Outperforms similarly priced lenses, but quality control could be an issue

Fast f/2.8 constant-aperture; Good sharpness

No full-time manual override

A fast aperture standard zoom with Vibration Compensation for Nikon or Canon APS-C sensor digital SLR cameras.

Excellent resolution in the centre at most apertures and focal lengths; Vibration Compensation is very effective; Good value for money

Falloff in resolution at 50mm and f/2.8; Flare control

This high-speed digital only ultrawide ($650, street) upgrades Tamron's nonstabilized 17–50mm f/2.8 ($460, street). Like the earlier lens (which remains in the lineup), this version uses an Extra Refractive (XR) element, two elements of low dispersion, and three of compound aspheric glass-adding up...

The Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XS is a great lens with stunning image quality and a fixed aperture at 2.8. The build quality is very decent, but the lens isn't very light. 2.8 is a large aperture, it is fixed throughout the range, which is great for handheld photos and low light situations.

A full Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens review is planned, but here is a quick lab-only review: Preliminary findings from lab-only testing have been somewhat disheartening however. You can see the image quality results in the ISO 12233 resolution chart link above.

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After using it for around 3 months, have to say it is not at all impressive. May be I hv a bad copy, but this lens consistently churns out average photos. Either go for Nikon (which is costlier but impressive output) or stick with cheaper Nikon 18-55.

I bought this lens a few days ago. It seems good built, pictures are good quality and sharpness. I don`t like zoom ring, it`s little stiff (at least for me). When you turn on VC, you can really hear it. I have made abot 200 fotos; AF is working good.

good picture quality; good sharpness

zoom ring a bit stiff; you can hear VC

I have to say this is a very impressive lens for the price. It has allowed me to get some great shots of my toddler who never sits still. I can hand hold this at about 1/40th a second if I'm careful to stay still. Sharpness is great threw out the whole range.

VC Focus Speed Aperture

none

This lens offered me the best bang for the buck as I am starting to do Weddings and events. I need a fast lens for low light venues and this lens does a great job. I have it paired with a Canon 7D and it has given me some clean crisp shots.