Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC lens review (with samples)

The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC is the cheapest, image stabilizaed, fast standard zoom lens on the market. On a playing field dominated by very high quality products, can this inexpensive offering still compete?
Find it here (Canon version) (Amazon affiliate link):
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All images and video shot by me on my Canon 60D.
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[@w4llst3r37]

this dude is literally carrying budget amateur photographers 8 years later. these are the best reviews ive seen for old lenses and i want them because they’re much much cheaper

[@dimitrijekrstic7567]

Yep. They might be less sophisticated, but with a bit of skill and knowledge they can capture amazing photos

[@martinwarestudio3305]

Dig your reviews helped me choose a few lenses recently, so thanks very much!

[@mistuhgee]

I use this for dance floor shots at weddings and it's awesome. Sharp images, great colour.

[@kazzakazza6377]

Very helpful review, thank you

[@jamestraceyfilms]

Not a fan of jazz music but your reviews are very, very good and have helped me pick the Sigma 17-50mm for my holiday snaps on my Nikon D7000! Cheers.

[@jemadriano1217]

This and the old Canon 600d is the perfect marriage because of the 3x zoom feature of the camera for macro and candid work

[@suoicsnocnu]

this was one of my favorite lenses i ever used

[@Passion613]

Hi Chris, what budget lens would you recommend for wide angle wedding photos?

[@MrAsif-ul9vi]

Hey Chris ... You told about the vignette problem of this lens. But in your samples ( outdoor) I can't notice vignette.. Do the problem only occurs in indoor?

[@TheForge10]

bugger not full frame but on my Nikon D750 you select DX and it shows a black rectangle on the sensor so you can frame the dx shot on the FX sensor. Used this method for my tokina DX 11-15 f2.8. Worked pretty well.

[@petarmaksimovic4048]

+TheForge10 Why would it be? There is 24-70 vc for FF. If it allowed 17mm on FF it would cost double more.

[@marknorris8615]

what an excelent review !@

[@houseofgeekdom]

Were you hand holding or shooting with a tripod in some of your "sharpness" comparisons? I only ask because I know that when tripod shooting, you are supposed to turn IS/VC/OS off on most lenses so as to not get a feedback loop caused by the lens detecting it's VC as shake. I've tested other lenses with the VC on and off and got drastically sharper images with VC turned off while shooting on a tripod. Thanks, just wondering if this lens had a completely fair test as I was taught to turn the VC off while tripod shooting.

[@shzammpatapon9865]

does anyone know what focal length does the lens have not vignette in fullframe

[@catacutantimothydavea.3727]

Can you give me recommendation for all rounder lense with in a budget lense range please. Thank You. Love your reviews very honest. Wishing you for more followers

[@alejandrocosme1]

I saw his review of the Sigma 17 - 50mm 2.8. I prefer the Sigma. Thanks again Christopher.

[@VuthaRos]

It'd be great if you could do a comparison between Canon EFS 17-55mm f2.8, Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 and this lens.

[@richardrardin9156]

The sig is the winner overall. For a multitude of reasons

[@AlungSion]

Hi Chris, I've watched you KZbin video about this Tamron17-50mm VC and non VC. It gave the different result with di autofocus motor. This Tamron with non VC is slighty better about the autofocus. Is that right? Or it's different cause also the different condition?

[@melissakellett3683]

Hi Chris, I'm loving your reviews. what lens would you prefer the sigma 17-55 2.8f or this tamaron VC

[@christopherfrost]

Take a look at my Fast Standard Zoom Lens Comparison video

[@5AM-9PM]

Hi, I know this might be one of the silliest question. But between the vc and non-vc versions, which one is better in term of IQ, sharpness and focus speed/consistency? Please note that I do not really need any kind of image stabilization. Now, I am looking for used fast normal zoom for my ancient Nikon D7000. I already have Nikon D500 and Nikon 17-55 f2.8 as a main equipment. I just need cheap, decent and somewhat expendable secondary equipment for risky situation. With smaller and lighter extendable design of the Tamron, it also save me some weight and less intimidate compared to huge and heavy Nikon. The stabilized Sigma 17-50 f2.8 seems a better choice, but NO. The zoom ring is opposite direction to Nikon lens.

