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Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD Lens - $218 shipped for Canon/Nikon, $238 Pentax/Sony

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Spotted on Whirlpool. This lens is excellent value at its regular price and an absolute steal for under $250. Regular price and cheapest elsewhere is $100 more.

DWI offers free shipping but I believe there is a surcharge for Paypal payments.

Review: http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/637-t…

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DWI Digital Cameras (Digital World International)
DWI Digital Cameras (Digital World International)

closed Comments

  • +1

    Shipping $0 too.

    Anyone know if this is the NII with built-in AF motor?

    • "The current version (marketed as "NII" model) features an integrated DC motor that makes the lens compatible with all current Nikon DSLRs, including the motorless entry-level cameras."

      • with all current Nikon DSLRs

        is D90 included in this list?

        • This lens has an inbuilt autofocus motor.

          It WILL autofocus with the D90.

    • +1

      Doesn't appear to have the focus motor for Nikon.

      • From tamron page http://www.tamron.com/en/photolens/di_II_hi_speed/

        A unique optical design makes this high-speed standard zoom lens remarkably compact.
        SP 17-50mm F/2.8
        Model A16
        F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF]
        Product Information
        For Nikon(built-in AF motor)
        For Canon
        For Sony
        For Pentax

        • Doesn't that quote mean that its only for Nikon with built in AF motor? Nikon reviews for this lens say it doesn't have the motor and the dwi page lists it as an AF-D mount, which is screw focus.

          "The lens has no internal AF motor and relies on a slotted drive screw operated by the camera. However, due to a very short focus path (about 45 degrees) the the AF is very fast. AF accuracy wasn't overly impressive on the D200. "

          http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/290-tamron-af-17-50mm-f28-sp…

      • The original version had no autofocus motor. So unless they are flogging off stock from 2008, it is the a16n2, which has the micro motor for autofocus.

        Press Release, January 28, 2008:

        Tamron Announces the Launch of Digitally Integrated Telephoto Macro Zoom,
        SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] (Model A16NII)
        with Built-In Motor for Nikon Lightweight, Compact, Fast 2.8 Standard Zoom Lens Designed
        for Exclusive Use with Digital SLR Cameras (APS-C Size)

        http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2008/0128_a16n2.html

        • +1

          Thank you! I was getting super worried I brought a mistake.

  • +2

    Wow, I paid a lot more than this second hand for mine :(

    Great lens - my go-to.

    • Likewise. Nice bright all rounder, stays on my camera 90% of the time.

  • This is a very good all-rounder lens at a great price!

    I bought this exact same lens 4 years ago. 2nd hand one for $450!!

  • how is this up against canons 18-55 IS kit lens? much of an upgrade?

    • +2

      huge up from the stock lens.

    • I have both Canons stock 18-55 IS lens… it's crap compare to this Tamron one. This Tamron produce sharper images and better at low lighting.

  • wow damn, i bought it for 450ish end of last year. this is hell cheap, great lens

  • +3

    Unbelievable price for this lens, an absolute bargain….had to sell it when I upgraded to a 1D MkIII body, thank God it wasn't so cheap when I sold mine late last year! And yes, MASSIVE upgrade from stock lens, absolute worth it, especially at this price..

    EDIT - For those of you who don't know, this is the NON-VC version, ie it does not have any image stabilization. But honestly, it is a moot point, and at this focal length, not really necessary…the constant f2.8 aperture more than makes up with the increased shutter speed, and the sharpness and IQ you get from this lens is seriously good…some reviewers actually prefer the non-VC version to the newer VC version…

    • Hi there, I am relatively new at photography.

      after watching the Steven Riley's DVD, my images has improved.
      1. Is it compatible and would the AF work well on my EOS 1000D?
      2. Would this give me much better clarity and tone than my stock lenses on people? Or I should upgrade to a new SLR?

      much appreciated!!!

        1. Yes, and yes.
        2. IMO, yes it will…there are limitations with 1000D, but this will definitely be better in every way than your kit lens…

        Be wary that the price appears to have increased, so if you haven't already ordered it, it's back to $306..

        • Thanks for the reply, appreciated 2X.
          It seems that I missed it, so
          /cry

  • Does any one think that the Tamron VC lenses are worth the extra money?

    Also is it better to get this one?
    http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProd…

    • Personally, I don't reckon so, especially since the VC version being more than double the price ($445 at DWI itself) of this…I reckon that whilst having VC helps, it isn't absolutely necessary, especially at this focal length…

      • what about the other lens i linked there? i know th F/3.6-6.3 is not as good but is it worth it? compared to this lens?

        Tamron AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical

        • f2.8

        • +1

          If you're looking at pure image quality, the 17-50mm smokes the 18-200mm, by a considerable margin…yes, you don't get the flexibility of a superzoom like 18-200mm (which in itself isn't that great as a superzoom, you'll be better off with Tamron's other offering, the 18-270mm, or Sigma's 18-250mm), but you more than make up for it in image quality, sharpness, colour rendition etc..

