Tamron 17-50 mm VC 2.8 review
In 2010, Tamron came out with the 17-50 mm 2.8 DII VC SP XR LD or Tamron 17-50 mm 2.8 VC. It remains available in addition to a version that is not equipped with built-in image stabilization. The direct competitors are the Canon 17-55 mm 2.8 IS and the Sigma 17-50 mm 2.8 OS. All three are equipped with image stabilization and all three have a maximum aperture of f/2.8 that remains constant throughout the entire zoom range.
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Tamron 17-50 mm/2.8 DII VC SP XR LD
Test camera: Canon 600D APS-C
For test method: see FAQ
Suitable for: APS-C
Smallest focal length: 22 cm
Optical construction: 17/13
Filter size: 72 mm
Dimensions: 79 x 89 mm excluding lens hood
Weight: 602 grams including lens hood
Recommended retail price as of 05.01.2011: € 519 including lens hood
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Construction and autofocus |
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The zoom ring shows no play but the resistance is not constant along the entire route. The focus ring turns very smoothly and has a short stroke. Focusing manually is therefore not easy. The lens is nicely finished and feels solid enough. This Tamron is one of the first lenses of this brand that has a built-in drive for the autofocus. Focusing is quick with a Canon 600D; from 15 meters to 1.5 meters in 0.14 seconds. The drive makes a little more sound than we are used to from other brands but the AF is also sufficiently accurate in low light. |
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Image stabilization |
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The effectiveness of the built-in image stabilization, called Vibration Compensation, is measured at a focal length of 50 mm. The effectiveness is about 3 stops. This is comparable to other types. |
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Vignetting |
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Vignetting in stops is only on the high side at f/2.8 and then only at 17 mm and 50 mm. In the other apertures, vignetting is negligibly low. The exceptions are the vignetting values at 17 mm. Incidentally, the leftover of vignetting can be controlled well with some programs. A program like Lightroom recognizes the Tamron lenses. |
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Distortion |
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The distortion, expressed as a percentage, is substantially at 17 mm, but so low at the other focal distances that it rarely will be disturbing. Distortion can be controlled with software. |
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Bokeh |
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These shots were taken with a Nikon D90 at a focal length of 50 mm. The widest aperture is f/2.8; limiting depth of field is possible with this lens. The blurry circles are strongly plagued by rings, the bokeh is therefore not so beautiful. The bokeh of the Canon 17-55 mm 2.8 at f/2.8 looks nicer. |
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 f/2.8
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 f/2.8
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 f/8.0
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 f/8.0
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Flare |
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The Tamron is prone to ghosting in backlit conditions. In addition, the image can soften due to flare. |
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Resolution |
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The resolution, expressed in lines / sensor height, has high to very high values in the center at all apertures. In that respect, this Tamron seems similar to the Canon 17-55 mm 2.8 IS. The difference between the center and the corners is fairly large with the Tamron at 28 mm and 50 mm. With the much more expensive Canon, that difference is smaller. One can always pick f/4.0 as working aperture. When you click on the graph, you see the graphs of resolution at the other focal lengths. |
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Chromatic aberration |
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The chromatic aberration is on the high side at some focal length / aperture combinations. With software that can be controlled well. When you click on the graph, you see the graphs of chromatic aberration at the other focal lengths. |
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More Tamron 17-50 mm/2.8 8 DII VC SP XR LD tests: |
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Conclusion
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Tamron 17-50 mm/2.8 DII VC SP XR LD
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Look at our overview of tested lenses to compare the performances of this lens to other lenses. |
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Pros
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Cons
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The Tamron 17-50 mm 2.8 DII VC SP XR LD is a luminous alternative to the little Canon 18-55 mm kit lens. The recommended retail price and weight are higher but you get much in return. The initial aperture is considerably larger and the resolution is much larger than what is usual for a kit lens. In practice, back light will have to be taken into account. If you compare the Tamron 17-50 mm 2.8 VC with the much more expensive Canon 17-55 mm 2.8 IS, you see that the Canon draws a tad sharper at a number of apertures. All in all, the Tamron is excellent value for its money.
