Ed V. , Nov 20, 2009; 10:19 a.m.
I'm looking for a midrange zoom for indoor sports. I already have the 70-200 f/2.8 L but find it to be a too long in
smaller gyms on my 40D. I like the range, price and quality of the Tamron but I'm concerned about focus speed and
accuracy. Anyone have experience with this lens for fast moving subjects?
I should also add that I currently use a 35 f/2 and 50 f/1.8 for closer subjects but using primes for things like
gymanstics where the athlete is moving around is frustrating. Also, since I do this non-professionally I'd like to stay
under $500.
Thanks.
Ryan Rittenhouse , Nov 20, 2009; 10:33 a.m.
Check out the review at: (link)
Bottow line of focusing:
"The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di Lens' AF is noisy and somewhat slow . More concerning is the 28-75's difficulty in locking focus in low light/low contrast situations. My Canon 17-40mm f/4 L USM Lens quickly focus-locked in situations where the Tamron only hunted. FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing is not on the 28-75's feature list. Since the focus ring turns during AF (definitely not my favorite feature), focus distances can be (and are) marked on the focus ring itself instead of in a window. The Tamron manual indicates that damage can be done to the lens if the focus ring is held while the lens is autofocusing. I frequently found myself supporting the lens (at least partly) by the focus ring in real use. Of great importance - AF accuracy has been very good. The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di Lens is an internal-focusing lens. The objective lens does not rotate with focusing or zooming and does not extend with focusing."
Tommy DiGiovanni , Nov 20, 2009; 11:54 a.m.
I used to own it and while its a very high quality lens auto focus speed is not its strong point. I don't think it's terrible but once I used an L I realized later how much it lacked. I would bet its about as good as your 35 or 50 1.8 in focus speed and for the money its a great buy.
M. P. , Nov 20, 2009; 01:38 p.m.
I am happy with my Tamron 28-75 F2.8. It is very sharp and focuses fine for everything I use it for. Most of my work is done with that lens.
Ed V. , Nov 20, 2009; 02:03 p.m.
Thanks for the responses so far. It seems like the lens is not a speed demon, but if it's on the same level as my two current primes it might just be worth the price of admission for me. I probably should have mentioned in the OP that I'm considering buying used to save some $$, so if anyone has any warnings about longevity, please let me know.
Tommy DiGiovanni , Nov 20, 2009; 04:15 p.m.
If you buy used just inspect it. I remember mine had a little zoom creep when held down but overall the build is pretty good, I would say on par with the Canon 28-135 or other mid level Canon Zooms.
Ed V. , Nov 20, 2009; 04:45 p.m.
Thanks Tommy. I was thinking of ordering it from KEH since the price is nice and they have a good reputation.
Prasad Apte , Nov 20, 2009; 05:03 p.m.
I don't have any experience with the lens but....
for 40D 28mm is not enough wide, If I'll be in your situation I will choose something more wider with f2.8 like tamron 17-50 2.5 or something like that.
It will cost around $500 without VC (tamron's IS) and $650 with VC. But this is only my choice, you yourself are the best guy who know what you need.
:)
prasad
Stephen O'Sullivan , Nov 20, 2009; 05:05 p.m.
I have another suggestion. The Sigma 50-150 2.8 is very sharp and has their version of USM, so it focuses quickly. I don't know whether or not 50 is wide enough for your needs, but it's a fine lens that I use with success.
Stephen O'Sullivan , Nov 20, 2009; 05:53 p.m.
roller coaster
