Not compatible with 35mm or digital cameras with image sensor larger than APS-C size
The Tamron SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] is a lightweight, compact, fast standard zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras. The focal length of this lens is equivalent to approx. 26-78mm in 35mm format.
This lens offers an f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, to ensure stress-free photographic shots at all focal lengths and distances. Additionally, a broader photographic expression through the use of faster shutter speeds as a result of the maximum aperture offers enhanced photographic pleasure.
Note! Di-II lenses cannot be used with digital SLR cameras using image sensors that are larger than that of an APS-C size imager (e.g. 1D series), or with 35mm film SLR cameras.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17 - 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF-S |
| Format Compatibility | Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 78° - 31° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 10.63" (27 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.22x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.5 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 3.2" (7.37 x 8.13 cm) |
| Weight | 15.17 oz (430 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Great lens, despite it's C3PO-ness
I bought this primarily for it's speed (f/2.8). I have owned the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM for some time and have been fairly satisfied with it. However,...Read complete review
I bought this primarily for it's speed (f/2.8). I have owned the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM for some time and have been fairly satisfied with it. However, after discovering what's possible in low light conditions with the "nifty fifty" (Canon 50mm f/1.8 - the $89 lens) I wanted to add another fast wide angle lens to my collection. The Tamron 17-50 fit the bill perfectly, and it had great reviews to help make a confident purchase.
The very first thing I noticed about this lens is it's main downside (in my opinion), and that is the auto-focus noise. It reminds me of the sounds C3PO makes when he moves around. In comparison to the USM auto-focus on the Canon 17-85 which is nearly silent, the Tamron seems noisy. In a quiet room, those nearby will know you're about to take a picture when you half-press with the Tamron 17-50 attached. You're not going to be sneaking up on anyone in auto-focus mode.
With that being said, the performance of this lens is excellent; better than the Canon 17-85 IS by a good margin. I was pleasantly surprised when I downloaded the first batch of photos taken with this Tamron lens. At that point, the noisy auto-focus became a trivial issue. The colors are rich and accurate and the focus is sharp. I was worried about not having image stabilization, since I have gotten used to it with other lenses, but the Tamron is a constant f/2.8, so you don't really miss having IS. The speed of the lens really does make that much of a difference. I can shoot indoor photos without a flash at shutter speeds 2 to 3 times faster than with a f/4-5.6 lens, which is really nice.
The Tamron 17-50 has become my standard walk-around lens that I use now. The build is nice and solid, and a bit on the heavy side for it's size. The zoom is nicely dampened and stays where you put it under normal movement. The zoom lock is a nice feature, but you don't always need it since there is enough resistance that the lens doesn't easily slide out on its own.
The lens also came with a lens hood but I'm not sure it fits correctly. When fully rotated on, the hood is slightly off straight up/down.
If the auto-focus noise won't bug you, you'll dig this lens!
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Most Liked Negative Review
Great walk around lens
This lens is just amazing at 17mm. No matter if open all the way to 2.8 or closed at 7.1 and more, it will reproduce sharp images and beautiful dynamic colors.
On the ...Read complete review
This lens is just amazing at 17mm. No matter if open all the way to 2.8 or closed at 7.1 and more, it will reproduce sharp images and beautiful dynamic colors.
On the other side, I thought this Tamron could be used for portraits at 50mm and come close to Canon 50mm 1.8 Ii, but I got disappointed. Colors are not so vivid and bokeh is not as pretty as on Canon.
Built is OK, doesn't look cheap but doesn't look strong either. Plus, focus noise is loud, and that helps with impression that it's cheap lens. But image quality is what counts.
I have it for a couple weeks so far and in general, I'm happy with choice I made between this lens and Canon's 17-40mm.
Reviewed by 305 customers
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I bought this lens for everyday use, and its perfect for this purpose.
the 2.8 aperture makes it very versatile, the build is non metal but nonetheless feels sturdy.
the only drawback for me is the noisy and sometimes inconsistent AF, but nothing major..
will recommend this lens
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
Blurry images at f2.8
Keeps Auto plus setting on camera in macro
Flash sync problems
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
While I would have preferred to have 3x the money to get a Canon L series, this lens is surprisingly high quality. I am getting good images, fast focusing, and no problems so far.
