Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD Lens

[rbat]

I am thinking of purchasing one of these lenses and was wondering if anyone owned one and could provide some feedback. The reviews I've read all seem quite favourable.

[PH005]

Would make a nice " walkabout lens " .

[andylo]

On the Canon EF-S mount I think it is fantastic! Great color rendering and quite sharp thru the frame! I think it is a poor man's L lens.

Focus speed is slower and noisy but that's the only downside I could think of. Some might argue the new version with the VC (vibration compensation) is better but in my own experience I feel the VC version is not as good in both color render, sharpness and it cost more!

I think you can pick up one second hand for around $300. A brand new one is not gonna cost much more but come with warranty, which is a plus. If buying new, find a shop that has multiple copies AND willing to let you try them, so you can find yourself the sharpest copy.

[tmd77]

I bought this lens earlier this year and could not be happier! it rarely leaves my camera.

As said above, focus speed isn't uber quick, but that said i didn't buy it to shoot sports.
The Auto focus is louder than what my old canon 18-55 was, but i'll be honest I don't really notice it.

I think i picked it up from digital rev for somewhere in the $300's.

I went with the non-IS version over the IS because all the reviews had shown that the non-IS was actually a sharper lens.

Here are a couple of shots i've taken with it;
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5531112162_128f3f1517_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58005686@N08/5531112162/)
reflections (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58005686@N08/5531112162/) by trentdellit (http://www.flickr.com/people/58005686@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5508146775_9263979a0b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58005686@N08/5508146775/)
IMG_0226sml (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58005686@N08/5508146775/) by trentdellit (http://www.flickr.com/people/58005686@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5459516645_80249d588e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58005686@N08/5459516645/)
IMG_9914bw2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58005686@N08/5459516645/) by trentdellit (http://www.flickr.com/people/58005686@N08/), on Flickr

Hope this helps you make a decision!

[screamer]

Have a Tammy 17-50 f2.8 (non IS) and its a very nice lens walkabout lens.

[rbat]

Hi everyone, thank you for the reviews. Definitely one that I'm considering. tmd77, the landscape shot is just gorgeous, love the colours.