          Just something else for you to consider, the AF is a bit noisy…takes some getting used to initially, that's all…

        • I would also like to hear the answer to dy4me's question. I've been eying of the 18-200mm as a good allrounder lens for lots of video and shooting pictures in Vanuatu. It will be the first lens I purchase.

          edit Thanks Quiexo. So as an all rounder for my purposes, will the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD Lens be better suited than the 18-200mm?

        • It does depend on what focal length you enjoy more, z00m. I'm going to assume that you have a body with a crop sensor of some description, of which I believe that the 17-50mm is extremely useful as a walk-around lens…but that's just my personal preference, I prefer the wider focal lengths…

          However, if you're still after a superzoom, like I've mentioned previously, Tamron's 18-270mm or Sigma's 18-250mm, albeit at a slightly higher price range. Whilst it is useful if you want the flexibility of a one-size-fits-all lens, especially when you're traveling, there are some sacrifices that has to be made in the image quality department in order to pack such as big range of focal length into one lens…

  • Is the Sony version good? I want to take indoor pictures without flash.

    Edit: Bought it. It can't be any worse than my kit lens.

    • I have used both this lens and the Sigma 18-50 F2.8 DC EX D and I would say in my humble opinion this lens is a little bit better. and at this price, I'm really trying hard to resist it. :(

  • Does Brisbane area requires dry box/dehumidifier to counter fungus growth on lens?

  • Wow, cheap. Might buy it as a backup for my 24-70.

  • Is it important to get the shipping insurance with the standard courier?

  • How does this compare to Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro ?

    • Roughly same order of magnitude quality but misses stabilisation. Stabilisation not crucial at this focal range but good for video. But the main thing:

      One third the cost! This is kit lens price range!

  • +2

    hello sorry but im a newby!
    can anyone please tell me is this much different to the standard 18mm to 55mm that comes with the nikon?

    • +2

      wider aperture and generally sharper

    • +1

      Well kit lens are the cheapest of all lens hence usually not as well built however that isn't to much of a issue I believe. The difference between the kit and this one is the image quality and the constant aperture. So with this lens, the image is far superior than the kit and also with the constant aperture you can shoot in lower light and have more depth of field however disadvantage of this lens there is no VR for canon or IS for canon. Im not going to say kit lens are bad however for basic photo taking as the IS can prove useful but the constant 2.8 and the price is just unbeatable.

  • Excellent price for an f2.8 zoom lens. I used to never think too much about having a wider aperture lens when I first started but it became more and more important as time went on. You pay a premium to get a fast/bright lens and I think this is amazing value. Definitely worth the upgrade from the standard kit lens any day. If you sell your existing kit lens, it won't cost you all that much to get this.

    If I was still shooting with DSLRs and only had the kit lens, I'd grab this in a heartbeat.

  • +1

    wow awesome thanks!
    i was just bidding on ebay for a second hand version and its over $240 already!!
    thank you!
    btw the official channel sells them with 6 years warranty, this one only comes with 1? is there anyway to claim the 6 year warranty?

    • you can always email the manufacturer!

      • this was what i was referring to:
        By purchasing Tamron products from an authorized dealer, you can ensure the quality of the product, which will be also covered by Tamron USA's Six-Year Limited Warranty, the only warranty accepted by Tamron USA, Inc. in the USA as of October 1, 2007. In addition, only Tamron products purchased from Amazon.com or another authorized Tamron dealer qualify for Tamron's mail-in rebate program. To see a full list of authorized dealers visit the Tamron website at http://www.tamron-usa.com/dealers.php.

        • I believe that the 6 years only apply in the US. In Australia, even in a retail store I think its only 1-2 years

  • thanks guys

  • just notice this in the review "The AF is quite fast (thanks to a rather short focus path), but the motor generates some noticeable amount of noise. "

    is it really that noisey? i would like to do video recording at some stage, my kit lens is damn noisey when focusing

    • It's definitely noticeably noisy…you will notice it if you're focusing it in the middle of your video shoot..

  • is this for canon or nikon?

    • Select your mount option :)

  • Grabbed one for my 550D, although it wont have the same sort of range, should compare well next to my 18-135mm Kit lense. Looking at using this for some gigs though, anyone have any experience using it in lower lighting conditions?

    • +1

      In lower lighting condition this F2.8 lens performs quite well. You wont have trouble.

  • Anyone know what mount on Canon this is? EF or EF-S

    Edit: It's a canon ef-s mount :(

  • +2

    :)

    • really! awesome! that reassures me for making the buy.

