Canon & Nikon Digital SLR and Lens Reviews at The-Digital-Picture.com
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD IF Lens Review
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD IF Lens Review

A full Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens review is planned, but here is a quick lab-only review:
 
 
Based on the quality-for-the-price ratio of the non-VC Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens, I had very high hopes for the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens. Taking the good image quality of the non-VC 17-50 and adding vibration control to it sounded like a recipe for success to me. A recipe that should close the feature/benefits gap between it and the excellent Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens.

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens on Canon EOS 60D - Top View with Hood

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. Basically, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens is reasonably sharp in the center at its constant wide open aperture of f/2.8. Corners, however, are very soft wide open. All four corners are similarly soft throughout the focal length range with the exception of 35mm where the right side is slightly softer (shown in ISO 12233 results) than the left. The difference at 35mm is not very significant though.
 
As is usually the case with a lens that does not deliver excellent image quality with a wide open aperture, stopping down the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens results in a noticeable optical performance improvement. The wider half of the 17-50 VC looks much better at f/4 and the longer half prefers f/5.6.
 
The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens has strong barrel distortion at 17mm transitioning to slight barrel distortion at 24mm and to essentially no distortion at 35mm and 50mm. CA (Chromatic Aberration) is very well controlled with CA being evident primarily in the 17mm corners.
 
Between 1.5 and 2 stops of vignetting is visible in the corners. By f/4, vignetting is much improved with some corner darkening still visible at 17mm where is remains slightly visible even at f/8 where .9 stops of shading remain.
 

ModelWeightDimensions w/o HoodFilterYear 
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens16.8 oz(475g)3.3 x 3.8"(84 x 97mm)77mm2003
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens15.3 oz(434g)3.2 x 2.9"(81.7 x 74mm)67mm2006
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens20.1 oz(570g)3.1 x 3.7"(79.6 x 94.5mm)72mm2009
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens22.8 oz(645g)3.3 x 4.4"(83.5 x 110.6mm)77mm2006
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens16.8 oz(475g)3.1 x 3.6"(79 x 92mm)67mm2004
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens7.1 oz(200g)2.7 x 2.8"(68.5 x 70mm)58mm2007
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens16.1 oz(455g)3.0 x 4.0"(75.4 x 101mm)67mm2009
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens21 oz(595g)3.1 x 4.0"(78.6 x 102mm)72mm2008
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens33.5 oz(950g)3.3 x 4.9"(83 x 124mm)77mm2002
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens23.7 oz(670g)3.3 x 4.2"(83.5 x 107mm)77mm2005
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di Lens18 oz(510g)2.9 x 3.6"(73 x 92mm)67mm
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens10.2 oz(290g)2.9 x 2"(74 x 51mm)58mm1993
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens4.6 oz(130g)2.7 x 1.6"(68 x 41mm)52mm1990

 
Overall, the Tamron 17-50mm non-VC lens is sharper, has less vignetting, has a similar amount of CA and has less barrel distortion on the wide end but more pincushion distortion on the long end. The non-VC 17-50 is a bit smaller and lighter. Obviously the 17-50 VC has the 4-stop-rated (I didn't test this yet) stabilization advantage.
 
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens' AF is loud. AF speed is not bad, but the noise deceptively makes the focusing seem slow. VC is also loud.

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens Product Images

Review Lens:  MFD |    MFD |    w/ Hood:  MFD |    MFD |    Rotated        Compare >

 

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens Compared to Similar 17-50mm Lenses

Positioned above from left to right in their fully retracted positions are the following lenses:
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
 
The same lenses are shown below in their fully extended states with their lens hoods in place.

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens Compared to Similar 17-50mm Lenses with Hoods

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens on Camera Comparison

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens No Hood | Hood

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens No Hood | Hood

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens No Hood | Hood

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens No Hood | Hood

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens No Hood | Hood

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens No Hood | Hood
 

ModelMFDMM
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens11.0"(280mm).25x
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens10.6"(270mm).25x
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens11.4"(290mm).21x
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens13.8"(350mm).16x
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens11.8"(300mm).20x
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens9.8"(250mm).34x
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens17.7"(450mm).21x
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens17.7"(450mm).24x
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens15.0"(380mm).29x
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens17.7"(450mm).23x
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di Lens13.0"(330mm).26x
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens17.7"(450mm).15x
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens17.7"(450mm).15x

 
I will try to find time for a full Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens review.

 
 Buy the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens   Rent the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens  

My Recommended Shopping Resources  (Using these links to make any purchase supports this site)
Rent the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens  (Using these links for your rental supports this site)
More Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens Reviews & Information
 
Share |


 
Canon Logo * Canon EOS 1D X Digital SLR Review Buy
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III Digital SLR Review Buy
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Digital SLR Review Buy
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Review Buy
Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Review Buy
Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR Review Buy
Canon EOS Rebel T3i / 600D Digital SLR Review Buy
Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Digital SLR Review Buy
Canon EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D Digital SLR Review Buy
* Canon PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera Review Buy
more Canon Digital SLR Camera Reviews ...
 
Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM Fisheye Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
* Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens
Review

more Canon Zoom Lens Reviews ...
 
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens Review Buy
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens Review Buy
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 35mm f/2.0 Lens Review Buy
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro Lens Review Buy
Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens Review Buy
Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 With Soft Focus Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review Buy
* Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
* Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon Extender EF 1.4x III Review Buy
Canon Extender EF 2x III Review Buy
more Canon Lens Reviews ...
 
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens Buy
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Review Buy
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Review Buy
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Review Buy
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Review Buy
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens Review Buy
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens Review Buy
more Canon EF-S Lens Reviews ...
Sigma Logo Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review Buy
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens Review Buy
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens Review Buy
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Review Buy
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review Buy
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens Review Buy
Sigma 20mm F/1.8 EX DG Lens Review Buy
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens Review Buy
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review Buy
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review Buy
more Sigma Lens Reviews ...
 
 
Tamron Logo Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II Lens Review Buy
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens Review Buy
* Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens Review Buy
Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC Lens Review Buy
Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di Lens Review Buy
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di Macro Lens Review Buy
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC Lens Review Buy
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Lens Review Buy
more Tamron Lens Reviews ...
 
 
Tokina Logo Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX Lens Review Buy
 
 
Zeiss Logo Zeiss 18mm f/3.5 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review Buy
Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review Buy
Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review Buy
Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review Buy
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Lens Review Buy
Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar T* ZE Lens Review Buy
 
 
Nikon Logo  (standardized results only at this time)  
 
Samyang Logo Samyang Logo  
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash Review Buy
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash Review Buy
Canon Speedlite 320EX Flash Review Buy
Canon Speedlite 270EX II Flash Review Buy
more Flash & Lighting Accessory Reviews ...
 
Tripod, Monopod, Ballhead & Accessory Reviews
UV, Circular Polarizer & Other Filter Reviews
Camera & Lens Accessory Reviews
Lens & Sensor Cleaning Supplies Reviews
Camera Bag, Backpack & Lens Case Reviews
What I Use: Digital Cameras and Lenses
What I Use: Photography Accessories
 
* Text portion of this review is not complete
filter: Canon News only    Follow Canon_News on Twitter
filter: Nikon News only     Follow Nikon_News on Twitter
filter: Photography Deals only   
filter: Exclude Photography Deals   
 
Introduction - Canon lens choosing is confusing!
What Focal Length(s) Do You Need?
What Maximum Aperture Do You Need?
Canon General Purpose Lens Recommendations
Canon Portrait Lens Recommendations
Canon Wedding Lens Recommendations
Canon Outdoor Sports Lens Recommendations
Canon Indoor Sports Lens Recommendations
Canon Macro Lens Recommendations
Canon Wildlife Lens Recommendations
Canon Landscape Lens Recommendations
 
ISO 12233 Resolution Chart Sample Crop Comparison
Vignetting Test Results Comparison
Lens Flare Comparison
Lens Distortion Comparison
Lens Specifications and Measurements Comparison
Lens Product Image Comparison
 
Used Canon Cameras and Lenses
Where To Buy Used Canon Cameras and Lenses
Where To Buy Canon Cameras and Lenses
Field of View Crop Factor (Focal Length Multiplier)
Canon L Lens Series
USA vs. Gray Market/Imported Canon Lenses - the difference?
Zoom vs. Fixed Focal Length (Prime) Lenses
Canon Lens Date Codes - How old is that lens?
Canon Lens Vignetting (Light Fall-off)
Lens Hoods - Do I really need to use one?
Canon Lens Rebates
UV Filters - Should they be used?
 
Canon Digital SLR Camera Sample Pictures
Canon Zoom Lens Sample Pictures
Canon Lens Sample Pictures
Canon EF-S Lens Sample Pictures
Sigma Lens Sample Pictures
Tamron Lens Sample Pictures
Tokina Lens Sample Pictures
Zeiss Lens Sample Pictures
Flash & Lighting Accessory Sample Pictures
Filter Sample Pictures
Best of the Site Pictures
Sensor Cleaning
Watch the Background!
Exposure Basics
Digital Workflow - Using Canon Digital Photo Professional
Fireworks Photography Tips
Photography Equipment & Liability Insurance
Packing for a Landscape Photography Trip
Counterfeit Camera Accessories Warning
Camera & Lens Focus Calibration Testing
How To Use a Gray Card
Circular Polarizing Filters Can Make A Huge Difference
How to Remove a Stuck Lens Filter
Air Show Pictures & Photography Tips
More Photography Tips ...
 
Please support this site by using the links provided throughout the site to make your purchases
Support us by clicking here to start your B&H shopping experience!
Using this link to make your purchase supports this site
 
Using this link to make your purchase supports this site
Using this link to place your Canon order supports this site.
 
Using this link to place your ThinkTank Photo order supports this site. Should your order total more than $50.00, Think Tank Photo will send you a free gift with your order if this link is used
Canon Refurbished:
Canon Store (DSLRs)
Canon Store (Lenses & Flashes)
B&H Photo
Adorama
Lensbaby