|
Reviewed by
needa916
, Casual
Price Paid
$580.00
at Samy's
Photography Experience
2-5 years
, People
Summary
I got this lens to replace the 2-kit lenses, so I don't have to carry a bag. When I first bought it, the auto-focus did not seem to work. I called Tamron, and someone there suggested I should take the lens back and get a replacement. I did that at Samy's and this second lens focused just as well as the kit lens. Something was wrong with a batch perhaps, as I've heard other stories similar to mine on the interwebs.
This lens was great for the big family reunion we recently had. Living near LA, we also visit Disneyland and Universal Studios among other attractions, so this lens is very helpful as a do-it-all solution without having to carry multiple lenses.
It is not perfect by any means. I never zoom 100% to look at pixels, I only take pics to print small sizes or share with family. For that purpose this lens is fine. It is sharp enough if you don't pixel-peep. I use my 35mm 1.8 Nikon lens for my D60 75% of the time. The rest of the time, when I want to "pack light", I use this Tamron with an SB-400 and leave the camera bag at home.
Strengths
Good range, covers everything from the moon to big groups. Seems ruggedly built. Generally sharp, I haven't seen anything really bad yet.
Weaknesses
There is a stiff spot when zooming in and out, right in the middle of the range. First sample I bought didn't work properly. Lens creep exists, but there is a lock on it. Very slow, but expected for this range of lenses.
Customer Service
A human being picked up when I called Tamron, she was helpful.
|
4 of 5
4 of 5