I would have spent the extra $ for the Vibration control, but everything i have heard is that this one has superior glass...
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
Bought this lens mainly for its F-2.8 and its great, Mainly using it on F-5.6 which produces pretty stunning results however the 2.8 is fantastic when needed for low light. Good Solid Lens that allows for use in most situations. Not having the Vibration Control isn't an issue. It is fast to focus but It can be noisy to focus but not too much of an issue if it is being used outside anyway. The included lens hood is a great bonus as well! Macro is pretty good too. On 17mm, it gives a pretty great wide angle. The lens is great value for money
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
If you are looking at this lens and the canon 17-55, or even the 17-40 L, just get this. It does not have the most quiet focus ever, but what are you doing anyway? Taking spy pics with a 17-50?! yeah right. The optical quality is great, the bokeh looks good, and it feels solid. For the price, you cannot go wrong. I am not looking for the best of the best, because I am not rich. I am looking for the best for the price, and this is it. VC or IS is nice, but if it comprimises image sharpness, count me out. For 500, if you can find a sharper standard zoom let me know (brand new). If youre on the fence, I would go with Tamron. 6 year warranty is the best out there. And anyway.......its the photographer, not the gear, right?
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I bought this to replace the kit lens canon offers. Crystal clear shots, the focus is fast and accurate except when it's really dark. Like 2.8, 6400 iso and only getting 1/60th shutter speed without flash. Which isn't the greatest shooting conditions anyways. The build quality is nice, turning the zoom the opposite way can confuse you at first, but this lens is worth every penny. For the price it's compatible with other lenses that cost hundreds more.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I'm an enthusiast photographer equipped with a Canon 600D, getting more and more into photography, so I bought this lens hoping it would be a good upgrade from my kit lens.
I was right, it is indeed a step up in relation to the standard 18-55 that usually comes with the rebels.
I don't know how it compares to other more expensive lenses in this focal length range, but for the price, I couldn't be more happy.
I was concerned about Tamron quality control, especially regarding the auto-focus, but my copy was perfect -- focus is 99% spot on. It sure is loud, like something from a dentist's office -- but I have absolutely no problems with it.
The only downside for me is that the corners are very blurry at 50mm f/2.8. This is not a major flaw, and if you stop down to f/4.0 the corners become reasonably sharp again. But if by any chance you forget to do this, and the picture has anything important on the corners, it will be very noticeable. I guess if I was using this lens exclusively for portraits, where the blurry background and the 50mm focal lengh are a must, I would reconsider, but since I'm using it mainly for street photography, I usually stay between 20-35mm and f/4.0 upwards. (Note that I always have the 50mm 1.8 around, in case I'm in the mood for portraits.
There also is the matter of barrel distorsion, which can affect images throughout the zoom range. Since I am no pro, and I don't want to spend thousands of dollars in specialized lenses, I guess I have to live with it, and correct it with Camera Raw and Photoshop.
Again, for this price, I believe this lens is a real bargain.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I have to give this lens a low rating only because of quality control. My copy of this lens has a severe front focus problem. In manual focus the image is very very sharp, but auto focus misses every time. B&H was not helpful in letting me swap the lens. I was told it was my problem, and to contact Tamron for service. I have used a very sharp working copy of this lens, and if you get one that works it is a great lens. Unfortunately I didn't. I just wish that I had known that B&H would not stand behind their products before I ordered nearly $2000 worth of equipment from them.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I just started shooting with this lens and the results are great. For the price you can`t beat this lens.The loud autofocus does not bother me at all. When you see your images you will forget about the loud autofocus.Also you geta 6 year Tamron Warranty.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
This lens is shockingly good. I read many reviews on how great this lens was and decided after selling my 18-55 kit lens and needing something to cover that range on my 60d, I would take the plunge and purchase this lens. I have the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and have been very happy with it for 3 yrs. I would have to say that this lens is even sharper than the 28-75 (which many reviews stated already). It is a very good focal length for indoor shooting where 28mm isn't quite wide enough indoors at times. Just as pleasing as the sharpness is the color and contrast from this lens. Taking pictures indoors with a flash in a softbox produced images that needed no pp. The images were warm and had beautiful contrast. The bokeh from this lens is wonderfully subtle and smooth, and doesn't distract from the subject.
