Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] VC (Nikon) - Review / Test Report - Sample Shots & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Shots & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D7000 and RAW-converted via Capture One.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 24.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 31.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 17.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/2000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 24.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 35.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 24.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 28.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 32.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 31.0mm
Aperture: f/5.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 42.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 26.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 38.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D7000
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 22.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s

Verdict

The Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] VC is a very promising lens based on its specifications. However, it falls somewhat short of the high expectations especially when considering the excellent performance of its non-VC variant. The biggest weakness of the lens is the rather soft corner/border performance at large aperture settings. The quality increases when stopping down and it's certainly possible to achieve very high quality results. The level of distortions and vignetting is about average for a lens in this class. The good news is the unusually low degree of lateral CAs which increases the subjective quality perception at the image borders quite a bit. The quality of the bokeh is generally decent for a lens in this class.

The build quality of the lens is good although not professional grade ( as can be expected in this price range). The AF is very fast whereas the short focus path isn't exactly suitable for precise manual focusing. The primary new feature - the VC (vibration compensation) - works very well and its effectiveness is easily comparable to Nikon's native solution (VR).

However, when considering all aspects the Tamron 17-50/2.8 VC only makes sense if both speed and stabilization are required in a single lens. If VC is not high on your priority list, the still available non-VC variant gives better results at a lower price.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
   What does this mean ?

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