharp as both my 50mm f1.4 lens and my 70-200mm f/4 "L" lens, at the same focal lengths and f-stops. For sharpness, I couldn't ask for a better performance. As for distortion, the Tamron has some minor barrel distortion at 28mm. It's not bad, and easily correctable with my camera's software. Pincushion distortion at the telephoto end is well controlled and not noticeable in most cases. Again, where it can be noticed, it is easily fixed. If you use a crop-frame camera, such as the 40D, 50d, 7D or any Rebel, distortion won't be an issue. Neither will the minor edge softness I mentioned above. Chroma aberration and flare are both very, very minor, and better than my Canon lens. Color reproduction is excellent, with no sign of color cast (at least on my copy). If there's one issue, it's with the auto focus. My 5DMKII has a micro adjustment to correct focus errors, and I needed every bit of it to correct a front-focusing issue. I may send it back to Tamron for a quick tweak, but I certainly wouldn't return the lens for replacement over this. In any event, with a 6-year warranty, I have plenty of time to decide. Conclusion: The Tamron 28-75mm is an excellent addition to the camera bag, but you should test the lens as soon as you receive it to ensure you get a good copy. Amazon's return procedures are very easy, and Tamron's customer service people seem friendly and helpful. Should I decide to send in my copy to adjust the auto focus, I'll update this review and let you know how it turns out. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy using this sharp little bugger. Edit: Well, almost a year into ownership now, and I've decided not to send in the lens for an adjustment. The micro adjustment on my Canon 5DMKII has worked fine, and the lens is spot on when using my other camera, a Canon XTI. So the front focusing is obviously camera-specific and not an issue with the lens. Since the micro adjustment feature has nicely corrected this, I am extremely happy with this lens. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2010 by John Guilbault
    • Decent budget option for 5d MK II with some quirks
Style: Canon Set: US Version
When I sold my Rebel XS and made the jump to the Canon 5d Mk II, I knew I would be using the option for my 17 - 55 EF-S lens and I was left with only an empty pocketbook as well as my 3 EF lenses (a 100mm 2.8 Macro prime, a 50mm 1.4 prime and an 70 to 300mm EF lens). Though full frame offered me a much wider view with my 50mm 1.4, I really wanted something a little more versatile for the proverbial "Everyday Lens". I tried the Canon 28 to 135 3.5 - 6.0 F lens and like it quite well. However, I wanted something a little faster so I started looking at the l series 24 to 70 f2.8 lens. It quickly came apparent that it just wasn't financially feasible so I started looking at third party lens options and have eyed this lens for a little over a 9 months. I finally took the plunge this week. Pros: regardless of what I have read in other reviews, this lens seems to focus just fine (and as quickly as any canon lens I have used). The pictures are sharp and when using faster F ratings, I find the "Bokeh" to be completely fine. It is built well, feels solid and is not too heavy. Cons: Well, the first thing I did was to put the lens on, set it to 2.8 and set it to 28mm. Lets see what it can do! Snap.. Vignetting.. Point elsewhere, Snap.. Vignetting.. Granted, I realized my ISO was set to 6400 and I was utilizing AV mode (And was getting very high shutter speeds). So, I set the ISO to 400 and tried some lower shutter speeds.. the Result, vignetting that was less extreme (although still vignetting). I set the F up to 4.0 and snapped a picture and everything was fine.. Likewise, at 2.8, I zoomed in a bit more and vignetting seemed to disappear the farther I zoomed in. I contacted Tamron via email to ask them about it and they were very quick to respond. I sent them the high shutter speed shots and they reviewed and recommended a lower shutter speed of course. They even offered to have me send the lens in for inspection. I was extremely pleased with there response time and willingness to assist. I am a professional videographer with a love for photography. I never really higher out for photography sessions but have done a bit of peripheral work when videographing events. Overall, Even with the vignetting issues, I find this lens to be completely acceptable especially considering the price range of it. If I shoot at f4, I am fine and for the most part, this will be fine for my needs. In all fairness, when