Tamron 28-75mm or DFA 24-70mm

**rajubhai55** · 10-29-2017, 07:14 AM

I finally took a plunge and bought K1 (used) and sold my K5IIs. Now I am thinking of buying a walk around zoom lens. I see that DFA 15-30 mm is very heavy/big and little wide for me. So I was thinking of Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 or DFA 24-70mm f2.8. From what I read in review, both lens are not sharp on edges. So in that sens Tamron 28-75 mm is great value and so I want to go for it. So my question is what advantages does DFA 24-70mm have over Tamron, to change my decision.

Thanks in advance

dave2k · 10-29-2017, 07:50 AM

I shoot primarily with the K-1 and I had both the 28-75 and 24-70 for quite a while. I thought that I would use the 28-75 when I wanted to travel with a little less weight and size. Well after about a year I had only used the 28-75 maybe once. I found the IQ from the 24-70 to be consistently superior than that of the 28-75. The disadvantages of the 24-70 are the cost, size, weight and filter size. However, the IQ combined with the build quality and the silent focusing always convinced me to take the 24-70 and I ended up selling the 28-75. The 28-75 is pretty good lens though and a relative bargain. However, if cost is not a constraint, I'd recommend the 24-70. Also, the FOV gain going from 28 to 24 is a big advantage for landscape shots. Good luck!

biz-engineer · 10-29-2017, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by rajubhai55

Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 or DFA 24-70mm f2.8. From what I read in review, both lens are not sharp on edges.

I had the Tamron 28-75 SP, it was good for the money then I shot side by side with both DFA 24-70, the DFA24-70 was clearly sharper corner to corner, I upgraded to the DFA24-70. The Tamron 28-75 has a 67mm filter thread, is smaller and lighter then the DFA24-70. The thing I like about the DFA24-70 is image quality, it feel well sized and balanced when used with the K1; although what I don't like for landscape is its 82mm front filter thread at the limit of vignetting problem for 100mm filter systems when at 24mm focal length.

**disasterfilm** · 10-29-2017, 10:58 AM

Throw the DFA 28-105 in your consideration too. It's appreciably close to the 24-70 in IQ stopped down a bit, smaller size/weight/filter dia, and significantly less expensive.

I'd pick the DFA 28-105 100/100 times over the Tamron.

biz-engineer · 10-29-2017, 11:03 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by rajubhai55

I see that DFA 15-30 mm is very heavy/big and little wide for me.

Agreed. While I like the images produced by the 15-30, I seldom use it, the K1 is rather small for a full frame DSLR and the 15-30 just doesn't pair well. Also, it is rather heavy but unlike tele lenses it doesn't have a tripod collar. IMO, it's better to select a smaller wide prime and zoom with our feet, something like Samyang 20mm f1.8 or Irix 15.

---------- Post added 29-10-17 at 19:06 ----------

Originally posted by disasterfilm

Throw the DFA 28-105 in your consideration too.

Definitely. The DFA28-105 is sharper than the Tamron 28-75 + the Tamron is not super sharp wide open, + DFA28-105 being supported for lens correction, also has fast a silent autofocus motor + extra 35mm can be useful for occasional portrait or else.

Winder · 10-29-2017, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by rajubhai55

I finally took a plunge and bought K1 (used) and sold my K5IIs. Now I am thinking of buying a walk around zoom lens. I see that DFA 15-30 mm is very heavy/big and little wide for me. So I was thinking of Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 or DFA 24-70mm f2.8. From what I read in review, both lens are not sharp on edges. So in that sens Tamron 28-75 mm is great value and so I want to go for it. So my question is what advantages does DFA 24-70mm have over Tamron, to change my decision.

Thanks in advance

Don't forget abut the 28-105mm. Great lens for the money and more range. Unless you just need the F/2.8 I would go for the Pentax 28-105mm over the Tamron. If you just need a walk around zoom the 28-105mm is very good, but its also good in a studio with strobes.

**Scorpio71GR** · 10-29-2017, 02:41 PM

I was in the same dilemma. I got a really good deal on a DFA 28-105. That lenses continues to impress me. Unless you absolutely need f2.8 I would go for the DFA 28-105. The high ISO capability of the K-1 is amazing

rawr · 10-29-2017, 03:36 PM - **1 Like**

As usual, lens choice is all about usage cases and budget. For a general walk-about lens (mostly outside and daylight) the 28-105 certainly has advantages over any 24-70 or 28-75. If you only need a wide f2.8 sometimes (eg indoor events, no flash), the Tamron 28-75 performs very well.

And on the subject of budget, you can buy both the Tamron and the 28-105 for the price of the 24-70.

**gaweidert** · 10-30-2017, 05:12 AM

I have both the the D FA 28-105 and the Rokinon 20mm f1.8 and I am pretty happy with both of them. Altogether I have about $825 into both lenses. The 28-105 is a great walk around lens.

