Tamron 28-75/2.8 Need feedback

grishazzz · 08-12-2009, 08:07 AM

I am interested in this lens for stage shooting, 75mm is enough for me. Please provide any useful information/pictures/feedbacks about this lens. Thank you!

**dcmsox2004** · 08-12-2009, 08:15 AM

hi... i've been using this lens for quite some time now.... i'm lucky with my copy, no problems with back or front focus.... it's my constant companion with my k200d, and find the results quite satisfying, sharp, good color rendition... i've not used it much for 'inside' work, but at 2.8, and if not using a flash, your results should be okay, especially after taking proper wb corrections with the lighting type available.... you'll find other postings in the forum about those who shoot music and theater venues, inside, and without flash.....
here are 'our' reviews...PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - Macro SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD

GLXLR · 08-12-2009, 08:19 AM

I really think you should tell us what lenses you have currently. 28mm is pretty wide, about 43mm (Pentax has 1.53X crop). Of course if you can live without the wide angle, great things have been said about it. If not, maybe a DA* 16-50mm or Tamron/Sigma 17/18-50mm is in order.

**Ash** · 08-12-2009, 08:31 AM

This lens is a real winner.
Sharp, good colours and contrast - in general, great IQ and value for money.
It's my go to lens for some weddings and portraits.
Examples here:

User Photo Gallery - People

User Photo Gallery - Night Scene

grishazzz · 08-12-2009, 08:43 AM

Thank you guys!!!

Currently I have: 18-55 + 50-200 + FA50. I am not using wide angle 18mm at all (my kit is collecting dust

) I love my FA50/1.4, but sometimes 50mm (75mm on a cropped sensor) is too short for me! This Tammy will give me something like 116mm on a cropped sensor. I just want to check if F2.8 is really usable threw all focal length? Please show me you pictures at F2.8!

p.s.
I don't need wide-angle, in fact I like to shoot panoramic landscapes (using FA50), like this one:

full size 1Mb click here

jeffrey r · 08-12-2009, 08:50 AM

Based on that description, I think the Tamron 28-75 would be perfect for you. I bought mine as a replacement for the kit lens, and have been extremely happy with it.

Frankly, I find 28mm wide enough for me most of the time. I shoot my family first and foremost, and I find the range of my Tamron 28-75 more useful in general than the range of my Tamron 17-50. Though there is the argument of course (in favor of going with a wider lens) that you can't go wider in post-processing but you can crop a wider image, in practice I find the ability to zoom in to 75mm very helpful.

I don't really check for BF or FF to be honest, so I wouldn't know if my lens had it, but it is sharp, has great colors, and the 2.8 constant aperture is great to have.

grishazzz · 08-12-2009, 08:55 AM

jeffrey r

thank you for your info. this is exactly what I thought. I use "75mm and up" very often. I will cross my fingers (maybe I'll be lucky getting the perfect copy of this lens) and order this Tammy

skinja · 08-12-2009, 08:55 AM

The first copy I received was not so good but the second is stellar, it is close to being as sharp as my 31. I don't use it near as much as I would like due to the fact I usually shot wider or longer then it provides, but I wouldn't give it up. I wish my 16-50 was as sharp.

Buy it you won't regret it, just take the time to make sure you get a good copy and don't stop until you do.

Good luck on your decision.

John

grishazzz · 08-12-2009, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by skinja

The first copy I received was not so good but the second is stellar, it is close to being as sharp as my 31. I don't use it near as much as I would like due to the fact I usually shot wider or longer then it provides, but I wouldn't give it up. I wish my 16-50 was as sharp.

Buy it you won't regret it, just take the time to make sure you get a good copy and don't stop until you do.

Good luck on your decision.

John

thank you, Skinja.
I will order it from Amazon, so in case I'll get a bad copy I will exchange it right away!

creoleart · 08-12-2009, 09:15 AM

Hi guys! I was considering buying either the tamron 17-50 or the 28-75 but I was wondering how you can tell you have a bad copy? Is it the lack of the sharpness?

skinja · 08-12-2009, 09:32 AM

Just do some simple focus tests, I don't have the link right now but you can do a search on focus charts, print one up and follow the directions. I try not to fixate on charts and pixel peeping, but I will test a lens when it first arrives.

Igilligan · 08-12-2009, 09:32 AM

When you say stage... are you talking theatre or band? I find 2.8 near the limit in small clubs. And in dim light you risk motion blur
by not getting fast enough shutter. Are you in a situation where you must just use the stage lighting and no flash?

