17 - 50mm or 28 - 75mm???

[Snapac]

I am looking for all around lens to replace my kit lens (18-55mm). I have been busy shooting club photos, to save the money to buy a better lens. I now realize the importance of a quality low light lens, so the new lens needs to be F2.8 or better. I will be shooting portraits, some Architecture and eventually kids' soccer and softball portraits mixed with some actions shots.

I've been looking at Tamron 17-50mm and the Tamron 28-75mm, both are f2.8, but finding stores that sell the Pentax mount has been a challenge.

Can anybody suggest a store that doesn't sell gray-market lenses? And are these two good choices for my needs. How much better is the Tamron 17-50mm over my SMC 18-55mm kit lens?

[ken1953]

I can't really advise on the lenses, but I have used B&H, as have many of us on this site. Very reputable and they deal in American lenses as well as gray market. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ Here is the link toB&H. Hope it helps.

[klong]

in case you're still trying to decide:

Tamron 28-75mm: http://slrlensreview.com/content/view/276/53/
Tamron 17-50mm: http://slrlensreview.com/content/view/268/53/

[Snapac]

in case you're still trying to decide:

Tamron 28-75mm: http://slrlensreview.com/content/view/276/53/
Tamron 17-50mm: http://slrlensreview.com/content/view/268/53/

Klong,

Thanks for the links to the reviews, however I am still unsure. It seems the reviewer was not that impressed with either lense.(at least with the 17-50mm, where it got a poor rating on the Normalized raw MTF50 @ 24mm = f2.8 Border of 56 at 24") whatever that means???

I have a friend with a Canon XTi and the 17-50mm and loves it and the photos that he has sent me are quite impressive, but I am still unsure, if I should buy the 28-75mm and keep my 18-55mm (kit) or put my 18-55mm on Ebay and buy the 17-50mm.

I was thinking unless there is a huge difference in IQ;I would keep my kit lenses and buy the 28-75mm for range. I have taken some decent portraits with my kit lenses with the exception of low light situations, like night club photos, etc. So I'm wondering if there's major improvement in quality of 17-50mm over the kit.

Thank for everyone's input.

[jgredline]

I own the Tamron 28-75 F/2.8 and it is a fine lens, one of the best for pentax...You may want to consider the FA 50MM F/1.4...It is an amazing low light fast focusing lens...As for B%H, I buy about 90% of my gear from them...(see profile for current list)

I can provide you with samples from anything on my list if you like...

[Shooter Tiff]

Have you thought about the new 16-50da* lens from pentax? This is the one I have on order. From what I read this is THE LENS for the k10d. I don't know the cost of the two you are looking for but I know B&H sells the pentax lens for $700. I have a friend who shoots with this lens and loves it. Super fast focus, silent motor and a great glass, all with a 2.8 aperture.

[jgredline]

Have you thought about the new 16-50da* lens from pentax? This is the one I have on order. From what I read this is THE LENS for the k10d. I don't know the cost of the two you are looking for but I know B&H sells the pentax lens for $700. I have a friend who shoots with this lens and loves it. Super fast focus, silent motor and a great glass, all with a 2.8 aperture.

I have this lens as well...I finally got a good copy after 2 bad ones...This is a great choice as well...I was going to mention it, but still for low light the F/1.4 might be better.

[Snapac]

I own the Tamron 28-75 F/2.8 and it is a fine lens, one of the best for pentax...You may want to consider the FA 50MM F/1.4...It is an amazing low light fast focusing lens...As for B%H, I buy about 90% of my gear from them...(see profile for current list)

I can provide you with samples from anything on my list if you like...

Great, that what I needed to hear. I have a few things on craigslist for sell to buy the 28-75mm and yeah the 50mm will be the next lens that I buy.

I would love to see some photos that you took with the 28-75mm

[jgredline]

Here are some pics...These are as they came out of the camera with the 28-75 F/2.8 Tammy....









And here is a 100% crop

[jgredline]

Here are a couple more...These where taken on a hiking trip a few weeks back.

[Snapac]

Great pics, the cropped pic is impressive BTW beautiful family.

[jgredline]

Thanks Snac,
The Tammy is a great lens...In the Pentax world, it is one of those must have lenses... Take a look also at the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8...A tad wider, and image quality on par with the tammy.

[Snapac]

Well, I've had my lens (Tamron 28-75mm) for a over a 10 days now and I am loving it. Check my gallery later today

[jgredline]

Snapac, Way to go and some nice Photographs you have there....I look forward to seeing more from you....

[MRRiley]

The Tamron 38-75mm f2.8 rocks! I bought it when I found myself switching lenses between the DA 16-45 and the DA 50-200 constantly in the studio. Since the EXIFs said 90% of the shots were taken between 35mm and 65mm the 28-75 was the perfect fit.

Lots of samples in my Black Valentine Shoot gallery on photo.net. (all but the large group shot were done with the 28-75mm Tamron).

just an FYI. some of those shots are a tad racy... open with care...

[jgredline]

MR Riley,
Yes, that tammy rocks...and GREAT to see another pentaxian !

[ken1953]

Welcome MRRiley. I look forward to checking out your site, and please feel free to post your pics here. We always love to see great photos!!!
Ken

[Snapac]

here's two more

[jgredline]

Snapac
Thats money!!!! Love the pool table shot and I love this last one as well...

[Snapac]

thanks, I had fun doing the clone, gonna try something more exciting maybe with me son.

[spiraleyes]

Great shots, Snapac! I love both the pool table and the picnic table.

[ken1953]

Very creative Snapac. I love them both.

[Snapac]

thanks Spiraleyes and Ken