This lens has a very nice compact size, but it has a little "heft" to it. It does not feel cheap or flimsy. It feels tight and compact.
This is my indoor lens, so I typically use flash with it and in good light so there isn't hunting, but it is not an ultrasonic driven motor, so in bad or low light, it WILL hunt. The focus motor only seems loud to those used to USM lenses that are very quite. In good light, the focus on this lens is very snappy and accurate. Tamron has a great warranty and customer service so I purchased with confidence knowing that if I did need to send the lens in for calibration, typical turn around time is only 10 days from send to return.
If you are in the market for a fast, constant 17-50mm range lens for your crop sensor DSLR, I think this lens is a wonderful choice.
Don't buy this lens if you constantly shoot in low light and expect this lens to focus fast and/or track fast. That is not the strength of this lens.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
Great for group shoots. Feels strong great focus.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I love that this lens has f2.8 throughout the zoom range. Unfortuantely, the focus is sometimes very slow, and when it's at a critical point for a picture, it can be frustrating. Typically, I use this lens indoors w/o a flash and it gives me good results with my Canon T3i.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I am not a pro. But I have been using DSLR for year now and I do have a fairly good understanding of photography. For some time now I have been looking to upgrade my old 28-105 mm Canon lens. It has served me well, however I was looking for an upgrade on aperture, build quality, image quality and a lens slightly wider so I can take pictures on tight places.
Initially I was considering the 24-70 2.8 L or 17-55 2.8. Both of these lenses are over $1000, money I don't have. So after seeing reviews on the Tamron 17-50 I finally decided to go for it. With this short focal length I didn't think I would need VC since I use external flash for my shooting, hence I went for the Non-VC version. Upon receiving my lens I immediately liked the build quality and the feel for it. It is not too heavy or too lightweight. I like to feel like I have something attached to my camera.
I have been using it for about 2 weeks now and I really love this lens. I like the colors it produces. The auto focus is fast in my opinion. However, as most people have stated before it is slightly noisy. That is not a problem to me.
I am a happy costumer.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
This lens is awesome!
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I bought this lense about 4 years ago for my Canon 20D. It produced great image quality from day 1. I upgraded my camera to the 7D. It still continues to impress, especially in low light situations. (Just have to adjust your camera to the proper settings). This is one of my favorite lenses for shooting weddings, and it has not let me down yet. The focuse is fast and accurate. I even compared to some pics I shot with my lenses. This one came out ahead in clarity, and speed. I rarly change it once I get started.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I photograph at my church where its really dark. This lenses takes great shots in a darker room. I got it without the image stabilizer and was worried it would blurr easier but it does a great job!! I love it!!
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
Bought as a replacement for Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens.
Great results for the money.
Feels sturdy and solid.
Smooth zoom and focus ring movement.
AF motor is noisy.
Vignetting at some aperatures/focal lengths.
Also want to add that the standard shipping time (from NYC to Boston) was lightning fast. Ordered on a Saturday night, the package was on my doorstep Tuesday afternoon.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
Using with my Canon 60D. Solid build. Little quirky about focusing but good results most of the time. Nice lens cap and lens hood included.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
Great for low light situations. Being a wedding photographer, this is a very comparable lens to Canon for a lot less money.
The only bad comment I would leave is that it is noisy lens and sometimes slow to focus.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras:
I'm delighted to have f/2.8 at any focal length! I was thrilled to get such good bokeh during my first important outing, capturing my nephew's first birthday. This lens is very versatile (can reach f/32) and has a solid body construction. The zoom ring is tight, and not in a bad way. It is an extremely sharp lens at f/5.6 (suggested by others as the best f-stop for sharpness.) When you pull it out of the box you notice its quality, and it only gets better every time you use it. The only feature I would change about this lens is allowing manual focus override, for when you get excited and reach for zoom but miss by grabbing the focus ring. It's a little heavy, but I can only compare it to the stock 18-55mm lens. It's about as heavy as my black 70-300mm Canon zoom. HIGHLY recommended lens with an equally good price! Thanks Tamron! (Canon mount)
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