Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens

Product Summary

Model name: Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC
Focus Type: Autofocus / Manual
Format : APS-C / Crop Sensor
Purchase options: Amazon | Adorama | B&H

Overview

The Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC lens scores over its sister the Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II lens in having a optical stabilization. Designed for the reduced image circle (RIC) of an APS-C crop sensor, the 17-50mm offers a field of view of 24-75mm equivalent on a full frame DSLR. Tamron’s image shake offers optical stability and a slower shutter speed possibility (VC). Slower the lens down impacts the hand-holdability of a lens and this is where the 17-50mm f/2.8 lens works wonder. Even in low light conditions the lens is simply fantastic, capturing subjects in tricky or low light conditions. No need to crank up the ISO and welcome noise on a small sensor.

However the lens does not offer the same degree of sharpness as other lens from this segment especially from the more illustrious Nikon and Canon stables. The lens sharpness is soft at 17mm when using f/2.8. Sharpness improves however when the lens is stopped down.

The lens construction constitutes a total of three compound aspherical elements, special LD (Low-dispersion) glass elements and BBAR coating which is used to increase color saturation, reduce ghosting and flares. a total of 19 lens elements arranged in 14 groups make up the lens. The diaphragm of the lens constitutes 7 blades allowing it to give a wide constant f-stop of f/2.8. Additionally it can stop down all the way to f/32. The filter size specification of the lens is 72mm and it has a weight of 540 grams. Available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H

Sample Images by Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC on Flickr

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