Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens USA

  • Price: $609.95
  • Mail In Rebate -$50.00 (see details)
    offer ends APR 30 '12
  • Price after Rebate: $559.95
  • B&H # TA175028CQ
  • Mfr# AFB005C700

Product Highlights

  • Vibration Compensation (VC)
  • For Canon DSLR Cameras
  • Vibration Compensation (VC) Mechanism
  • Internal Focusing (IF)
  • Aspherical Lens Elements
  • Extra Refractive Glass (XR)
  • Low Level Distortion
  • Excellent in Low Light

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Tamron's SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) is a high-speed, wide-to-moderate-telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon digital SLR cameras with smaller sensors. It covers the very popular 17-50mm focal length range (equivalent to 26-78mm in the full-frame 35mm format) making it extremely versatile. Tamron's Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism minimizes the effects of handheld camera shake (up to 4-stops), providing a means to great low-light shooting.

The lens delivers impressive sharpness and striking contrast over its entire focal length and aperture range. A maximum aperture of f/2.8 delivers images enhanced by shallow depth-of-field, and smooth, natural transitions in out-of-focus areas of the image. Additionally, this lens carries a 6-Year Tamron Limited Warranty (U.S.A. only)

Di II Lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers. These lenses are not designed for conventional cameras or digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size (24mm x 16mm).

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 11.4" (28.96 cm)
Magnification 0.20x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:4.8
Groups/Elements 14/19
Diaphragm Blades 7
Features
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 72 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.13 x 3.7" (7.95 x 9.40 cm)
Weight 1.25 lb (570 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens
 
4.3

(based on 88 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (45)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (34)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

91%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Consistent output (33)
  • Strong construction (33)
  • Durable (32)
  • Easily interchangeable (30)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (27)

Cons

  • Heavy (18)
  • Slow focus (17)
  • Heavy / bulky (4)
  • Poor in low light (4)
  • Blurry focus (3)

Best Uses

  • Low light (47)
  • Landscape/scenery (37)
  • Weddings (32)
  • Video (24)
  • Night photography (17)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-pro photographer (29), Photo enthusiast (27), Pro photographer (9), Casual photographer (8), Tech savvy (6)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (55), Yes (4)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Great Glass

I'm a portrait & wedding photographer, and I use this lens on a Canon 7D. I owned the previous version, but decided to upgrade. Here is the best reason to own this gl...Read complete review

I'm a portrait & wedding photographer, and I use this lens on a Canon 7D. I owned the previous version, but decided to upgrade. Here is the best reason to own this glass, it is so crisp. Better than Canon's 24-70 or their 17-55. I don;t use the VC (vibration control) as I find it a little jerky and more of a distraction. But then I've always felt that VC is only needed on the big 200mm plus lenses.
The other thing I really like about this lens is the feel. It's got a great grip, the zoom action is smooth, and the build quality is very fine.

I'd rate this a 5 on the glass and the feel of the lens, but a 4 on the VC. Overall It's a 4.9 lens for me. Love it

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

An ambitious lens that falls short....

I purchased this lens recently and had the opportunity to test it for three days. I was hopping to save some money by not having to pay for the much more expensive Canon 17-55...Read complete review

I purchased this lens recently and had the opportunity to test it for three days. I was hopping to save some money by not having to pay for the much more expensive Canon 17-55. I did some close up testing on textured fabric and the results were disappointing. The lens was extremely soft at f2.8 and didn't become tack sharp until f8. This lens has a relatively solid build quality it but falls far short of what I would expect from a [$] lens.

Reviewed by 88 customers

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5.0

Great versatile lens, but soft at f2.8

By LL

from Madison, WI

About Me Tech Savvy

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Improves Picture Quality

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Shooting Indoors

    Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

    As my title says, the focal length range of this piece is pretty decent. Use it as a walkaround lens and you'll be surprised how much it can do. Images are largely pretty sharp and focusing is acceptably fast as well.

    The main drawback is that at 2.8, the images appear pretty soft. Images are alright at 3.2, but much better at 3.5 and above. This is a significant pity, since, if like me, you prioritize sharpness, then you'll arbitrarily forced to shoot at 3.5 and above. In which case, the allure of the 2.8 fast lens diminishes significantly.

    Mine is the VC version. No complaints here.

    And there's a very nice grip to the lens. Feels very good to the touch.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Really love this lens..!!