I open the pictures in Photoshop and apply "Lens correction", the vignetting experienced at 2.8 pretty much goes away so though it requires a little more editing, It is still acceptable to me (as I would do lens correction any way on any 28mm shots). I had the opportunity to try the Canon L Series 2.8f 24 to 70 lens and It did not vignette at all. Conclusion: If you are budget minded and don't mind Lens correcting when shooting at 2.8F 28mm, then I believe you will find this lens to be a good buy. However, If you shoot wide quite a bit at 2.8, you may find the vignetting annoying. If you shoot at 4 and need a solid and cost concious alternative, I would definitely recommend this lens. Please note, I have not tried this on an APS-C sensor but I would have to believe that Vignetting would not be an issue on a camera with this Sensor. My sister purchased my Rebel XS so I will try it on it and post my results when I complete testing. Cheers! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2010 by Andrew D. Flint
    • Superb Optics and Dead-on Autofocus for a Bargain Price
Style: Canon Set: US Version
I was skeptical about the rave reviews and have had mixed luck in getting sharp copies of Canon and Sigma lenses but decided to give Tamron a try. I tested the lens on both a full-frame 5D (comparing to my Canon 24-105mm L lens) and on a cropped-frame XT (comparing to my Canon 17-85mm IS lens). I was very pleasantly surprised that once stopped down a little, this Tamron lens is ultra-sharp and the focusing is right on for both near and far objects. As carefully as I tried, I could not manually focus this lens any more accurately (even in the bright viewfinder of the 5D) than the autofocus and in most cases my best manual focus attempt was much softer than autofocus. Not only is the lens sharp, it has the same eye-popping contrast that is sometimes found on the best L-lenses. Details in the image have a 3D quality not usually seen in "cheap" lenses. Comparisons: 28mm: The Tamron has usable sharpness wide open at f2.8 but gets super sharp in one stop down to f4 and slightly better by f5.6. It is just as sharp in the middle as my excellent Canon 24-105 when wide-open at f4 but not as sharp near the edges on the 5D. At f5.6 both lenses are essentially equal over the whole full-frame on the 5D. At 28mm on the XT the Tamron sharpness greatly exceeds the Canon 17-85 lens at f4.5, 5.6 and f8 over the whole frame. The Canon lens is not soft, but the Tamron is just eye-popping sharp. 50mm: Sharpness of the Tamron at f2.8 is less than at 28mm but still usable on smaller prints (maybe 8x10). Sharpness increases greatly by f4 and is almost as sharp as the wide-open Canon 24-105. Again, at f5.6 both lenses are essentially equal over the whole full-frame of the 5D. Comparing to the Canon 17-85 on the XT, the Tamron is slightly sharper at f5.6 and gets sharper still at f8 over the whole cropped frame. 75mm: Here the f2.8 is quite soft in my opinion (maybe ok for a 4x6) but gets much sharper at f4. At f4 the Canon 24-104 is still definitely sharper but gets only slightly sharper at f5.6 while the Tamron gets significantly sharper, almost matching the Canon L-lens. At f8, the Tamron equals (maybe a tad better) the Canon sharpness. My copy of the 17-85 is strongest at the long end. At 75mm f5.6 it matches the Tamron sharpness and contrast but does not improve as much by f8 where the Tamron sharpness pulls away. Overall, the Tamron appears to be an outstanding lens for either full-frame or cropped-frame (if you don't need wide angle). It does not have IS but does have a usable and fast f2.8 at the wide end. It becomes very sharp by f4 for 28mm, by f5.6 for 50mm and by f8 for 75mm. I suspect that the Tamron is similar or better in performance to the Canon 24-70 L which weighs twice as much and costs 3 times as much. The Tamron matches the 24-105 across a full-frame when both are stopped down a little. The Tamron is about the same size as the Canon 17-85mm lens, costs about $200 less, but seems to have superior optical qualities, especially at 28-50mm. It also provides the f2.8 option for increasing shutter speed to freeze motion. The 17-85 is much slower (f4 to f5.6) but gets wider and slightly longer and has IS for static scenes in low light. It's a tough choice which depends on the camera and intended usage. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2006 by Michael Morgan
    • STOP, don't buy new. Used value meter pegged...
Style: Canon Set: US Version
Review Image by Paul S. Paul S.
Review Image by Paul S. Paul S.
