Canon vs Tamron

Hi Everyone,

I have a Canon XSi and would like to replace the two lenses that came in the package (18-55mm f 3.5-5.6 & 55-250mm f 4-5.6) they just don't work that well in low light. I always have to attach my flash onto my camera and my kids don't care too much for the flash. I did buy a Canon 50mm f 1.4 and absolutely love it, but sometimes in the house it can be hard to get far enough away to get the picture I want. I really wanted to upgrade to the L series, but don't have the cash. I've been doing some research on Tamron lenses and they seem like really good lenses and could probably give me the IQ I'm looking for without breaking the bank. I was just wondering if anyone would recommend Tamron lenses over Canon lenses? If so, which lenses would you recommend?

Thank you in advance!!!

~Monica

Tags: canon, lenses, replacement, tamron

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard Crowe on March 23, 2010 at 8:21am

Hi Monica,

Here are two shots - one outdoor and one indoor; done with the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser pro

Attachments:

Kaylee outdoors web.jpg, 95 KB
Kaylee web 0001.jpg, 66 KB

Permalink Reply by Alan Ang on March 25, 2010 at 6:46am

if you want to take shot at low light, either you have to up the ISO or purchase lens that have big aperture. In this case your 50 f1.4 is a very good choice. For lens that are have big aperture, they definitely cost more than the average one. If Canon lens are beyond your budget, you can go for sigma, tamron or tokina. they are generally a lot cheaper than Canon.

I am a Canon user and i have a tamron 17-35 f2.8 - f4 which is very much cheaper if i will to go for a canon 16-35 which is a L len. but of course there some difference in the quality of shot and this is where if you can accept the difference.

But a good shot will depend more on the photography skill rather than a set of glasses. A Proffessional photographer using a point and shoot cam wil be much better than a beginner using a 5D with L len.

Of course a good set of len may play a certain degree in helping the photographer to get a good shot.

Permalink Reply by Jim McConnell on April 26, 2010 at 11:30am

KEH camera has the Tamron 17-55mm f/2.8 XR Di II SP. They have them new and used, and the used ones are are in different grades, from "like new" to "bargain". They give you 2 weeks to return the lens, and they require no reason. I have been buying stuff from them a long time, never had a problem.

Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on June 17, 2010 at 11:40am

Yes, I would advise looking into Tamrons and Sigmas as cheaper alternatives. I own numerous Canon, Canon L, Sigma, and Tamron lenses, and I've done extensive personal comparisons between them. I will never, ever buy a Canon L lens again without comparing it to similar Tamrons, Sigmas, and Tokinas. I'm not saying there is no difference, but I've found it's rarely the difference the price tag might suggest. There are plenty of online lens rental services these days. You can try before you buy.

For instance comparing my $1300 Canon L 24-70 f/2.8 to my $350 Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 here is what I can see:

No difference in sharpness center to corners. I can't see any difference pixel peeping or in large prints (20"x30"+).

No difference in AF ability. People often claim there is, but I shoot 90% in low light bars (live music) and churches (weddings), and I find the performance pretty much the same.

The Tamron is 1/3rd stop faster at max aperture.

The Canon L flares much more easily (I always use lens hoods).

The Canon is bigger and heavier. I shoot for a living with the camera around my neck 8-10 hours a day. I consider heavy, bulky gear to be a disadvantage.

The Canon L has superior weather proofing. Doesn't matter to me because my 5DmkII doesn't.

The Canon L has more metal in the construction. I've owned both for years now, and both seem to hold up just fine. The Tamron's warranty is 6 years. The Canon's warranty is 1 year. What does that say about the manufacturer's confidence in their product?

Try out the cheaper gear. See what you think. I've used hundreds of lenses, and in my experience image quality issues are the fault of the gear operator 99% of the time.

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