**MSL** · 10-30-2017, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by rawr

As usual, lens choice is all about usage cases and budget. For a general walk-about lens (mostly outside and daylight) the 28-105 certainly has advantages over any 24-70 or 28-75. If you only need a wide f2.8 sometimes (eg indoor events, no flash), the Tamron 28-75 performs very well.

I concur with rawr (although I had to read his sentence a couple of times to be sure). Of the three lenses being discussed I've only used the Tamron on my K5. If you think of it more as an f4 lens it does fairly well. When you push to 2.8, especially indoors it can disappoint.

rawr · 10-30-2017, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by MSL

If you think of it more as an f4 lens it does fairly well.

True about the Tamron 28-75. But even just running it from f3.5 I see a real difference in IQ.

I've always believed Pentax should make a modern equivalent of the SMC A 35-105 f3.5, a lens that I love, or if not that, maybe a 24-105 f4 (like the Sigma A or the Canon L) as the kit lens for the K-1. The current 28-105 has a useful focal length range but gets a little too dark at the long end, while something like the 24-70 may be fast, but often ends up too short.

**clackers** · 10-30-2017, 05:44 PM

The 28-75 is a handy lens, Rajubhai, I've had one from APS-C days. But there's so much more glass in the 24-70, it's going to be much better corrected. It's up to you whether you're willing to pay and carry more as a result, that's true of all lenses.

**rajubhai55** · 10-30-2017, 06:28 PM

Thanks to all of you for enthusiastic response. It seems that 28-105 mm has better value for me right now. When I have enough funds, I would buy 24-70 mm (slightly better). Or if somebody wants to trade in their 24-70mm for 15-30mm which I have. Thanks again for the overwhelming response and information.

angerdan · 10-31-2017, 12:59 PM

Also D FA has QS, WR and in-camera lens correction.
Side by Side Comparison: Digital Photography Review

**mattb123** · 10-31-2017, 01:36 PM - **1 Like**

While I'm sure the 24-70 is superior, I love my 28-75 and get lots of use out of it including paid sessions.
For me it's good enough for now although I might get the 24-70 one day too.
For a constant 2.8 aperture zoom, it's amazingly small and I get great images with it. Hard to argue with that for the small price.

10-29-2017, 07:14 AM	#1
rajubhai55 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Photos: Albums Posts: 252	Tamron 28-75mm or DFA 24-70mm I finally took a plunge and bought K1 (used) and sold my K5IIs. Now I am thinking of buying a walk around zoom lens. I see that DFA 15-30 mm is very heavy/big and little wide for me. So I was thinking of Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 or DFA 24-70mm f2.8. From what I read in review, both lens are not sharp on edges. So in that sens Tamron 28-75 mm is great value and so I want to go for it. So my question is what advantages does DFA 24-70mm have over Tamron, to change my decision. Thanks in advance

10-29-2017, 11:03 AM - 2 Likes	#5
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by rajubhai55 I see that DFA 15-30 mm is very heavy/big and little wide for me. Agreed. While I like the images produced by the 15-30, I seldom use it, the K1 is rather small for a full frame DSLR and the 15-30 just doesn't pair well. Also, it is rather heavy but unlike tele lenses it doesn't have a tripod collar. IMO, it's better to select a smaller wide prime and zoom with our feet, something like Samyang 20mm f1.8 or Irix 15. ---------- Post added 29-10-17 at 19:06 ---------- Originally posted by disasterfilm Throw the DFA 28-105 in your consideration too. Definitely. The DFA28-105 is sharper than the Tamron 28-75 + the Tamron is not super sharp wide open, + DFA28-105 being supported for lens correction, also has fast a silent autofocus motor + extra 35mm can be useful for occasional portrait or else. Last edited by biz-engineer; 10-29-2017 at 11:08 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tamron 28-75mm vs Pentax DFA 24-70mm	DaveR	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	12-02-2016 09:47 AM
Pentax DFA 24-70mm or Sigma 24-70mm f2.8?	David L	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	03-31-2016 12:36 AM
Traveling 17-70mm vs 24-70mm vs 24-75mm	Madhatter_	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	07-28-2010 04:48 PM
Sigma 24-70mm, Sigma 28-70mm, or Tamron 28-75mm?	gkreth	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	05-23-2010 01:01 PM

10-29-2017, 07:50 AM	#2
dave2k Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 419	I shoot primarily with the K-1 and I had both the 28-75 and 24-70 for quite a while. I thought that I would use the 28-75 when I wanted to travel with a little less weight and size. Well after about a year I had only used the 28-75 maybe once. I found the IQ from the 24-70 to be consistently superior than that of the 28-75. The disadvantages of the 24-70 are the cost, size, weight and filter size. However, the IQ combined with the build quality and the silent focusing always convinced me to take the 24-70 and I ended up selling the 28-75. The 28-75 is pretty good lens though and a relative bargain. However, if cost is not a constraint, I'd recommend the 24-70. Also, the FOV gain going from 28 to 24 is a big advantage for landscape shots. Good luck!

