Tamron AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens Review
Review - Tamron AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
September 2010, Carl Garrard
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras
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When reviewing the Tamron AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens the question that kept popping into my head before, during, and after this review was; Is this the ultimate one stop multi-purpose lens for your full frame and APS-C Sony DSLR's and SLT's? Certainly no one lens could fit that role realistically and expect to out perform all other lenses, otherwise we wouldn't have such a diverse selection. However, there are some lenses that do many things very well and the Tamron AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is certainly one of them. As of this writing, Tamron still makes them for the Alpha mount and provides a screw driven alternative to Sony's rebadged model for about $450-$550 retail USD. |
In Use Impressions
I think it has been a while since my last lens review. As usual I've been quite busy on multiple projects at a time, but alas the clouds have cleared enough for me to concentrate on a lens to review, and the Tamron AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro was my current choice. This is a lens I've been wanting to write about for quite some time now, but as they say you don't always get what you want. I've been using this lens for quite some time now on many different cameras and it is a solid, consistent performer. The specifications of this lens, teemed with the price seem a very decent value to me and definitely worthy of taking the time to write about, so lets get on with it.
Images in this review were taken with the Sony A100 and Konica Minolta 5D DSLRS
*Note that my comments on full frame use are based on past experience with the Tamron on my A900 that I no longer have in possession. This lens was fitted to my A900 almost 90% of the time so I've amassed quite a bit of experience with this lens, and it's performance is etched into my memory. There aren't any examples here using the A900 so take this into consideration. You'll either trust my commentary for face value, or you won't, it is entirely up to you. Therefore all samples in this review are completed with APS-C DSLRS.
Build Quality and Looks
The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is built from plastics, but they are dense plastics of a higher grade that almost have an aluminum feel to them. This is Tamrons "SP" (Super Performance) designated lens which suggests it is of higher quality in its lineup. Compared to say the 28-300mm Tamron, this is undoubtedly true. However, don't go expecting getting something for nothing either in this category. Plastic isn't metal no matter how good the plastic is.
I've always been impressed at the bargain-for-quality sweet spot that Tamron seems to prioritize of their products, and in this case the same falls true. Wobbling of the lens tube or play in the focus ring are near non-existent, two of my usual pet peeves as I like a "bargain" lens to at least operate as if it were a higher dollar unit. The Tamron indeed accomplishes this. The zoom mechanism is a single tube design and operates very smoothly. The rear lens mount is high grade aluminum mount (yes there are differences in the type of aluminum or steel in lens mounts) that should endure years of constant abuse.
The Tamron has a robust yet all business look to it, with an almost perfectly cylindrical design starting with the front element and working its way back to the mount. Its looks and size seem to suggest a matured quality product. Considering that there have been no less than three versions of this lens sold over the years (Konica Minolta, Tamron, Sony) and for many if not all of the popular mounts, it indeed has been a popular lens for Tamron.
Focusing Speed
The Tamron focuses very quickly with only three full screw turns from minimum to maximum focus points. It is only limited by the speed of the AF motor in the body of the camera you are using. Sony have updated the AF motor on every Alpha camera to the higher speed version since the A700 so you can expect a very quick focusing lens. Even used on the old krusty KM5D the focusing speed is quicker than most lenses I've used.
Handling
Expect a lens that gives you enough room to really get your hands on it and get into the photography process. This is indeed one of the better lenses I've used in this category let alone my favorite (top three of all time). The focusing ring operates very smoothly and is dampened by precise gearing. Tamron engineers have obviously paid special attention to this particular attribute and it shows, especially when micro focusing manually.
The zoom ring has a smooth throw though the focal range and only requires 1/4 of a full turn circle to go from end to end of the zoom range. This is important because it means you don't have to re-position your hand at any point during the zoom process.
Weight of the Tamron is pretty low considering the higher level of image quality and constant bright f/2.8 aperture. All day hand holding is quite possible with a minimum amount of fatigue or distress. Another great attribute of this lens.
Size I would best define as substantial, middle of the road as far as zoom lenses go, not too big, not too small but definitely substantial.
Overall handling with this lens is excellent and I can't find one real issue to report, a fine lens in this regard.
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Thanks for the review!
I've been keeping an eye on this lens for a while now and it's at the top of my wish list at the moment. I'm glad to hear that it's stellar on the APS-C bodies as that's what I'll be using it on. This will probably be my next purchase after upgrading bodies. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Nice review on the Tamron, Carl
Sounds like a nice lens if the focal lenght will work for you.
A little long for a walk around lens for me. I just wish I could get a 2.8 version of my CZ 16-80 (for less than US$1200) but am guessing that is a practical impossibility. Seems wide and tele are hard to mix with a big aperture.
Thanks Guys
:)
One note on the focal length Tom- After you see the results this lens provides, you begin to shrug off any of the missed wider angle shots for APS-C. Unless you really do most of your photography from ultra-wide to wide angle most of the time, you won't really miss it much. I think its a lens that compliments the photographer who has both full frame and aps-c bodies, or one that doesn't mind carrying an ultra wide along with this lens.