  • +1

    Superb lens, one of Tamron's sharpest lens along with 28-75mm f/2.8

  • +1

    At VLaddo - It is theoretically an EF mount, but it is designed for bodies with crop sensors eg 550D, 600D, 60D 7D etc…so whilst you can mount it on a FF body like a 5D, if you do so, there will be a noticeable vignette in the wider end of the lens…

    • Yeah.. I already have a sigma 12-24 but its f5.6.. wouldn't have minded a 2.8.. oh well.. thems the breaks for buying FF lol

      • HAha, yeah, thems the breaks..:) since you already have the 12-24mm, why not get Tamron's 28-75mm if you're after a cheap f2.8 zoom lens which works on a FF body? It's a bit soft around the edges, but it works quite well on a FF body…

        • Well I've already got Sigma 12-24/5.6, 24-105/4, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2, 70-200/4, 400/5.6.. I was just after some low light glass ..

        • OH, I see…well, given your lens lineup, looks like you should be looking at fast primes…maybe a 35L?? :) Not cheap though, haha…been lusting for that lens for ages…

  • +2

    Gave in into temptation and ordered one. :(

  • How is purchasing from DWI these days? theres alot of negative talk on whirlpool about CC fraud etc… anyone got any ideas? looking at spending a bit more money through them, but dont want to if it means loss of my CC!!

    • I just bought the Sony a77 body and Sigma 70 - 200 f2.8 3 weeks ago. It arrived in 4 days (not including the weekend) and cleared customs thanks to the 'fake invoices' valuing each piece at $930 from two different camera shops hehe

      The packaging was excellent and everything that I asked for was included - filters, lens cleaners, warranty etc…

      The Sigma lens needs a firmware update - it wont auto-focus on the a77.
      Thats a known issue, and it isnt DWI's fault - but it will be interesting to see if CR Kennedy wants to know where I bought it when I take it in on Monday…

      edit: And since I have a Sony body, I don't care about image stabiliser lenses. Because Sony owns!

  • Is it just me or did the price just go up to $306??!!

    • It just did. Lucky I got my order in just before it closed!

      • shoot just missed it :(

        • I have emailed them and asked them if they will still honour the price.
          Maybe they orderd too many and had to clear some…
          Fingers crossed!

    • wow thank goodness I ordered mine like 10 minutes ago.

  • :( Missed out.

  • GOD DAMMIT. just got back from picking up relatives at the airport and miss out. Karma doesn't exist kids…

    • looks like it does! they are not honoring the sale!

  • Well! That teaches me to read the reviews… After figuring out that it indeed IS a good lens, went to order it. And what do you know: "Price: $306.00 AUD"…

    • I'm a little concerned that they may not honour the price, I placed my order at 9.00am this morning but my Order still shows "In Process" whereas the 2 other orders I placed for a camera and different lens yesterday where shipped by 5.00pm local

      • Me too! I got an error screen upon payment, but got the emails regardless.

    • DoublePost

  • damn, i really couldn't afford this, and very guiltily bought it (i was sitting here procrastinating), and come back and refresh and it seems i only just made it.

  • haha.. i added the lens about 30 mins ago but got distracted.. it's gone up to $306 but the basket price is still listed at $218.. shame I can't use it :(

  • I guess i really should be asking is if this was in error, are any of us even going to get the lens at all?

    • We hope so.

      And they better not send an email telling those who use Direct Deposit to deposit extra funds for the 'new' price.

  • -1

    Price has gone up now :(

  • Yay. I just snatched one at last minute.
    Spent almost 30 min on the payment page but price was still listed as 222.18

  • +1

    I really hope they honor the price!

  • Vladdo any chance you still have this in your basket?

    • sorry, its gone now :(

  • so annoyed i missed out on this… oh well the nifty fifty will do for now

  • How much did u guys buy for? The price shown up as 306$ now

    • +2

      Price stated in title.

      You're a rep? 0.o

  • Wow Canon and Nikon are really going to have to lift their game . I have this lens and it's great . Makes my Canon branded lenses look very very overpriced . Absolute bargain at $218 .

  • Dammit missed out :(

    If anyone who bought it and want to sell it I'll glad to buy it off them.

    Pick up in Brisbane area!

    • nikon? if it doesnt work well with my D5100 I'll take you up on this. it will include a $30 UV filter (Kenko 67mm PRO1D UV Filters)

      • Unfortunately I have a Canon 60D :(

        Was saving up for an Canon L lens but a Tamron lens would do as a better replacement for the crappy stock 18-55mm canon lens I have.

  • How does the iq on this lense compare to say the canon 24-70 f2.8?

  • -3

    very good deal. paid mine around 350 mark. It is very good lens but range is rather limiting.

    for indoor shooting nothing beats good f1.4 prime lenses

    • +4

      17-50 is "rather limiting"? lol, time to sleep…

  • +1

    So any word on if they're honoring this price?

    • "in process" too…

      strange thing is…Paypal says the funds gone through in Paypal account details. But bank account has no funds deducted yet.

      • Mine's also "in process" but the funds have gone through Paypal and have also hit my credit card.

  • still "in process" :(

  • to the D5100 and D3100 owners,

    this lens DOES NOT have a auto focus motor in the lens..

    I contacted DWI and they confirmed this also refunding my purchase.

    • -1

      Are you saying that DWI are not honouring the $218 price?

  • if no honour i be mad

  • I ordered and I want it honoured!

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