10-29-2017, 10:58 AM	#3
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by rajubhai55 Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 or DFA 24-70mm f2.8. From what I read in review, both lens are not sharp on edges. I had the Tamron 28-75 SP, it was good for the money then I shot side by side with both DFA 24-70, the DFA24-70 was clearly sharper corner to corner, I upgraded to the DFA24-70. The Tamron 28-75 has a 67mm filter thread, is smaller and lighter then the DFA24-70. The thing I like about the DFA24-70 is image quality, it feel well sized and balanced when used with the K1; although what I don't like for landscape is its 82mm front filter thread at the limit of vignetting problem for 100mm filter systems when at 24mm focal length.

10-29-2017, 10:58 AM	#4
disasterfilm Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Texas Posts: 406	Throw the DFA 28-105 in your consideration too. It's appreciably close to the 24-70 in IQ stopped down a bit, smaller size/weight/filter dia, and significantly less expensive. I'd pick the DFA 28-105 100/100 times over the Tamron.

10-29-2017, 11:17 AM	#6
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by rajubhai55 I finally took a plunge and bought K1 (used) and sold my K5IIs. Now I am thinking of buying a walk around zoom lens. I see that DFA 15-30 mm is very heavy/big and little wide for me. So I was thinking of Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 or DFA 24-70mm f2.8. From what I read in review, both lens are not sharp on edges. So in that sens Tamron 28-75 mm is great value and so I want to go for it. So my question is what advantages does DFA 24-70mm have over Tamron, to change my decision. Thanks in advance Don't forget abut the 28-105mm. Great lens for the money and more range. Unless you just need the F/2.8 I would go for the Pentax 28-105mm over the Tamron. If you just need a walk around zoom the 28-105mm is very good, but its also good in a studio with strobes.

10-29-2017, 02:41 PM	#7
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,005	I was in the same dilemma. I got a really good deal on a DFA 28-105. That lenses continues to impress me. Unless you absolutely need f2.8 I would go for the DFA 28-105. The high ISO capability of the K-1 is amazing

10-29-2017, 03:36 PM - 1 Like	#8
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	As usual, lens choice is all about usage cases and budget. For a general walk-about lens (mostly outside and daylight) the 28-105 certainly has advantages over any 24-70 or 28-75. If you only need a wide f2.8 sometimes (eg indoor events, no flash), the Tamron 28-75 performs very well. And on the subject of budget, you can buy both the Tamron and the 28-105 for the price of the 24-70.

10-30-2017, 05:12 AM	#9
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	I have both the the D FA 28-105 and the Rokinon 20mm f1.8 and I am pretty happy with both of them. Altogether I have about $825 into both lenses. The 28-105 is a great walk around lens.

10-30-2017, 11:22 AM	#10
MSL Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Greater Toronto Area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,749	Originally posted by rawr As usual, lens choice is all about usage cases and budget. For a general walk-about lens (mostly outside and daylight) the 28-105 certainly has advantages over any 24-70 or 28-75. If you only need a wide f2.8 sometimes (eg indoor events, no flash), the Tamron 28-75 performs very well. I concur with rawr (although I had to read his sentence a couple of times to be sure). Of the three lenses being discussed I've only used the Tamron on my K5. If you think of it more as an f4 lens it does fairly well. When you push to 2.8, especially indoors it can disappoint.

10-30-2017, 05:12 PM	#11
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by MSL If you think of it more as an f4 lens it does fairly well. True about the Tamron 28-75. But even just running it from f3.5 I see a real difference in IQ. I've always believed Pentax should make a modern equivalent of the SMC A 35-105 f3.5, a lens that I love, or if not that, maybe a 24-105 f4 (like the Sigma A or the Canon L) as the kit lens for the K-1. The current 28-105 has a useful focal length range but gets a little too dark at the long end, while something like the 24-70 may be fast, but often ends up too short.

10-30-2017, 05:44 PM	#12
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	The 28-75 is a handy lens, Rajubhai, I've had one from APS-C days. But there's so much more glass in the 24-70, it's going to be much better corrected. It's up to you whether you're willing to pay and carry more as a result, that's true of all lenses.

10-30-2017, 06:28 PM	#13
rajubhai55 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Photos: Albums Posts: 252 Original Poster	Thanks to all of you for enthusiastic response. It seems that 28-105 mm has better value for me right now. When I have enough funds, I would buy 24-70 mm (slightly better). Or if somebody wants to trade in their 24-70mm for 15-30mm which I have. Thanks again for the overwhelming response and information.

10-31-2017, 12:59 PM	#14
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Also D FA has QS, WR and in-camera lens correction. Side by Side Comparison: Digital Photography Review

10-31-2017, 01:36 PM - 1 Like	#15
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	While I'm sure the 24-70 is superior, I love my 28-75 and get lots of use out of it including paid sessions. For me it's good enough for now although I might get the 24-70 one day too. For a constant 2.8 aperture zoom, it's amazingly small and I get great images with it. Hard to argue with that for the small price.