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09/14/2004 10:11:10 AM · #1 |
Hi all! A couple of weeks back, I posted a request for help in choosing a new zoom lens. I received lots of very helpful advice (thank you!) and began to look around the web for a deal. I got lucky at KEH.com; They had the Canon 28-105 USM II and they also had a used Tamron 28-75 F2.8 XR DI. I bought both because I couldn't make up my mind and wanted to be able to test each of them. They are scheduled to arrive tomorrow and I am so excited!!
In the meantime, I am curious to know what others do to test out their new lenses. Do you photograph specific subjects in order to judge the quality? |
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09/14/2004 10:12:34 AM · #2 |
I just go out shooting like I usually do and then look at the results.
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09/14/2004 10:18:41 AM · #3 |
Well the Tamron is f/2.8 throughout the range, so I'd test things like focus speed/accuracy in low(er) light, how well the IS actually works.. General focus speed.. Versatility.. How heavy the lenses are.. Easy of use.. How does their build quality feel..
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09/14/2004 10:18:54 AM · #4 |
| You are bound to return at least one of them, they both cover the same 28-75mm range. Can you return lenses without problem? |
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09/14/2004 10:25:14 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by tyrkinn:
You are bound to return at least one of them, they both cover the same 28-75mm range. Can you return lenses without problem? |
Yes, a good return policy is essential to me regardless of what vendor I choose. I have never worked with KEH before but I called them and they were very helpful. |
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09/14/2004 10:27:09 AM · #6 |
| If anything I would test the new lens on subjects that you normally take pictures of. In your case it might be studio type subjects. |
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09/14/2004 10:28:35 AM · #7 |
The XR-Di series by Tamrom are quite impressive, In fact the 17-40 2.8-4.0XR-di is much better than the 17-40 2.8-4.0L, I've tried both..and at 400$ less it's a good savings.
the only downside to tamron are the slower focus (not close to the USM) and the cheaper plastic Hoods.
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09/14/2004 10:37:14 AM · #8 |
| I have the Tamron 28-75 2.8, Nikon 70-200, Nikon 12-24, I use the tamron lens most, I have found no problems with it, Keh has been around fo 20 years and I have both bought and sold equipment to them, very happy with the service. |
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09/14/2004 10:54:31 AM · #9 |
I have the 28-105 USM and me likey, not THE best lens..I mean come on, I paid $220CND for mine *blush* so it's not exactly L glass, but it's a nice starter lens.
If you want to see samples you can PM me. The only time I have issues with quality is with big enlargements [like, over 11x17]. |
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09/14/2004 10:58:09 AM · #10 |
I also use the Canon 28-105 USM. It's great for what I use it for :)
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09/19/2004 06:59:05 PM · #11 |
I have been busy trying out my new two new lenses. And the winner is....
The Tamron 28-75 F2.8 XR DI :-) I like this lens because it's a quick performer both indoors and out, it focuses closer (for macros), and the image quality is really great! Albeit, I wish the Tamron XR had the same reach as the Canon but otherwise I love it.
While testing these lenses as well as my old Tamron, I shot some pics of a basic chart which I got here and I got some interesting results...
First the Canon
Then the Tamron
More test shots...
 
The Canon was a real joy to use because of the USM; it was quick and silent. But while the old Tamron f4-5.6 IF (which I am selling) is slower and noisier, it beat the Canon where it really counts, image quality. Imagine that!!
So hopefully I will sell the old Tamron one of these days and the Canon will go back to KEH. Thanks again everyone for helping me narrow down the choices.
p.s. Please note that all test shots were processed in exactly the same way; I cropped to a size of 8x10, adjusted levels, added text, converted to sRGB and saved them for the web. |
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09/19/2004 10:36:41 PM · #12 |
| bumping just cuz I thought the previous was interesting and I'd like to hear comments :-) |
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09/19/2004 11:20:23 PM · #13 |
| I've had a Tamron 28-75 F2.8 XR DI since last Friday. So far, I like it a lot; it is a sharp lens and it has a nice color balance. |
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09/20/2004 09:26:57 AM · #14 |
| Yeah, the XR is pretty sweet! I'm looking forward to using that lens alot :-) Course, now I need a larger polarizing filter - there's always something! |
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09/21/2004 10:28:29 AM · #15 |
Ellen,
Do you mean the Tamron 28-75 in your tests? You seem to have "Tamron 28-105" on one of your test cards..
I can well believe the 28-75 is a lot sharper than the Canon because it's smaller zoom, it's non-IS (potentially less elements), and the glass is wider, so it's easier to stop down.
Edit: Oooh sorry, I see you're testing your old Tamron. :-)
Message edited by author 2004-09-21 10:29:48.
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09/21/2004 10:34:16 AM · #16 |
LOL!
Yes, I was testing the OLD Tamron against the others since I wanted to see for myself what I was really getting by upgrading. The new Tamron 28-75 ROCKS! |
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