[@s87343jim]

Get the none VC

[@reddboone122989]

Hi i love your reviews and i've been watching your videos for the past hour or so. Since you now have a 6d i was wondering if you can do a review of the Tamron 28-75 2.8 SP.. so and so.. it can be used for FF and APS-C sensors. There aren't a lot of reviews on it and i've been looking at it for quite some time. I hope you consider this. Thank you!

[@christopherfrost]

Hmm okay...I think I will!

[@Cata534]

Need help please! Is this better sharpness and image quality than Nikkor 16-85mm 3.5-5.6?

[@tarekhany4306]

hi chris would you please review the tamron 24 70 2.8 !!!

[@marcp.1752]

@Chris the Sigma 17-50/2.8 OS HSM does have rather soft, mushy Corners, and is barely useable

[@JeviG12]

Hey Chris, what about Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC. Hope you revew it in future ... and thanks for all the reviews. Great job ... I've watched them all .

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks! Not planning to do the 24-70 for a while, but it's definitely on my list

[@michaelrandazzo2380]

Hi, nice video!! I have a nikon d3300 and i use it only for photos. My question is: is the quality of this tamron better enough of my 18-105 kit lens, or i should buy the sigma 17-50? Thanks!! ;)

[@christopherfrost]

Get the Sigma (OS HSM version), it's a lot sharper

[@judahclark4047]

so helpful

[@DGFishRfine1]

One thing I can say as a positive... This thing is nigh-unkillable. Mine's survived multiple serious impacts, including a 30 second tumble down some stairs, which killed the D90 it was attached to. It took multiple hits on the front element, and only has one tiny scratch.

[@ForTheLoveOfGadgets]

You meant 90D

[@bobamarmstrong]

@@ForTheLoveOfGadgets nope 90D is for Canon. But Nikon had a D90

[@ForTheLoveOfGadgets]

@@bobamarmstrong Thanks for correcting. Cheers.

[@WaadAlsofyani]

Hi I want to buy a wide angle lens for video filming first and also for landscape photoes , which is the best for me Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC or Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 ?

[@christopherfrost]

Depends on whether you want an 11-16mm lens or 17-50mm. They're very different

[@johnpaulcabangis2379]

Planning of buying this for my Canon 700D .. I will mostly use it on portrait and event photography (low light) .. Would you recommend this for my needs?

[@christopherfrost]

+John Paul Cabangis If it's sharp enough for you, then yes. Take a look at my fast standard zoom lens comparison video.

[@femiolaifa791]

Can these be used for portrait?

[@specialized41]

Chris base on your exeriences what lens you recomend, Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 or Sigma 17-50mm 2.8? My camera is a Canon 7D. Thanks for your help!!

[@christopherfrost]

The Sigma

[@Ares56A]

Tamron 17-50 mm f2.8 non VC or Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 VC?

[@Mrdilakh1]

Hi Chris, Thanks for the video. I am thinking of buying this lens. But I have few concerns, I am currently using the last version of 18-55mm Nikkor kit lens on a D3300, I know how limited it is with the light. But when it comes to sharpness, you said the previous version Tamron 17-50 Di is sharper than this one. My point is: is this new lens with VC sharper enough to beat the kit lens? I mostly shoot still, but while traveling there are occasions where I would want to take some videos as well. Thanks a lot!

[@bojanbuck7874]

Khalid Assakour same here bro d3300 18-55 vr, now need some better lens.. Any recom.?Thanks!

[@randomguitarstuff2404]

Did u find a solution? After one year here I am facing the same problem

[@bobamarmstrong]

The AF-P 18-55 Nikon kit lens is much sharper than this garbage. In order to have a decent image with the Tamron, you have to stop down to F/4 or F/5.6. In this case, there is no need for a 2.8 lens. The Sigma 17-50 2.8 or the Nikon are better. But if changing lens doesn't bother you, I would recommand a prime lens, something like Nikon 35mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.8 (even the much cheaper Yongnuo) which will give you better image quality

[@MrViDEOGFX]

Hey Chris, Canon 600D, What would you say is better, Tokina 11-16mm Or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC Would appreciate your insight (:

[@christopherfrost]

They're completely different lenses so it depends what kind of photography you want to do

[@DNphotographer]

does this work with 80d

[@RangoIcyCresent]

Hi , there planning to buy the Tamron 17-50mm but the VC and the non VC does it make big difference for video work? (Bad in English sorry) Waiting for your reply! Thanks! :)

[@christopherfrost]

Anvil Kueh Yes, the VC version is better for video work

[@BeyCinema]

Would you recommend this lens or the Canon 17-55 f/2.8? I'm on a budget. Thanks! :D

[@christopherfrost]

I'd recommend the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM - check out my fast standard zoom lens comparison video

[@markgowans7938]

Christopher Frost Photography I was going to ask a similar question. So let me get this right are you saying you'd recommend the Sigma 17-50 instead of this lens?