I bought this lens used as a backup lens or for a second shooter for use on a full frame Canon (5D mkiii & mkiv). It represents an incredible value, especially used, I bet I could use it for a few years and sell it a loss of less than a Benjamin. But beyond being inexpensive it's a sharp lens! I'm not sure why this doesn't pop up all over youtube when you search for a good starter lens, it's relatively obscure. Don't just take my word for it, check DXO Mark's web site for a rating, compared to Canon it's superior in several aspect, not all of them, but it's also 500-800% less expensive. If you're looking for your first sharp lens with shallow depth of field I'd recommend this over the nifty fifty or 85 f/1.8 - if you could only afford one lens, ditch the kit lens, book a model and go shoot with this lens, you will love the results. Pros: Obviously price Flaws are easily correctible in Light Room f2.8 is useable and close to the actual transmittance (it's a fast lens) Low Chroma Beautiful out of focus area Very light weight Mild macro capabilities Cons: Autofocus is slower than the comparable Canon and it hunts just a little but a 1/2 second of patience isrequired for the best shots. Focus on breath control & brace just a little while it finds the exact focus Appearance of the build quality but if you like the low weight, it's probably a function of that Looks inexpensive & perhaps dated - for paid gigs I'd keep this in the bag for a backup or until you've showed off a lens with a red ring Autofocus mode is not full time override, you have to flick the manual focus switch to manually set focus. I'm only mentioning this because this seems to be a point most reviewers will point out about a lens but there is a plus side of this - once you find focus, if you use back button focus, the lens elements are locked down and will not creep - great for astral photography when you've got the camera aimed up high. As an aside, there is obvious vignetting below f/4 which could be a problem for landscapes but if you're using Light Room, the program has the Tamron 28-75 corrections programmed in, just check the box and it will be corrected. For portraits I can see myself shooting wide open and adding a little extra vignetting in post so this is a non issue for my style. To help with the look and also lens flare (which appears well controlled in my anecdotal home test) amazon sells an OEM Tamron lens hood. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010CDWIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_vEiozbW0EYWY1 I've attached two photos, the one with the chart in the center was taken at 75mm, about 8 feet away, and at f/2.8. It should give you an idea of the depth of field. You can see the photos on the wall, about 20" away are nice and softly out of focus. You can also see the vignetting at f/2.8 since I didn't correct for it. I also didn't correct for chroma. The second photo is real life - one of my dogs. She was moving around but even with the slow focus I was able to lock in - I added a little extra vignette and processed contrast and colors to taste in light room with only the remove chroma option selected. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2017 by Paul S. Paul S.
    • A worthy alterative to pricy comparable lenses
Style: Canon Set: US Version
I have been using the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 on my rebel xsi for almost a year now and am absolutely thrilled with it1 The image quality is amazing for such an affordable lens. The build quality and auto focus are not up to Canon's "L" standards, but neither is its price. When I bought it in April 2009, it was less than $400 new. Besides, in my opinion the most important characteristic of a lens is the image quality it produces and the Tamron 28-75 knocks the IQ out of the park! I recently had the opportunity to compare the tamron side by side with its most direct competitor... Canon's 24-70 f/2.8L. A friend of mine recently purchased a 5D after switching over from another brand. He rented the 24-70 for a shoot since he didn't have any canon compatible lenses yet and was very happy with it. He wanted to buy one for himself but I convinced him to check out my Tamron before he made his decision. We set up his 5D on a tripod and took shots of the same subject from 28, 50, and 70mm from both the canon and tamron lenses. All the images were taken at f2.8. Comparing the images side by side on my computer at 100percent crops, we tried our own Pepsi challenge. At 50mm, one of the images was slightly (but distinctly) sharper than the other while at 70mm, one of the images was ever so slightly sharper than the other. We were blown away after checking the EXIF data on the images to see that at both 50 and 70mm, the Tamron lens was sharper at center of the images (the corners looked to be the same). At 28mm, we found the canon lens had focused on the wrong part of the image (I'm assuming this was our fault because we were trying to do test very quickly) so we couldn't make a direct comparison. My friend was also impressed with how much smaller and lighter the tamron lens was than the canon. On my XSI, the canon 24-70 looked ridiculously huge! On his 5D with a battery grip, it didn't look so bad, but it was still a pound heavier than the tamron. For less than a third of the price, I think I convinced him to go with the tamron. Sure it doesn't have a USM autofocus motor or the dust/weather protection of canon's L lenses. The autofocus has never been a problem for me (although the full time manual focus of the canon was really nice) and as my friend pointed out, you could buy two tamron 28-75's and save one for use in dusty environments and still have saved several hundred dollars over the canon. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2010 by M. Swern
