PentaxForums.com - View Single Post - Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 v Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

zeek10d · 07-21-2008, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by Peter Zack

I think this excellent series can attest to the good quality of the Tamron. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Tough choices.

Maybe this missing shot will show the bokeh power of Tamron 17-50mm. Think I took this with ISO 1600.

IIRC DA* 16-50mm has QC issue with the sharpness. What put me off is the weight. Sigma 18-50mm is more contrast and a brighter lens. I choose Tamron for its sharpness, lightweight and lesser distortion at wide end. I would recommend Sigma if you are on budget as Amazon selling pentax mount for US$280.

Most f2.8 lens around this range seems to have a minor FF/BF issue, especially in lowlight. My copy of Tamron 17-50mm has minor FF which K20D AF adjustment helped to fixed. So I'm able to get f2.8 sharp AF^^

Edit: here's a mini comparison on Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 vs Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 I did a while back.
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3991378

07-21-2008, 11:55 PM	#7
zeek10d Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Gallery Photos: 0 Posts: 256	Originally Posted by Peter Zack I think this excellent series can attest to the good quality of the Tamron. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Tough choices. Maybe this missing shot will show the bokeh power of Tamron 17-50mm. Think I took this with ISO 1600. IIRC DA* 16-50mm has QC issue with the sharpness. What put me off is the weight. Sigma 18-50mm is more contrast and a brighter lens. I choose Tamron for its sharpness, lightweight and lesser distortion at wide end. I would recommend Sigma if you are on budget as Amazon selling pentax mount for US$280. Most f2.8 lens around this range seems to have a minor FF/BF issue, especially in lowlight. My copy of Tamron 17-50mm has minor FF which K20D AF adjustment helped to fixed. So I'm able to get f2.8 sharp AF^^ Edit: here's a mini comparison on Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 vs Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 I did a while back. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3991378