Looks like we will have the pleasure to enjoy this lens soon.

TAMRON | News | Announcement of the launch date for three DiII lens series exclusively for APS-C size format and a Di lens series for both APS-C and film format

[jeff1101]

Holy !@#$!@$#@! Finally, Ive lusted for this lens for a long time. I was planning to purchase the Pentax DA 16-45 since I cant really afford the DA* 16-50. WIth this news I guess I'll just wait for this to be released.

[Peter Zack]

Me too, I'm very happy with my Tamron 28-75 f2.8 Di and don't want to take a chance on another Pentax DA* 16-50 right now. If this is similar to the 28-75 in IQ, then it'll be in the bag ASAP.

Why does all this great stuff come out around the same time? Anyone want to buy a Kidney? I have a spare I could do without for the right price or trade.

[Kguru]

May I ask why such excitement when the Sigma 18-50/2.8 has been available all along ... is it the extra 1mm wide or something else very special?

[Tbear]

That is very exciting, particularly if this lens does not share the QC issues with its cousin, the DA* 16-50mm.

I dont know about the rest of the people but I have been always concerned about the QC issues with the sigmas. Besides, it looks like the Tamron is extremely sharp center to corner even wide open at wide angle.

[Tbear]

May I ask why such excitement when the Sigma 18-50/2.8 has been available all along ... is it the extra 1mm wide or something else very special?

Check out the reviews of this lens on Photozone. I believe this lens (the Sigma) has awesome central resolution, but poor resolution on the edges.

[jeff1101]

May I ask why such excitement when the Sigma 18-50/2.8 has been available all along ... is it the extra 1mm wide or something else very special?

Read the difference in the review of the Sigma 18-50 F2.8 and the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 at Photozone.de (Both for the Nikon mount) The Tamron was rated the best center to corner sharpness wide open.

The Sigma 18-50 F2.8
Sigma AF 18-50mm f/2.8 DC EX macro - Review / Lab Test Report

The Tamron 17-50 F2.6
Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] (Nikon) - Test Report / Review

[TFTM]

Also to note that it is stated in the Photozone review that the Sigma has a slight centering issue which hurt the corner sharpness.

[Fl_Gulfer]

So we will have to send to Japan to get one? It says the release date is the 7th in Japan.

[gokenin]

OHHHH why do they keep doing this to me just when i resolve myself to getting the 12-24 they announce this. I know the ranges are diffrent but this will complement my 10-17, 28-75 lens better I think than the 12-24 would. Decisions decisions (there is always that stimulus package however NO FIGHT THE LBA )

[ollpal]

Nice, although the 70-200 2.8 looks more interesting.

[bigben91682]

Dang, I ordered the sigma the day before this was announced.... Oh well, I need it for an event prior to March 7th.

I'll have to take a good hard look once it's readily available in the states...

[heatherslightbox]

I'm glad it's going to be a while before I make another major lens purchase. For me, the question now is:

21 or Tammy 17-50?

Both are in the same general price range. In the range department, the Tammy is definitely more versatile than the 21, but then in the portability department, the 21 is way lighter than the Tammy.

If I had the money, I'd just assume buy both.

I'm still leaning towards the 21, but the presence of the 17-50 has definitely put a monkey wrench in things.

I really wish that Pentax would get the QC issues of the *16-50 worked out, as I'd love to have that lens to go with the K10 that I hope to be getting in the next month.

Sigh...
Heather

[AlexL]

Here's the official U.S. press release, announcing that it is available "now," whatever that means.