Tamron 17-50mm 2.8

I have spent some time yesterday testing this lens. I needed a wide angle lens [wider than my canon 24-105] and also wanted a low light 2.8. I considered a prime because I am spoiled with the canon 24-105 for clarity and IS. But a prime would not be as versatile as a zoom.

This lens has been a joy to work with, immediately I liked the color and clarity. I think it makes a nice compliment to my 24-105, being smaller, I could throw this one in my purse when needing wider and low light. I managed to get some amazing shots also at 50mm close ups, that were so clear no processing at all would be needed. A pleasant surprise.

Have not tried long distance 17mm landscapes yet. The canon 24-105IS is a hard act to follow. But so far around the house, this lens comes through with answering my needs for low light, clarity, and 17mm landscape. Great combo.

I shot at 2.8 extensively and although there is a difference in clarity between a f2.8 shot and f8, the lens held its own. Resized to a 8x10 the photos were quite sharp. At f4-8, outstanding, easily printed at larger sizes with good detail. I'd only use the 2.8 for night and indoors anyway, or maybe certain macros or portraits, but I tested in extreme conditions. There were purple fringing on a few that were overexposed in bright white light. So I would not recommend shooting at 2.8 in bright light. [who would anyway...]The 2.8 did well for portrait/low light.

All in all, I am very pleased with my purchase so far. It's small and easy to take along for any shoot, and covers multiple needs with excellent results. Which was exactly what I was looking for, a step above the rest.