    • Better than Canon EF 24-70mm L-Series for 1/3 the price
Style: Canon Set: US Version
I recently purchased a Canon 60D camera, and decided that I needed a wide angle zoom lens that would go slightly telephoto with a cropped sensor camera, to compliment my 17-50mm Tamron lens. I went to a local (well nearly local) camera store that stocked both Canon and Tamron lenses. It was a bright sunny day, and I shot a number of pics in RAW, both indoors and out with both this Tamron lens and the $1,425 Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM. I took pictures at varying zooms, and of varying aperture preferred shutter speeds at ISO 100, outside, and ISO 400 inside. In all, I shot 37 photos. When I got home I loaded the photos into Adobe Lightroom and examined them. The first thing that struck me was how similar the results were from the two lenses. Upon closer inspection, in the fully zoomed (70mm) position the Canon exhibited a very small amount of barrel distortion that the Tamron didn't even at 75mm zoom. Similarly, the Canon exhibited more edge distortion than the Tamron at each of the lens' widest angle (to be fair to the Canon I was comparing Canon's 24mm to the Tamron's 28). This totally confused me. Then all was made clear upon reading reviews of the Tamron lens from various web sources. It seems that this Tamron lens is a no-go for full frame cameras like the 5D or film 35mm cameras. On cropped sensor cameras, however, because of the physics of the optics, the lens projects its "sweetest" image onto the cropped sensor. The result is that the photos are amazingly free of distortion. Of course, if you are an L-series snob using a 7D or lesser cropped sensor Canon camera, you will probably buy the Canon lens (but you probably buy Monster Cable for speakers, and $1400 power cords), no matter what the reality actually is. On the other hand, if like me, you are trying to maximize your purchase power and obtain the highest quality possible, you would be an idiot to choose the Canon lens over this one at this cost differential. If you are a 5D or other full sensor camera user, you should do some research because this lens is probably not for you. For $500 you get a whole lot more than you are going to expect from this lens, even some very usable macro capability. In the short time I've owned it, this lens has ben on my camera more than any other lens I own. This is the perfect compromise between wide angle and telephoto in a comfortable f2.8 (full range) zoom lens. You won't regret purchasing this lens. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2011 by Moss Parker
    • Fantastic Lens... if it works right... (and you have a warranty!)
Style: Canon Set: US Version
I spent quite a bit of time researching what sort of lens would give me the very best value as a budget but sharp, high quality walk around lens for my new canon 70D, and this lens just kept coming up. Side to side comparisons between this lens and the far more expensive Canon EF 24-70 f2.8L lens were very, very comparable, and in fact in some cases the tamron even bested the L series super lens from canon. With 2.8 all the way through, and supposedly just tack sharp, i was super excited to get this lens, and thus far it has definitely met and exceeded my expectations. At full focal length there is great bokeh with the nice, fast 2.8 aperture, and at less than $500, for this level of sharp image quality, it was a no-brainer. Awesome lens. Will update in the future after i have had a little bit more time with this baby. Edit: Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to keep this lens... I've really liked it, very sharp photos all around, good build quality (lots of little details, like the lock button to prevent the lens from creeping down as it hangs from your neck, as other zoom lenses i have used have tended to do... lots of stuff like that) overall it really is a great lens for the price, especially for that fast 2.8 aperture all the way through... but i kept getting some sort of electronic communication error between the lens and the camera (a 70D) whenever i was trying to shoot video... sometimes it would function properly recording video for maybe 30 seconds, sometimes several minutes, but every time it would just stop recording and give some error like "ensure lens is properly attached". This wouldn't do... so i packed her up and sent her off to Tamron in New York for repair. Then they told me that i had purchased a "gray market" lens, and refused to service it whatsoever... so i have my hands tied. For the couple of weeks that i have used it, it has been great... but i'm going to have to send it back, i need it for video too, not just wonderfully sharp photos. Not sure if i will try another one yet, this time from an authorized seller so i can actually get it serviced if i have to again... or if i will go for another brand. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2014 by Parker