Just my thoughts though.
C
Longtime favorite!
I discovered this lens in the dyxum.com lens database when I made the leap to get a fast walkaround solution a few years back. Definitely a great value for hobbyists like me who can't afford 2-3x more money for just a little bit more performance! I've got a mostly Tamron kit ranging from 28 to 500mm. And as you mentioned in your comment, I'm probably going to get a wide prime for those situations that warrant it. I shoot longer most of the time ...
Thanks for the review!
Hello Carl, Thanks for the
Hello Carl,
Thanks for the review. Very interesting to see your results on this lens.
I have been wondering how it relates to the Tamron 17-50 F2.8. I now use the minolta 25-85 f3.5-4.5 on the A100 and I would love a tack sharp F2.8 lens for it.
The 24-85 does well, but I sometimes think it's just not fast enough. On the other end the focal range of the 28-75 seems ok on the tele end, but I am afraid its just not wide enough for me.
The 17-50 looks fine on the wide end, but 50mm......
Have you got any comment on the 17-70 f2.8-4 in relation to the above mentioned lenses??
Thanks and keep up the good work :)
Nice review
Looks like this would be an affordable walk around lens. I use a Tokina 28-80 right now and I find it covers most any situation I come upon. This one would be almost the same. It's a great focal length for portraits. This lens looks sharp and the macro is something I could use. My Tokina doesn't have macro. I had a Sigma 24-70 with macro and it became my lens I used the most. From what you said, I think this one would out perform the Sigma I had. I like this type of review instead of test targets and color wheels etc. When you use a lens in the field, you want to see a review of a lens in the field. Good job Carl!
agreed
An excellent review of this lens. I've gotten a used copy and couldn't be happier with the performance and features with a much lower price tag. The weight is well balanced on my A700 and it's a great all around lens. If I just needed one lens this would be it. I use to carry 28mm and 50mm primes, but this has eliminate the lens swapping. I wish it was a 24mm wide open, like you suggest. Thanks again for the review
Yes Carl it seems I am always on the wide end
One note on the focal length Tom- After you see the results this lens provides, you begin to shrug off any of the missed wider angle shots for APS-C. Unless you really do most of your photography from ultra-wide to wide angle most of the time, you won't really miss it much. I think its a lens that compliments the photographer who has both full frame and aps-c bodies, or one that doesn't mind carrying an ultra wide along with this lens.
Just my thoughts though - C .
I have a 200-500 & 70-200 Tamron - 70-300G and rarely use them. My 16-80 CZ is by far the most used (at the wide end) and the 11-18 Sony would be next if not counting 90 Tamron Macro which is a different type that would not be used for general photography.
On further reflection though maybe in combination with something wider this might actually be pretty good for me on a FF camera.
Tamron AF28-75mm f/2.8 - a great lens for this price
Dear Carl,
thanks a lot for your great review - I agree with all your comments you made in this article. I use this lens on the Alpha 700 and sometimes on the Alpha 850. On APS-C the Tamron 28-75 is absolutely recommendable and offers a great value for this price. With the limitations you mentioned this lens can also be an acceptable option for FF sensors - but on the Alpha 850 I mostly use the heavy weight Tamron 70-200 f 2.8 as this lens has no visible vignetting problems like the Tamron 28-75. Unfortunately I could not find a review on the Tamron 70-200 on your page and maybe you will have time in the future to review this lens as well.
Kind regards,
Randolf
Rebadged
The Sony weighs 565g compared to the Tamron at 510 so why would you say it's rebadged?
Because it is
Sony's version has a micro motor, Tamron's does not for the A-Mount. This alone accounts for the weight difference. Other than that, the Sony is a rebadged Tamron design that has been around for quite a few years.
C
Carl, only few words please
about Tam 28-75 versus CZ 16-80 at the similar focal range 28-75 for APS-C. 1 stop is not issue. Sharpness, ... are.
28-75mm
Hi everyone.. I'm looking for new lens for my A300 and I really like the review and comments of this lens. Just got some questions about this lens. Is the 28-75mm for APS-C or Full Frame? If for full frame, what is the equivalent of this in APS-C. Also when I check this lens on Amazon and B&H, it says that this lens is for cannon, I'm not sure if its the same lens or not but here is the link in B&H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284399-REG/Tamron_AF09C700_28_75mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html
Can you help me figured this out?
Thanks...
It would be 42-112mm
It would be 42-112mm equivalent in APSC... this lens was designed for Full Frame.
So is the Tamron as sharp as the CZ 16-80?
I'm up in the air with this lens. I'm either going to get the Tamron, Sony or the CZ 16-80, I shoot with an a560. It seems though that getting the Sony 28-75 isn't worth twice as much as the Tamron. The question is is the CZ 16-80?