I love my 28-75 it is my workhorse for family shots and for club stuff... the 28-75 range is perfect for both things.
But 2.8 and a poorly lit stage is a tough combo...

Here are a couple indoor club shots... at 2.8

K100d ISO 3200 with Tammy 28-75 at 50mm

This is K100d ISO 1600 at 75mm f2.8

edl · 08-12-2009, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by grishazzz

Thank you guys!!!

...I just want to check if F2.8 is really usable threw all focal length? Please show me you pictures at F2.8!

Totally unusable! Just kidding. I think you'll like this lens. It works great on film SLR's too.

63mm, 1/15s f/2.8 ISO 800 k10d:

28mm, 1/40s f/2.8 ISO 800 k20d (shot through a glass storefront window):

creoleart · 08-12-2009, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by skinja

Just do some simple focus tests, I don't have the link right now but you can do a search on focus charts, print one up and follow the directions. I try not to fixate on charts and pixel peeping, but I will test a lens when it first arrives.

Thank you! I will do that if I decide to buy the lens!

Venturi · 08-12-2009, 11:15 AM

I'm literally just getting to know mine - it arrived UPS yesterday from B&H. So far all my initial shots look good so I've no worries on having a bad copy.

The following is just LBA psychosis being manifested...

My only "concern" now is whether to keep my 17-50/2.8 or not. I bought the 28-75 because I was always finding myself either needing more reach than the 17-50 or wider than the 50-135 and want/need an f/2.8 option to bridge that barrier. In the whopping 24hours I've had it, it is working perfectly to that end.

Now though, since I do also have the DA12-24 I'm wondering if I will even have use for the 17-50 anymore. I suppose I could always put the 28-75 on the PZ-1 and the 17-50 on the K20D and go do digital-vs-film shoots of identical scenes but that's a bit like, as Eddie Izzard would say, "stuffing money in my ears and going 'Phfffflllldddttt'."

And, if I sell the 17-50 then I can more easily justify the FA/DA*200 or a 645N/75mm combo to explore MF ...

08-12-2009, 08:07 AM	#1
grishazzz Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: LA Posts: 80	Tamron 28-75/2.8 Need feedback I am interested in this lens for stage shooting, 75mm is enough for me. Please provide any useful information/pictures/feedbacks about this lens. Thank you!

08-12-2009, 08:31 AM	#4
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	This lens is a real winner. Sharp, good colours and contrast - in general, great IQ and value for money. It's my go to lens for some weddings and portraits. Examples here: User Photo Gallery - People User Photo Gallery - Night Scene User Photo Gallery - Night Scene

08-12-2009, 08:43 AM	#5
grishazzz Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: LA Posts: 80 Original Poster	Thank you guys!!! Currently I have: 18-55 + 50-200 + FA50. I am not using wide angle 18mm at all (my kit is collecting dust) I love my FA50/1.4, but sometimes 50mm (75mm on a cropped sensor) is too short for me! This Tammy will give me something like 116mm on a cropped sensor. I just want to check if F2.8 is really usable threw all focal length? Please show me you pictures at F2.8! p.s. I don't need wide-angle, in fact I like to shoot panoramic landscapes (using FA50), like this one: full size 1Mb click here Last edited by grishazzz; 08-12-2009 at 08:51 AM.

08-12-2009, 09:32 AM	#12
Igilligan Guest	I am sure everyone is tired of these shots.... When you say stage... are you talking theatre or band? I find 2.8 near the limit in small clubs. And in dim light you risk motion blur by not getting fast enough shutter. Are you in a situation where you must just use the stage lighting and no flash? I love my 28-75 it is my workhorse for family shots and for club stuff... the 28-75 range is perfect for both things. But 2.8 and a poorly lit stage is a tough combo... Here are a couple indoor club shots... at 2.8 K100d ISO 3200 with Tammy 28-75 at 50mm This is K100d ISO 1600 at 75mm f2.8 Last edited by Igilligan; 08-12-2009 at 12:01 PM.

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08-12-2009, 08:15 AM	#2
dcmsox2004 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rhode island Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,522	hi... i've been using this lens for quite some time now.... i'm lucky with my copy, no problems with back or front focus.... it's my constant companion with my k200d, and find the results quite satisfying, sharp, good color rendition... i've not used it much for 'inside' work, but at 2.8, and if not using a flash, your results should be okay, especially after taking proper wb corrections with the lighting type available.... you'll find other postings in the forum about those who shoot music and theater venues, inside, and without flash..... here are 'our' reviews...PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - Macro SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD

08-12-2009, 08:19 AM	#3
GLXLR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sugar Land, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 684	I really think you should tell us what lenses you have currently. 28mm is pretty wide, about 43mm (Pentax has 1.53X crop). Of course if you can live without the wide angle, great things have been said about it. If not, maybe a DA* 16-50mm or Tamron/Sigma 17/18-50mm is in order.