    • Pretty good focal range. Not very sharp and heavy vignetting on full frame
Style: Canon Set: US Version
This is a unique lens, to say the least. For some, it's just what they need. For others, it will leave them wanting a little more in terms of quality. I ended up selling this lens a few weeks because it wasn't as sharp as previous lenses I'd used. My first lens in this focal length (or a similar focal length) was the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 lens. For around $500, the Sigma was pretty darn sharp and produced some great images. Then the autofocus started to give out so I tried renting the Canon f2.8 lens. Again, great lens, super sharp, but way too pricey for me. So I tried out the Tamron 28-75 because of it's appealing price and seemingly good reputation. Now don't get me wrong, this is a "good" lens, but it's not great. The variety in the focal length (although it's really not *that* wide on a crop-sensor camera) is great and the constant 2.8 aperture is incredible on a lens for this price. But the pictures were never as sharp as I wanted. Even after microadjusting focus, especially when shooting at 75mm, it was never as sharp as the Sigma 17-50. Overall, if you really can't save up the extra $100 or so to get the Sigma 17-50, this lens will get you by. But I'd highly encourage you to either wait an extra month or so, save up the cash, and invest in a tack sharp lens like the Sigma or Canon OR find a way to test this lens on your camera before purchasing (you'll especially want to see the vignetting that takes place on full frame cameras). If you're just a hobby-photographer and want to take some better pictures indoors or have a pretty good walk-around lens, this may be the lens for you. But anyone looking to sell their photos or photographer services really should put in the extra time/cash needed for a sharp lens. ALSO, last bit of parting advice: If you're looking to buy this lens because you own a crop-sensor camera and are thinking "hey, this lens works on crop and full frame sensors! I'll buy it now and save some money when I upgrade to full frame since I'll already have a lens!"--Don't do that. Understand that this focal length is MADE for full frame cameras. 28mm on a crop sensor really turns out to be closer to a 50mm focal length. So it's definitely NOT as wide as you'd think. Buy the lens you need for you current camera and then sell-and-upgrade when you make the jump to full frame. PROS: - Ability to shoot at 2.8 at all focal lengths - The focal length going to 75mm is really nice. Provides a wide range of shots - Price is unbeatable for a constant 2.8 zoom CONS: - Not sharp - 28mm really is not that wide on a crop-sensor camera ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2015 by Mark
    • Well worth the money. Don't think, buy it.
Style: Canon Set: US Version
Review Image by Chris E Chris E
Review Image by Chris E Chris E
Now let me say first and foremost that I am NOT a professional photographer by any means, but I am a decent amateur photographer and read up on this lens for months before I pulled the trigger and bought it. My only regret...I wished I would have done it sooner so that I could have enjoyed it longer. :) The reviews on this site were extremely helpful along with the images people have uploaded taken with the lens. After reading this lens review [...] and the ones here, here is my own. I own the Canon Rebel XSI. Cons: * No IS (Image Stabilization). At first I thought this would be a problem but it's really not. What it does do is make you really take your time and make you a better photographer. I do wish it came with it for that "just in case" moment but the lens is sharp enough and heavy enough you can overcome this very MINOR thing. *A "tad" noisy. Yes it can be a bit noisy but it's not as bad as what I had read on a few reviews. Very minor but compared to my 18-55 kit lens I did notice it but it's not enough to take away from the image quality of this lens. *Focus can "hunt" sometimes. But it's a very rare thing I have seen in the 200+ images I've taken so far with the lens. Out of all of those images it's done it to me twice. That's it. Pros: Everything else. The "cons" i noted above are more of a hey you need to know type of thing but they are NOT enough for you to not think about buying this lens. I have used it in low light, sports shots with my daughter at soccer, nature shots, sunsets, sunrises and they have all turned out just fine. Would I have liked to own the 24-70L lens? Sure. But at 1350 vs. $381. Not even a 2nd thought. Read the reviews on here, read the SLRGEAR review and then buy this lens. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2009 by Chris E Chris E
    • Wow what a lens!
