After wrestling for what seemed like an eternity on which would be my first lens (after selling off my 70-300 Tamron), I settled on the Tamron XR Di LD 28-75mm F/2.8. For people that do not need wide as much as they need moderate telephoto, I believe this is a good lens.
Some early impressions:
Large zoom ring with a zoom lock button at 28mm, though judging by the firmness of the zoom I don't think I'll need it. Zoom action is generally snug but smooth.
Smaller focusing ring up front. Although the focusing action feels better than the kit lens, it's a bit "geary" in feeling. Ring action is otherwise smooth, though, and doesn't feel loose.
Autofocus in bright situations - Pretty darn fast, actually, and surprising. Several times I got "zoom, lock" action instead of the typical "hunt, adjust, lock" action I normally get from the kit. I have not tested AF-C.
Now some test pictures.
All pictures originally captured as DNG and exported to JPG in sRGB space. I 100% cropped both of the dragonfly pictures, and exposure compensated all but my daughter's image. No other post processing done (no contrast, brightness, sharpness, etc).
Nothing spectacular, but I like the lens so far!
(sorry I missed and didn't focus on his eyes!)
Just some vines
Using onboard flash, completely untouched.
Mini-fountain
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These examples are nothing to win a prize over, but I'm
very happy with the lens -- Sharp wide open, with pleasant slight blur at far edges at 28mm using "the wall test".
I was very hesitant, thinking it would be a bummer buying a lens in similar range to my 18-55 AL II, but now my fears are rested. Very sharp lens that I get at f/2.8 that I can't get with f/8 with my kit! Lovely stuff. Thank you for reading and I hope this inspires LBA in everyone!~