[@christopherfrost]

Mark Gowans The f/2.8 OS version, yes. Check out my fast standard zoom lens comparison video

[@peterkent3918]

thanks, love these review videos. I heard the zoom ring on the VC was not as smooth as the non VC, did you find that to be ture? Also you mention the Focus ring on the VC felt stick, is that also true for the non VC? Thanks! Hope you do more reviews like these.

[@christopherfrost]

Gosh, to be honest I can't remember. Take a look at the reviews

[@kostasvan8280]

hello, i want to buy wide angle lens for video, wich is the best..tamron 17-50 stabilized or sigma 17-50 stabilized? thank you!!

[@mp7161]

He already answered in the review, Sigma 17-50 is better

[@karlv3913]

Yoo I need help!! What kind of converter do I need for this lens soo ican use it on my canon 6d mark 2 which is full frame ? Please help

[@asdlkjhfalskjdasda]

Apsc lenses won't work on full frame cameras

[@christopherfrost]

Actually they will - just with heavy vignetting

[@marcosviascon]

hello! very nice video ,Thanks! 17-50 Tamron stabilization is better than 17-50 sigma?

[@christopherfrost]

+Pulpiño Viascón They're quite similar although I thought the Tamron lens was a little smoother

[@christopherfrost]

Just a little bit better.

[@441greenleaf]

why this lens is not compatible with D610 ? =( .. any suggestions i need such lens, 2.8, and around 17-50 , for my d610

[@christopherfrost]

Eren Alkan I think the D610 is a full-frame (FX) camera so you need a full-frame lens. Try the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC USD.

[@petarmaksimovic4048]

+Eren Alkan How did you even get in possession of D610 without knowing elementary things about nikon's dslr systems?

[@bogdanhutu9406]

Nice video.

[@vntemosvisuals4641]

When it autofocuses in video mode does it make noise?

[@christopherfrost]

Yes, it will

[@lowrange1486]

I would go for sigma 17-50 but it's not available for canon full frame.

[@109eh]

Was is the best between Tamron and Sigma 17-50 mm? thanks

[@christopherfrost]

Sigma

[@jeromecabrera9127]

sigma for video work Chris?

[@christopherfrost]

Hmm, the Tamron might be very slightly better, although neither lens's focus system is ideal

[@TheCaramelGangster]

Is this lens compatible with the Nikon D5300? Cuz I heard a few of them (Sigma 17-50) have issues.

[@Kepino21]

I have also this lens, very bad lens, by f2,8 are the pictures not sharp, as I put f5,6 then we can start to talk about sharp pictures. I also set up the micro adjust by 17 mm and also by 50 mm. But sharpness of the lens was not getting better. (I am only hobby photograph)

[@truefilmproduction6077]

Can we Use this Lens In Full frame Cameras ??

[@christopherfrost]

Yes but there will be huge vignetting so no.

[@armandguanlao7973]

Hello, Perhaps you can help me. I am actually in a very difficult decision to be done with choosing upon the Nikon 50mm f/1.8g or the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 non-VC, this will be my second lens to my 18-55mm kitlens. Can you help me decide? I normally shoot people and takes some videos. It really is difficult for me. Thanks! :)

[@muhtarmuhammad]

17-50mm with 18-55mm in my perspective have slightly same purpose. Except if you want to sell the old one to buy one of this. The 50mm f1.8 is a good choice, its help you to shoot more dramatic photos rather than f2.8.

