Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

Hi after using all this pro lens 24-70 and 70-200 with fast response this for me was a challenge and I like it so much its light.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

I lucked out and got the screw drive model. I waited until one of the last was in stock and got it. This is a fabulous lens. It's sharper and has better contrast than the more expensive Nikon equivalent, in my opinion. The new micro-motor Tamron was not to my liking with a chirpy motor and inaccurate focus. Tamron needs to embrace the sonic ring motors everyone else has.

I would recommend the screw drive model, but not the new in-motor model.

This is my "go to" lens for my D300. Being a crop lens, I don't use it on my D700.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

With D90

Despite the image quality, if the lens can't focus (correctly) in time to capture the image, then the lens is worthless.

Had trouble even during broad daylight. At night, without a bright light source the focus Hunts.

Oh, it's quite usable, but the trade off for such a low aperture is an inaccurate focusing system.

Since Tamron is 3rd party, the lens isn't even fully compatable, had to cycle power multiple times to re-enable focus lock.

Your money is better spent on a Nikkor equivalent for the same money, will even get Vr, comparable image quality and a reliable focus.

If you want f/2.8, spend the $$ (on a prime ;D), this lens isn't a shortcut, it's a cop-out and a waste of money.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

While Tamron has put great optics and wide aperture on a standard zoom lens; they didn't manage to put the right quality standards in place. The item I bought had be returned in two days (DOA) due to a failure in fittings/contacts on a brand new Nikon D90. This may be a rare occasion, however it is very annoying. [...]Auto focus performance cannot be compared to Nikkors in terms of speed, precision and silence.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

I have used my Nikon 18-200 VRII for about a year on my D80 but wanted something sharper -- after reading the reviews this seemed to be it. Also, I was attracted to the 2.8 speed.

However I was not impressed with the low light aspects because the VRII on the Nikon does a pretty good job preventing blur and that makes up for the slower speed. In fact handheld, the Nikon was much better. When I put both on a tripod they were so close I could not tell the difference.

That only leaves the fact that the 17-50 is better for portraits -- but not anywhere near as good as Nikons new 50mm f/1.4G. So, I sent it back -- I'll take the f/1.4 for portraits.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

This is probably the best buy in fast, standard zooms for Nikons. If you're looking for an inexpensive lens with enough light gathering ability to do without a flash in family gatherings, indoor parties, and the like - this is the ticket. It's sharp and very light. However - the autofocus (Built-in motor on mine) is noisy and definitely slower than Nikon's AF-S. For everyday use, however, it's fine. If you've got some dough, the Tokina may be a bit better. Great carry lens!

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

Ok, for those of you who don't know much about lenses, know this: each lens manufacturer has its stars and it's duds. Even Canon. In certain focal ranges, a tamron might be better than a canon, or in a few cases, Tokina makes the best lens in that class. In this case, the tamron has it. In lab tests (you can review them at photozone.com) this lens outperforms the canon 18-55 2.8 IS lens by a longshot. It's sharper (almost off the charts sharp, from center to edges) and has very low chromatic abborations, and very low vingetting. All of these things are excellent within the entire zoom range. I've personally been using this lens for quite some time, and I am so impressed by the color, contrast, and especially sharpness. WHAT A HUGE DIFFERENCE from the shoddy 18-55 canon kit lens! Oh that thing was awful.
I'm a professional so I feel I can speak regarding lens quality...this one has the optical quality without question, of a canon L lens. Now the build may not be quite as superb as an L lens, but for the average user this is not an issue whatsoever, and the build is definitely good in my opinion anyway.
So if you don't mind a little focusing whizzing, this lens is freaking awesome. (yeah, the noise is a little different...but its SUPER fast, like a little robot jitterbug.)
Buy it and never look back! You just bought the sharpest wide angle zoom in it's class! Period!!

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

Here's the deal. Unless for some reason you are pairing this lens with a D40/D40x/D60 you do not want to buy this newer version of the lens. Its exactly the same as the old one except for one thing: the focusing is much worse

Tamron decided to "upgrade" this lens by doing away with the old screw driven AF system that uses the camera body to focus the lens. Problem is that their new "AF-S" version of this lens is chattery, slow to focus in low light (doesn't hunt much but it gets close to correct focus but takes several small jittery adjustments until it locks).

All in all, this lens was seriously downgraded by Tamron. Plus there is no one who sells it online (that I know of) so you will have to go pay MSRP plus applicable taxes at your local dealer (if they have it).

Hopefully Adorama will update their wording and take out the AF-D designation and replace it with the proper "Built-in Motor" designation that Tamron uses. I had to return my lens because it was improperly described on the phone as the older version. That said Adorama was very good about it and pre-payed for the return shipping.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

Nice lens for the money!

I think the best after Nikon 17-55mm/f2.8.

I bought it for its light weight and size. It can produce sharp pictures are 2.8, but not always. Focus is not very consistent. Front focuses in the tele mode and backfocuses a little in the wide mode. This is only visible at 2.8. I tried to adjust it in D300 AF-finetune and it is better, but not at all focal lengths. Focus is a little noisy, but no big deal. It is slower than Nikons SWM. Overexposes a little (which is not a bad thing). Built quality is plasticky, but it seems to work well.

When the focus is right - it is VERY SHARP at 2.8. Very impressive compared to my 17-35mm/2.8. No CA really.

Overall, it is a good lens for the money. Great at f4. Casually usable at 2.8, but not consistent. Size is a BIG PLUS. If you want the best and do not mind the size, go for the Nikkor. If you shoot action or get paid for your pictures, go for the Nikkor.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

I have noticed that the lens at 2.8 does not focus on the subject as it should. It tends to focus slightly in front of the subject. I have been reading about this problem at other sites too. At f4 its not a problem, but that defeats the purpose. I wonder if this is an issue with the nikon 17-55 f2.8? Overall it is better than the kit lens.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

My #1 lens. Works great for candids of my kids.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

Very nice lens,was a replacment to the Nikon 18-70 Kit lens. 2.8 is great to have, very sharp & nice color. Very satisfied with purchase.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

I thought for sure this lens would be noisy or focus slowly, I was pleasantly surprised. Super sharp and an incredible bargain. The only drawback is the 67mm filter size doesn't instill client confidence.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

At 17mm, don't use the hood because the vignetting is obvious; otherwise, it's pretty decent lens for the price. I shoot almost 2.8 at all time and images are acceptable for small prints such as wedding album and such. If you properly setup and composed, probably you may get sharper photos; on the other hand, if you do mostly action shots to catch the "decisive moment", this lens might not be the best.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

This is a great lens for the money. After becoming used to slow, variable-aperture zoom lenses, the fixed, relatively fast 2.8 speed is a very welcome change. The lens is compact and lightweight, but has a solid, high-quality feel to it (especially for a "plastic" lens), and the zooming action is by far the smoothest of any "plastic" lens I have owned. I am also very pleased with the image quality. The only thing I don't like is the relatively limited zoom range on the long side - if it would at least go to 70mm I would think it is near perfect.

Comments about Tamron Tamron SP AF 17 - 50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon AF-D, 6 Year USA Warranty:

Took it to Dulles Air & Space Museum (near Washington DC) and using a Nikon D70 and SB-800 flash could easily illuminate and get amazing images of large aircraft. Also, pics were very sharp and I was able to easily capture detail (like the tiles on the underside of the Space Shuttle). Have not used lens outdoors as yet.