Canon 17-55 f/2.8 or Canon 24-70 L f/2.8 to replace Tamron 17-50 f/2.8

dougeryb wrote:

dougeryb wrote:

The Tamron is an excellent lens.  The VC even makes it more compelling compared to the Canon 24-70IS ii.

Here is a test shot I just took and uploaded for this thread.  I'm not a flower photographer so please forgive the composition

Shot with a 7d

dougeryb,

Thanks for uploading the picture!  I can't comment on the composition either, but the color and sharpness in the foreground are very nice.

I will have to think about renting that lens and see how it compares to shots that I take with the rented Canon 24-70 that's scheduled to arrive today.

Thanks for the advice!

Jennifer

One caveat with the Tamron. Both of my Tamron lenses required MFA. 70-300: +8 and 24-70: +4. Of my 5 Canon lenses, only one required an MFA of -2, if I remember correctly. I shot with the 18-135 a couple of times a while back, and that one needed about +6. In my experience, Canon seems to have tighter calibration tolerances on their lenses. Since the 60d does not offer MFA, you should thoroughly test your lens when you get it, particularly Tamron. (IMHO)

Good luck!
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Gear: Anything to shoot with, be it a phone, a disposable camera, or my kids Nerf digi-cam.

So, since the 60D doesn't offer MFA, what would I do if the lens doesn't seem to be focusing the way I think it should?

Just be sure to thoroughly inspect and test your lens. Just like anything new, there's a honeymoon period, but do your best to run it through its paces with an objective mind. A lot of people shoot charts or brick walls at various focal lengths and aperatures to check sharpness and making sure its centered. They are both accurate and proven methods.

Personally, I just shoot how I typically do at various focal lengths, with IS hand held and without IS on a tripod and in various types of lighting. If, I have a hard time discerning focus, I'll shoot a newspaper on the wall and on the floor head on and at an angle, If the lens focus is not acceptable, you can either choose to exchange for a new one, or send it to Canon (canon lenses) for calibration. I believe they ask that you send both the camera and lens together. I haven't had to send lenses in to either company yet (knock on wood) so I am probably not the best resource for specific details.

Again, my Canon lenses have mostly been pretty good, but for some reason my Tamrons required some adjustment.

Buying from a reputable dealer like BH, Adorama, or even Best Buy, will make potential returns and or exchanges MUCH more trouble free.

Hope this helps a little, and doesn't make your head spin even more
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Gear: Anything to shoot with, be it a phone, a disposable camera, or my kids Nerf digi-cam.