Interesting lens

[Talvan]

As many of you know I have been looking at f/2,8 portraite lenses. I have looked at the newer models(Nikon 28-70), older models(Nikon 35-70), and 3rd party models(Tokina 28-80). I also ran across another 3rd party lens that is interesting, Tamrons 28-105 f/2,8. Thought it warranted mentioning..

BTW, anybody ever used this lens? thoughts?

[mattchase]

I have the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 lens, thought about the 28-105 but didn't want to spend the money on it at the time. I have heard that the 28-105 is a good lens, but don't know anyone who actually owns one. But if the 28-75 that I have is any indication, then the 28-105 is probably a very good lens optically, but not very fast to focus or quiet.

I did a review of the 28-75 here,http://www.digitaldingus.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=74.

[JoePhoto]

Actually - I have used the Tamron 28-105mm f/2.8 lens and Matt nailed it! Optics are great, but it's not a speedy AF'er and it uses the in-camera AF motor (for Nikon.) I used it on the Fuji S2 pro. I have full rez images from it here:

http://www.pbase.com/joeh113/s2_pro

If they don't sell you on the lens, nothing will!

[Talvan]

Thnx for the link Joe. So, the lens was pretty sharp, but AF sucks. Is the AF worse than the 70-300G? That lens is slower than my E-10. It would seem that lens would be pretty good for a studio portraite lens.

[JoePhoto]

The Tamron is an f/2.8, so your camera will be more accurate with AF, but it's a BIG lens with allot of glass. The AF speed isn't horrible, but it's not exactly a marathon runner on the S2/D100/D70's cam900 AF system.

I've seen a few of these at weddings and used as portrait lenses which is where they fit best IMO. They were being used on D1x's which would make the AF speed less of an issue having a faster AF system in-body.

The lens is very sharp. The samples on Pbase I posted are at f/9 or f/11 - I'm too lazy to check the EXIF - and were done in JPG Fine. I considered the lens before I got my Nikkor 28-70 AFS. I would say that the Tamron is a nice substitute for the pro Nikkor and is half the cost. It's not built like the Nikkor, nor as optically strong wide open, but it's a steal for the price and f-stop.

It's a heavy polycarbonite body with a big lens hood and did I mention that it was BIG!?

Filter Size 82mm
Length 4.4"
Maximum Diameter 3.4"
Weight 1.93 lb


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 357&is=REG

[Talvan]

Thnx for your input Joe.

[Klyment]

Portrait lens for indoors or outdoors?

- K

[Talvan]

Indoors, I have kindo f scrapped that idea though. Joe has kind of convinced me the 18-70 is good enough. It is a really good lens for the price. Every once in awhile I still entertain thoughts about that lens, but I am probabley not going to buy it. I will tell you what I do need though, a replacement for the 70-300G for the upcomming airshow. I dont want to get to expensive though.