Questions about Tamron and new product intros

[funkag]

I've never paid much attention to new product

announcements/introductions until this year's PMA, largely because I

need a normal-range zoom for my Canon 20D. I am very interested in

the new Tamron 17-50 (I just don't trust Sigma & can barely afford

but don't really want to lug around the new Canon).

 

My problem is that I need the new lens by the first week of June

(after which it looks like I'm flying out for a summer program at

Hebrew U. in Jerusalem), and I'm not sure what to do about the

Tamron. I generally trust their quality (their 90 macro has ruined

me for all other lenses), but their 11-18 di ii has been rather

widely panned as an over-priced stinker. So here's the questions:

 

1. How is Tamron's track-record on delivering new products? If I

wait until the first reviews, will I face a hopeless back-order

situation? Adorama already has the lens listed, and I'm just

waiting for B&H to do the same, at which point I am very tempted to

get myself on the list.

 

2. How is Tamron's track record with early-run quality? Am I at

higher-than-normal risk of getting a stinker by buying in May?

 

I realize that I could solve the problem by buying a wide-zoom and

carrying that with my 50 1.8, but I really don't want to carry two

different lenses with two different filter sizes around with me.

 

Thanks for any help.

[alton]

Tamron says on its Web site, as you probably know, "spring 2006." Canon had early-run problems with its 24-105 so it can happen to anybody. I just wanted to say the Canon 17-85 has IS and isn't too much to lug around.

[mark u]

I'm sure this Tamron will prove very popular, and there will be user opinions and reviews available with days of the first lenses being available whichever country gets them first. That's the beauty of the internet - no waiting for a photo magazine to schedule a review. According to Adorama, they expect shipment in mid April, and they have priced it at $460 - a saving of $50 over the Canon 17-85, and $9 less than the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8.

 

http://www.adorama.com/TM1750EOS.html

[jojo_ma]

I'd be more excited about Tokina's 16-50f2.8. It'll at least have substantial build.

[vincent_j_m]

The tokina would have substantial build but they would probably have no money left over for the glass :P

The 28-80/2.8 ATX Pro I had was poor. It was tough and well built, but the optics were probably sourced from windshield mfgrs.

[jojo_ma]

Tokina's reputation is undoubtedly on the rise, and their recent 12-24 DX is evidence that they know how to put together solid build and excellent optics. They realize APS-C is here for a while, and their R&D is showing their commitment now with these new DX lenses. I don't think you have to worry about the optics of their upcoming line. If they can make a stellar UWA, they can certainly do it in a wide standard zoom. While I opted for the Sigma 10-20 EX as my UWA, I used the Tokie for a good while and it's a great lens in its own right.