    By Wes

    from Dallas, Tx

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Improves Picture Quality
    • Very sturdy

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Shooting Indoors
      • Shooting Outdoors
      • Upgrade

      Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

      This is my first really high quality lens since I got my camera. After a lot of research I decided to go with this one. I currently have a 50mm and wanted something that would allow me to zoom out a bit and still be great in low light. The 17mm, works like a champ. I can almost put my lens on the subject and still get very clear shots. I'm sure I'll be using this one all the time.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      worth the money

      By dave

      from new lebanon, ohio

      Pros

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

            pro's, i work with my local fire dept. to shoot accidents and fire for traning propose's so i work in all levels of light and i have found that it serves me well good clear pic at a wide range of ISO's as well for the money a exelent lense
            cons, the zoom is a little stiff and sticky but i can live with that to save the money from the cannon equal

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Great Lens

            By Base

            from Philadelphia, PA

            About Me Tech Savvy

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Improves Picture Quality

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Close Up Filming
              • Shooting Outdoors
              • Upgrade

              Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

              I use this lens quite often, works great, picture quality is amazing and based on my research before and after purchasing this lens I recommend B&H for your good pricing and fast shipping.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Works very well

              By ARNIE

              from Glendale AZ

              About Me Avid Amateur

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Improves Picture Quality
              • Vibration control

              Cons

              • None so far

              Best Uses

              • Less than bright areas
              • Shooting Indoors

              Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

              I've used it mainly for indoor, moderate light situations. It's worked well, and the vibration control has made a substantial difference in the exposure times needed (2 stops at the least). So far, no problems/concerns (it's a bit noisier focusing than my Canon lenses, but minimally).

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Great versatile lens

              By Freddy

              from West Texas

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                    This is my everyday lens. Captures at just about any light and distance. Love it.
                    Very nice detail and clarity.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Tamron Gold

                    By Blake

                    from Birmingham AL

                    Verified Buyer

                    Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                    I wasn't sure if I should just wait and get the Cannon but I had a friend convince me and I am glad he did... This is some nice glass and it is well worth the money. Very Fast Lens and Great Quality!

                    Share this review

                    (0 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    2.0

                    Save Your Dough

                    By CcK

                    from Milwaukee, WI

                    About Me Tech Savvy

                    Verified Reviewer

                    Pros

                      Cons

                      • Bad Autofocus
                      • Bulky Design
                      • Gritty zoom
                      • Heavy
                      • No Increase In Performance

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                        17-50 is a great range of view, but aside from that this lens falls short. It's wrist-achingly heavy, very gritty zoom, and 2.8-3.5 are unusable. Auto-focus is schizophrenic and shooting anything at 17mm is pointless. I bought this instead of a kit lens for my 60d because I wanted something better than a kit lens. I now, would rather have a kit lens.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        4.0

                        Almost a 5 Star Lens

                        By Tony

                        from San Clemente, CA

                        About Me Semi- Professional

                        Pros

                        • Compact Design
                        • Easy To Use
                        • Sharpness

                        Cons

                        • Slow focusing

                        Best Uses

                        • Most Situations
                        • Shooting Indoors
                        • Shooting Outdoors

                        Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                        I've owned this lens for over a year now and find myself using it more than any other lens I have. The lens is very sharp and works very well in nearly every condition. My only complaint is the focusing is slow, especially in low light. When Tamron upgrades the focus motor to their new faster motor I will be one happy man. Until then I can't see myself shelling out $1000 for the over sized Canon equivalent.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Great lens for the price

                        By rkhamilton

                        from Bay Area, CA

                        Verified Buyer

                        Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                        It lives up to the reputation. I've read that the non VC version has better sharpness, but I'm very happy with it. I shoot a lot freehand, so the VC is critical for me.

                        Share this review

                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        4.0

                        great lens!

                        By Katie

                        from Ashburn, VA

                        About Me Tech Savvy

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Shooting Outdoors

                          Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                          This is a great replacement for your kit lens. I love the fixed 2.8 and ever since i bought my 50mm 1.4 I had to have this lens. It's a little loud but is super fast and is very sharp!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Awesome

                          By Molly

                          from Wisconsin

                          About Me Tech Savvy

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Panoramic Filming
                            • Shooting Indoors
                            • Shooting Outdoors

                            Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                            I love the lens. Awesome f/2.8.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            Easy to use.

                            By Davis

                            from Stanley, Idaho.

