Canons 18-55is Vs Tamron 17-50mm XR Di II

tbs · 3 Dec 2007 at 22:47

okay, so out of these 2 lenses, which one would be the better choice, seeing that the 18-55 (normal lens) is a kit lens to the 350D, and the new 18-55 is just a updated one, which one would be a better upgrade?

also, what are the main advantage and disadvantages from both of them?

danza · 3 Dec 2007 at 22:56

The Tamron would lash the 18-55. The 17-50 is f/2.8, whereas the 18-55 is f/3.5-5.6. The Tamron is better built, probably faster focusing and optically superior.

The 18-55 IS would be nice to start out with, but definitely not a worthy upgrade over a standard 18-55.

I think the only 'disadvantages' of the Tamron would be larger, more costly filters, larger dimensions, and increased weight. If you can afford the 17-50, buy it, but only if you've discounted other lenses (such as the Sigma 18-50, but you may be playingRussian roulette with their quality control if buying online).

Yes I know the 18-55 has good IS, but I know that wouldn't sway me at all. Optical quality over features any day.

tbs · 3 Dec 2007 at 23:01

ive heard about the tamron having motor issues and how it doesnt focus properly on some of them, which is a shame and they should sort out, thats why ive been holding on if i should buy the 17-50 over the net, or in the shops but the shop would be charging extortion prices!

danza · 3 Dec 2007 at 23:09

Motor issues? That's a new one on me. I'd imagine if you bought whatever lens you decide on from a more reputable online etailer, you'd have some comeback.

The Tamron will allow more 'creative' use of DoF than the Canon, which is another obvious plus. I didn't actually mind the kit lens, but every other similar focal range lens I've had has out performed it (on Canon- Tamron 20-40 f/2.7-3.5, Sigma 17-70, 17-40 f/4L, and 18-70 f/3.5-4.5 on Nikon). The IS is however meant to be improved optically over the previous kit lens.

Sorry, I'm a bit one-sided, but I've said what I believe

tbs · 3 Dec 2007 at 23:22

well it can be motor related seeing as when it spins the barrel it doesnt lock on so some 17-50 had a focusing issue, this is where i read it http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=308&sort=7&cat=43&page=1 quite a few ppl had the same problem

Gregeff · 4 Dec 2007 at 09:26

Optically they are both very similar at equal apertures, but obviously the Tamron goes to F2.8 all the way along the zoom. It is also wider and better built. Depends which you prefer, Cheap, Light, IS. Or F2.8, better build, wider, little more expensive.

Canon: http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/canon_1855_3556is/index.htm

Tamron: http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tamron_1750_28/index.htm

a1ex2001 · 4 Dec 2007 at 12:18

I'd go for a 2.8 aperature over IS everytime on a lens that short. IS isn't really a huge bonus at this focal range yes you can shoot with a slower shutter speed and let me light in but thats not going to help if the subject is moving, set the Tamron too 2.8 though and you'll get loads of light in and freeze the action with a short shutter time.

Just my thoughts.

robertgilbert86 · 4 Dec 2007 at 12:54

I was using the Tamron for a gig the other night and it was fab! I really do prefer it to the Sigma version, great lens, I'll be buying one soon I think.

tbs · 4 Dec 2007 at 13:13

a highstreet shop begining with "J" is selling the tamron for 350£ for the nikon, but im guessing thats *** price theyre selling it for the canon too?! done a bit of search, and found the lens a much cheaper price though, but not sure if id get sent a duff one if i do go for it

Gregeff · 4 Dec 2007 at 17:30

The Tamron is £255 from my local camera store, also online. I just had a play with it today as i'm probably getting one for christmas and it seemed really nice. I think it would be hard to justify buying a lenses with as low build quality as the canon again, the Tamron is so much better built (as are most lenses!)

tbs · 4 Dec 2007 at 22:21

Gregeff said:
The Tamron is £255 from my local camera store, also online. I just had a play with it today as i'm probably getting one for christmas and it seemed really nice. I think it would be hard to justify buying a lenses with as low build quality as the canon again, the Tamron is so much better built (as are most lenses!)

you get it new?

really cheap for 255, cheapest ive found is £260