[@armandguanlao7973]

Hello, sorry for the late response here. Thank you :) I have been thinking and choosing between the Nikon 35 f1.8g and the Nikon 50 f1.8g. Both a great lenses. As of now, I can only purchase one. Being a prime, I am stuck with a single focal length. I am afraid that choosing one may make me compensate great for not choosing the other. Until I saw this kind of lens. I thought that it may be a good alternative to both as it covers both focal lengths at still in a fast aperture of 2.8. Though I believe 1.8 is still better. Between the 35mm and 50mm (both 1.8g) which do you think will suit me better? Thanks, Armand

[@scoobs47able]

guess what I purchased before I saw your video :(

[@flatearthreality8683]

non VC?

[@ColonelRuiz]

is it just me, or is Tamron's VC looks jittery. same as the 24-70 VC

[@linkinwayne]

shit was shaking like someone with parkinsons

[@fernandosantos7109]

Hi! Did you tested it with f32? I have that lens and I feel that it looses a lot of image quality in that aperture

[@christopherfrost]

All lenses will - because of diffraction

[@fernandosantos7109]

@@christopherfrost ok, what is the lowest apperture that you recomend to do not have that problem? Thanks for the answer :)

[@Audiotopic]

perfect video lens. only the focus is how you say, out of time.

[@shanukhalifa6726]

so you do agree that this lens is good for video work.

[@TheDailyKoda]

Would this lens work well on a Nikon D610?

[@christopherfrost]

That's a full-frame camera, isn't it. The Nikon version should work, but with heavy vignetting

[@maxfactor4209]

Basically No

[@staj]

I was so thinking of getting the non-VC one, then changed my mind to the VC one but wow, you battered this lens so badly, i'm thinking i'll skip getting this. are you saying in summary that other thtn the VC feature the non-VC version is better with respect to image quality?

[@christopherfrost]

Yup, the non-VC is a little better :) watch my review of that lens, too, it may help you

[@staj]

Christopher Frost Photography thanks Chris I already watch the non-VC, even before the VC video. Thanks a lot, I think i'll just skip it for now and wait till I can get a Canon. which Canono lens of simlilar focal length range would you recommend?

[@samsixx7087]

what's the difference between A Aspherical Lens and a Normal Lens?

[@christopherfrost]

It's a difference in how the lens is made on the inside

[@samsixx7087]

@@christopherfrost does it effect the image quality? or make it wide?

[@christopherfrost]

It's just one of the glass lens elements inside the lens. It doesn't make the lens wider or more telephoto. As for image quality, just look at the tests to see how sharp the lens is.

[@calmdymon]

Christopher it's me again , still haven't decided to replace my kit :) Which lens will you recommend for wedding and replacement of the kit? (i will be doing my first wedding in October) Mainly for that reason I bought canon24 f2,8 and I'm not very happy with it, for some reason is hard to get good image quality with it , is like one picture per 20 comes nice and sharp, I just can't grasp it!!! . I'm planning to sell it and buy tamron 17-50 non vc as it has better image quality than vc version, and in sigma's focus it's not always accurate. So Do you think it is a good choice or sigma or non of them, just stick to kit as I'm happy with it! Btw im very happy with 50mmf1.8 and 55-250stm and 10-18stm and also my kit 18-55stm serves me really really well for so long! If tamron non vc will be better all round then I will say goodbye to my kit ;( Im very unsure if I want to replace my kit , but to replace prime 24mm for zoom and have the same performance it is a tempting decision! Thanks for taking time to read this! Waiting for response :) Regards!

[@christopherfrost]

A good start would be the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM, or the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM. If you want to get into wedding photography seriously though, you should get a full-frame camera, and practice, practice, practice. Take pictures of anything that moves, read books and watch videos.

[@calmdymon]

Thanks, I think I will order the sigma first , then if it is really much better than kit, then I will sell my kit along with 24mm Full frame Is too expensive and I don't think I will be buying one, but if I make some money for my photography in the future then probably I will get it. As usual thanks a lot! Check me out on Facebook: DYMO photography

[@calmdymon]

i ordered sigma :) from Einfinity

[@Mislavvvv]

I just got one. It's super loud! Is this normal??

[@Mislavvvv]

didn't know it's gonna be so loud.. I hope I can replace it since I plan to do it for video and even microphone catches everything

[@doinggreat8299]

does it work with aps-c sized canon camera?

[@christopherfrost]

As I said and demonstrated throughout this entire review, it is designed for APS-C cameras only

[@doinggreat8299]

Christopher Frost Photography Thanks for replying

[@ArcticxBeaver]

I think I'll get the sigma, but is the sharpness difference really noticeable when doing 1080p video?