                            About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Tech Savvy

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easy To Use
                            • Improves Picture Quality

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Shooting Outdoors
                              • Upgrade

                              Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                              17-50mm lens is mainly used for nature photography. The easy to use f-stop system and wide range of options allows for easy shooting and crystal clear shots. With the lowest f-stop option of 2.8, shooting stars at night allows for amazing images of the Milky Way. Not really sure what I do not like about the lens at this time. All in all, very happy.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              4.0

                              great

                              By smokingglobe

                              from New York

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Easy To Use
                              • Improves Picture Quality

                              Cons

                              • Bulky Design

                              Best Uses

                              • Shooting Indoors

                              Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                              I'm using the lens for indoor shooting of concerts performances and it is proving to be excellent in these conditions

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              4.0

                              Great Lens, Must have for cropped camera

                              By JVO

                              from Fussa, Tokyo, Japan

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Reviewer

                              Pros

                              • Awesome warranty
                              • Feels solid
                              • Great optics
                              • Inexpensive

                              Cons

                              • Focusing a little slow
                              • Noisy
                              • VC is a bit jerky

                              Best Uses

                              • Indoors/Low Light
                              • Landscape/Scenery
                              • Weddings/Events
                              • Wildlife Photos

                              Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                              The best lenses are the ones that basically become "one with the camera." This lens does...for the most part. With the VC on, you can easily be distracted. It's a bit clunky and sort of jerks into place. If your shooting on the fly...it can be a bit annoying. However, in a situation where you would NEED to use VC you'll likely be shooting something that is NOT moving since it only extends to 50mm. Other than that the optics are great. The focus is a bit noisy compared to a USM lens, but I didn't notice it much during a session. If your into manual focusing, it's not too bad, but it feels a bit "sticky" when moving it slow. The build quality seems comparable to Canons mid-grade EF lenses. Lens feels very solid compared to some more expensive lenses. I am a very happy customer.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              it's nice lens by it's price

                              By mikhail

                              from orlando fl

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Consistent Output
                              • Durable
                              • Easily Interchangeable
                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                              • Lightweight
                              • Nice Bokeh
                              • Rugged
                              • Strong Construction

                              Cons

                              • Slow Focus

                              Best Uses

                              • Indoors/Low Light
                              • Landscape/Scenery
                              • Macro Photography
                              • Night Photography
                              • Sports/Action
                              • Video
                              • Weddings/Events
                              • Wildlife Photos

                              Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                              really good at low light

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Great inexpensive Low Light lens

                              By Ed

                              from Pensacola, FL

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Consistent Output
                              • Easily Interchangeable
                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                              • Lightweight
                              • Nice Bokeh

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors/Low Light
                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Night Photography
                                • Sports/Action
                                • Video
                                • Wildlife Photos

                                Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                                I have now used this lens in all sort of low light situations and can't be more pleased.

                                Made a mistake in ordering the "regular" when I didn't realize two different lens by same name except for VC.

                                The additional stability allows about 2 stops in hand held which is a heckuva difference without flash.

                                As always, use B&H for the best.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                4.0

                                Solid Lens

                                By Youtuber10

                                from Ames, ia

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                      Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                                      If you are looking to replace or substitute the kit lens, this is a great option. I'm using it for video, so the VC is important for me, but maybe not essential for photographers. Great in low light. Buyers should know that there may be a loose component upon delivery. Simply attach to your camera and focus. The loose component should be calibrated and no longer moving about. Had to contact Tamron to solve this query, they were very helpful!

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Share this review

                                      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      I love the Tamrom SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 VC

                                      By Jason

                                      from Brooklyn, NY

                                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Consistent Output
                                      • Durable
                                      • Easily Interchangeable
                                      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                      • Nice Bokeh
                                      • Rugged
                                      • Strong Construction

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Indoors/Low Light
                                        • Landscape/Scenery
                                        • Video

                                        Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                                        I bought the Tamrom SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 VC as my primary lens for shooting my documentary. It's my work horse for sure. I have not been disappointed. It's a great wide-normal lens so I can capture the big picture and punch-in to focus on something specific. My one complaint (and I'm not 100% sure if this happens on all these lenses or a problem with mine) is that when the VC is on, there is some mechanical noise that comes from the lens.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Share this review

                                        (2 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

                                         
                                        1.0

                                        Err 01

                                        By nicky d

                                        from new york, ny

                                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                        Verified Reviewer

                                        Pros

                                          Cons

                                          • Breaks easily
                                          • Lens Creep

                                          Best Uses

                                            Comments about Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens:

                                            I used this lens on only a few shoots with my 7D. Now it does not work when I am taking stills. It displays "Err 01. Clean lens contacts." I've cleaned them several times, and it doesn't work. Now I have to send it to Tamron, and the warrantee is expired, so I'm sure they will be charging me an arm and a leg to fix their unreliable product. None of my Canon lenses give me this problem. Go with Canon and you'll save money in the long run. I guess that's the lesson I learned here.

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                                            What's in the Box

                                            Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lens
                                            • Canon Lens Mount
                                            • Front Lens Cap
                                            • Rear Lens Cap
                                            • Lens Hood
                                            • 6-Year Tamron Limited Warranty (U.S.A. Only)
                                             
                                             
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