Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD ASP IF Lens for Canon EF On M50

[Trivets12]

I’ve just seen a used copy of this lens at a very reasonable price and wonder if it would be significantly better than the kit lens on my M50?

has anyone used this?

Thanks

 

[nnowak]

I’ve just seen a used copy of this lens at a very reasonable price and wonder if it would be significantly better than the kit lens on my M50?

has anyone used this?

Thanks

I used this lens years ago on cameras like my M2 and 70D.

Physically, the lens is mostly plastic, but it is quite a bit smaller and lighter than the f/2.8 alternatives from Canon and Sigma. AF is probably the biggest weak point with this lens. The Tamron uses a loud and slow micrometer and the focus ring rotates during AF. The lens may a bit faster on newer bodies, but it is nothing like the newer Canon USM and STM lenses. It definitely is not a lens for sports or autofocused video.

Optically it is just OK. The bokeh from the Tamron is cleaner and smoother than the Canon or Sigma. Sharpness and contrast are not up to modern standards though. Everything is fairly even across the frame, but it lacks the bite of the alternatives. The Tamron would be better for portraits, but the Canon would be better for landscapes.

If the lens is cheap enough, it could still be worth buying as there are some nice aspects to the lens. However, it is not a universally perfect lens for all situations.

A side note on firmware.... My 17-50mm needed to go back to Tamron for an update to work with my 70D. Tamron lenses in general have required firmware updates whenever new M bodies are released. Given the age of this lens, I doubt Tamron is still supporting it with new firmware. Even if it is still currently supported, Tamron won't update the firmware if they believe it is a gray market lens. You will want to test this lens in person before buying, or make sure there is a good return policy.

 

[Trivets12]

Thank you for your very informative reply!

i’m just browsing around to see if I can get a better lens that will live on my M 50

 

[Feigerou]

I’ve just seen a used copy of this lens at a very reasonable price and wonder if it would be significantly better than the kit lens on my M50?

has anyone used this?

Thanks

I agree with just about everything nnowak said in his post. I used this lens for years on an older Rebel, and it was a huge step up from that 18-55mm kit lens - somewhat in terms of sharpness but especially with the constant f/2.8. AF was alright for me and while noisy it generally kept up with my kids alright. The aperture is the best aspect of this lens for sure.

I will say that mine worked fine with my M5 when I upgraded, so no firmware update needed for me. But I quickly stopped using it because it just seemed too big for an everyday carry on the smaller body, and the EF-M 22mm and 32mm lenses are just SOOO much sharper, brighter and smaller. Ended up selling mine off for nearly what I bought it for.

If the one you're looking at has any issues at all or is more than maybe $150, I'd steer clear. But if it's in good shape and under $150, then it's really about which is more important to you - small size of 15-45mm or constant f/2.8 aperture?

 

[beagle1]

Thank you for your very informative reply!

i’m just browsing around to see if I can get a better lens that will live on my M 50

the 17-50 2.8 might be better (f2.8) but it's a lot bigger and heavier

 

[Trivets12]

Thanks for all your replies.

i’m going to try my 17-40 f4 on the camera over the weekend and see if it feels unbalanced.
I may just stick with that, to be honest.

 

[R2D2]

I quickly stopped using it because it just seemed too big for an everyday carry on the smaller body, and the EF-M 22mm and 32mm lenses are just SOOO much sharper, brighter and smaller.

+1

I had tried the 17-50 f/2.8 Sigma version, and while it was an OK performer, I came to the same conclusion as you. The EF-M primes outperformed the big zoom(s) by a very wide margin, plus they were a lot more fun to shoot!

Usually just one or two primes would cover the particular shooting situation for me. I have the Samyang 8mm fishy, Sigma 16, Canon 22, 28, 32, (EF 40), Sigma 56, Laowa 65 Macro, and Canon (EF 85), just sold the Canon (EF 100L). I love seeing what can be accomplished with just a single (prime) lens or two on a shoot.

Other times, it’s certainly fun taking one of the teeny EF-M zooms along. I have a really good copy of the 15-45 and it’s a very useful lens, esp now when it can be paired with DxO’s Deep Prime noise reduction. I highly recommend that folks find a good copy of the little kit lens if at all possible.

If an f/2.8 zoom is still absolutely necessary, then IMHO going with a FF combo (with all of its particular advantages) is the best solution by far. To be paired with the M System (for everything else) of course. :-D

R2

 

[Feigerou]

just sold the Canon (EF 100L).

Whoa. Such an incredible lens, and I'm still trying to work up the courage to sell mine.

Can I ask what convinced you to sell your 100L?

 

[R2D2]

just sold the Canon (EF 100L).

Whoa. Such an incredible lens, and I'm still trying to work up the courage to sell mine.

Can I ask what convinced you to sell your 100L?

Actually this is the second one that I've owned and sold. The first one was when I hurt my back and couldn't (hand)hold the lens any more for macros. I was indeed very sorry to see it go. I sold my beloved (and heavy) MP-E65 Macro at that time too. OUCH!!

Now I should be taking delivery of the RF 100L 1.4x Macro this week (It finally shipped!). Just sold the 2nd EF 100L to fund it. I really want the extra "magnification," the increased image stabilization, and the (supposedly) improved autofocus on my R5.

For my M6ii, the Venus Laowa 65mm 2x Macro is absolutely outstanding, though completely manual. I'll take it out when I want something nice and light, and it isn't windy out.

R2