08-12-2009, 08:50 AM	#6
jeffrey r Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 337	Based on that description, I think the Tamron 28-75 would be perfect for you. I bought mine as a replacement for the kit lens, and have been extremely happy with it. Frankly, I find 28mm wide enough for me most of the time. I shoot my family first and foremost, and I find the range of my Tamron 28-75 more useful in general than the range of my Tamron 17-50. Though there is the argument of course (in favor of going with a wider lens) that you can't go wider in post-processing but you can crop a wider image, in practice I find the ability to zoom in to 75mm very helpful. I don't really check for BF or FF to be honest, so I wouldn't know if my lens had it, but it is sharp, has great colors, and the 2.8 constant aperture is great to have.

08-12-2009, 08:55 AM	#7
grishazzz Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: LA Posts: 80 Original Poster	jeffrey r thank you for your info. this is exactly what I thought. I use "75mm and up" very often. I will cross my fingers (maybe I'll be lucky getting the perfect copy of this lens) and order this Tammy

08-12-2009, 08:55 AM	#8
skinja Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Denver, Co Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 968	The first copy I received was not so good but the second is stellar, it is close to being as sharp as my 31. I don't use it near as much as I would like due to the fact I usually shot wider or longer then it provides, but I wouldn't give it up. I wish my 16-50 was as sharp. Buy it you won't regret it, just take the time to make sure you get a good copy and don't stop until you do. Good luck on your decision. John

08-12-2009, 08:59 AM	#9
grishazzz Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: LA Posts: 80 Original Poster	Originally posted by skinja The first copy I received was not so good but the second is stellar, it is close to being as sharp as my 31. I don't use it near as much as I would like due to the fact I usually shot wider or longer then it provides, but I wouldn't give it up. I wish my 16-50 was as sharp. Buy it you won't regret it, just take the time to make sure you get a good copy and don't stop until you do. Good luck on your decision. John thank you, Skinja. I will order it from Amazon, so in case I'll get a bad copy I will exchange it right away!

08-12-2009, 09:15 AM	#10
creoleart Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Layton, UT Posts: 101	Hi guys! I was considering buying either the tamron 17-50 or the 28-75 but I was wondering how you can tell you have a bad copy? Is it the lack of the sharpness?

08-12-2009, 09:32 AM	#11
skinja Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Denver, Co Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 968	Just do some simple focus tests, I don't have the link right now but you can do a search on focus charts, print one up and follow the directions. I try not to fixate on charts and pixel peeping, but I will test a lens when it first arrives.

08-12-2009, 10:46 AM	#13
edl Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 457	Originally posted by grishazzz Thank you guys!!! ...I just want to check if F2.8 is really usable threw all focal length? Please show me you pictures at F2.8! Totally unusable! Just kidding. I think you'll like this lens. It works great on film SLR's too. 63mm, 1/15s f/2.8 ISO 800 k10d: 28mm, 1/40s f/2.8 ISO 800 k20d (shot through a glass storefront window):

08-12-2009, 11:10 AM	#14
creoleart Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Layton, UT Posts: 101	Originally posted by skinja Just do some simple focus tests, I don't have the link right now but you can do a search on focus charts, print one up and follow the directions. I try not to fixate on charts and pixel peeping, but I will test a lens when it first arrives. Thank you! I will do that if I decide to buy the lens!

08-12-2009, 11:15 AM	#15
Venturi Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,636	I'm literally just getting to know mine - it arrived UPS yesterday from B&H. So far all my initial shots look good so I've no worries on having a bad copy. The following is just LBA psychosis being manifested... My only "concern" now is whether to keep my 17-50/2.8 or not. I bought the 28-75 because I was always finding myself either needing more reach than the 17-50 or wider than the 50-135 and want/need an f/2.8 option to bridge that barrier. In the whopping 24hours I've had it, it is working perfectly to that end. Now though, since I do also have the DA12-24 I'm wondering if I will even have use for the 17-50 anymore. I suppose I could always put the 28-75 on the PZ-1 and the 17-50 on the K20D and go do digital-vs-film shoots of identical scenes but that's a bit like, as Eddie Izzard would say, "stuffing money in my ears and going 'Phfffflllldddttt'." And, if I sell the 17-50 then I can more easily justify the FA/DA*200 or a 645N/75mm combo to explore MF ...