Style: Canon Set: US Version
Well first of all let me start off by telling you that I purchased this lens from Amazon for my Canon Digital Rebel XT. This was my first dslr and was looking for a replacement solution for the 18-55 kit lens. I was researching the Canon 28-135 and this the Tamron 28-75. I had taken a look at both of them in-person at my local camera shop. The build quality of the Canon did seem a bit better but the Tamron by no means is a pig when it comes to quality of craftsmanship. So after taking a look at both of these lenses, I decided on the Tamron and I content with the purchase. The good: 1. Nice build quality 2. Not too heavy 3. Has a zoom lock 4. 2.8 throughout focal range although it seems as though mine is not as sharp at 2.8 vs the slower speeds but this is to be expected. 5. Tamron rebate came super quick 6. 6 YEAR warranty 7. Included a petal shaped hood 8. Metal mount 9. Overall nice focal range (would have preferred a bit longer, but this will do just fine for the moment) 10. Amazon had it in stock, free shipping and no tax The bad: 1. At 2.8 doesnt seem as sharp as it possibly can, but this can be remedied by sending it to Tamron for calibrating (hey i have 6 years to send it back) 2. Nothing else! Overall I really enjoy this lens. Ever since I got this lens, I do not use my kit lens at all. Focusing is pretty quick and spot on. Some complain of the lens being loud, but to tell you the truth, its not loud at all but not super silent either. I am happy about this purchase and will continue using this lens as my main walk-around lens. Perhaps later, I will send it back to Tamron for calibration, but overall is a really nice lens at a even better price. Hope this helps. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2005 by J. J.
    • Good value for the money!
Style: Canon Set: US Version
This was my first non Canon lens purchase, granted the other lenses I've owned has been cheaper Canon lenses (kit lens, 50mm and 28-135mm). I've never owned an L so I can't compare it to those but here are my impressions: Price: Can't beat it, its a 2.8 like the better L lenses out there and for a fraction of the cost. Love it! Noise: Really can't say that its that noisy as I've heard people complain. Again I have not owned an L's so in my limited experience with lenses, its not noisy, nothing I'd consider loud enough to disturb a wedding ceremony or anything of the sorts. Focusing: It's as fast as my 28-135mm, so not bad, its fast enough to catch my kids running by, get them in focus and me snap the picture. About the focusing, I did notice mine had a bit of trouble with front focusing, but works well now when I've got that taken care of. I really haven't had opportunity to test it in the conditions it was built for but so far I've been impressed with it. Its not really bulky, it seems solidly built even if its not L quality. The pictures I've taken so far has been crisp and clean and bright, really I cant complain, again a great lens purchase. I can't wait for them to come out with a 70-200mm 2.8 version so I can buy that as well. If you are a pro with L's in your camera bag you might or might not like it. However if you're a serious hobbyist or working-to-be a pro then this is a good start for a fraction of the cost of an L. Its a nice lens and I don't think you'll be disappointed. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2008 by Susanne Shrewsbury
    • Amazing walk around lens!
Style: Canon Set: US Version
Review Image by Amanda Amanda
Review Image by Amanda Amanda
Review Image by Amanda Amanda
I have owned this lens since 2013 and I love it! I bought this after realizing the limitations of my 18-55mm kit lens on my Rebel t3. I wanted a zoom for the flexibility that it offers and at a fixed aperture. I researched lenses for a month before deciding to go with this one and I have been very pleased. I like the 28-75 focal length as it is pretty close to the 24-70 focal length of Canon's L series lens and both have the 2.8 aperture. Obviously the Canon 24-70 L is going to be a higher quality lens but I was surprised at the great picture quality of this Tamron lens for so much less money. I have found the lens to produce images with great color, contrast, beautiful bokeh and sharpness. I did notice some vignetting which seems more noticeable now that I have upgraded my camera to a full frame (6D). In the bright sunlight the vignetting is more noticeable but nothing too distracting. I usually crop in a little and its good. The focus isn't nearly as fast as Canon's L series but it isn't painfully slow like the Canon 50mm 1.8 either. Same with the noise, it makes some noise focusing but it hasn't ever bothered me or disrupted a photo. Overall I love this lens, it remains on my camera the majority of the time! I may in time upgrade to the 24-70 Canon L but right now I see no reason to do so as I am getting great results with this lens. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2015 by Amanda Amanda

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