[@christopherfrost]

+Alex No, not really

[@ArcticxBeaver]

Christopher Frost Photography Can I private message you ? I'm hesitating between the Sigma 17-50 and the Tamron 17-50. I've watched both your videos and I think the Sigma might be best for video & casual photography. I still have a few questions...

[@christopherfrost]

+Alex The Sigma is the sharper lens for still photography, but some would say that the Tamron lens handles a tiny bit better for video work due to its smoother zoom ring (and I found the image stabilization on the Tamron to be a tiny bit better too). There really isn't much more difference between them. Feel free to ask anything else though :-)

[@ArcticxBeaver]

Christopher Frost Photography I'm looking to upgrade my kit lens to either the Tamron or Sigma. Here in Canada, the Sigma is 50$ cheaper than the Tamron. I'm really leaning towards the Sigma, but the short focus throw is what's worrying me. I manually focus for video, so the Sigma might not be best for that. The difference in IS isn't really an issue, I mostly keep the camera on a tripod. From what I understand, the difference in sharpness between Sigma and Tamron when doing video isn't really noticeable?

[@MiikeG570]

You have a very soothing voice.

[@Floating_Thoughts]

Which do you think it's better: this Tamron or the Sigma 17-50 2.8?

[@christopherfrost]

+Luca Breeze Check out my fast standard zoom lens comparison for the details, but the Sigma is better

[@Floating_Thoughts]

+Christopher Frost Photography Thank you so much, and my compliments for your videos, they have become a reference point!

[@nabilreza74]

Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS or the Tamron 17-50 2.8 non VC?

[@christopherfrost]

Sigma

[@nabilreza74]

Thank you 😀

[@PlanetsAndArt]

Sir is it worthy have 60d and this lens in 2019??? Please guide

[@christopherfrost]

If you want to live in the past, then yes

[@PlanetsAndArt]

@@christopherfrost and 70d???

[@christopherfrost]

@@PlanetsAndArt Why don't you look online at some camera reviews, to help you decide? DPReview are a great website

[@PlanetsAndArt]

@@christopherfrost thanks sir ❤️❤️❤️

[@art_only]

Which should I get? This or the Sigma 17-50?

[@zoronas]

sigma i regretted buying tamron

[@isthe3rd167]

will this work on my Canon T3i?

[@christopherfrost]

Any Canon mount lens made since 1987 will work on your camera

[@isthe3rd167]

Good to know!

[@Borrella]

Sigma 17-50 2.8 os or Tamron 17-50 2.8 vc? Thanks!

[@christopherfrost]

Definitely the Sigma

[@Borrella]

Thanks!!

[@buzzedlunne6668]

Christopher Frost Photography From the reviews I have looked at, I tend to favour the sigma above the tamron as well, however i am still holding back from committing to its purchase because I have heard that the lens hood doesn't sit well on the lens - some sort of loose and fiddly issues. Whilst not a deal breaker per se, it sure poses a concern to me as I don't want my lens flying off should someone bump into me or when my feet decide to get all clumsy

[@buzzedlunne6668]

Bus Lan so Christopher, do experience the same issue with your sigma? It'd be nice to know if it's a problem with a few lenses and not a standard problem to all

[@christopherfrost]

Bus Lan Nope, no problems with my version

[@rmpumper]

That's a lot of millimeters, lol. Looks like I made the right decision when I purchased a used Canon 17-55 instead of this.

[@lkfxfotografiavideo177]

You probably don't even own this anymore, but have you tried this lens on a Canon eos m?

[@christopherfrost]

Nope, sorry.

[@geeyobonuan1838]

Are you sure this is a good lens?

[@EzmallbyAthlons]

I answer instead of him, yes sure.

[@nuqman5396]

better yo go for sigma 17-50 f2.8 os

[@nuqman5396]

sorry for late reply

[@patrykgizicki5024]

Is this EF or EFS mount?

[@christopherfrost]

EF-S

[@mozzmanau]

wow the shake in video looks terrible

[@einarjungmann273]

They say older brother is sharper and better. Is it true? Thank you Chriss:))

[@christopherfrost]

It's a little better, but it doesn't have VC

[@einarjungmann273]

Christopher Frost Photography many users complain on that VC. Sometimes patchy, not working etc.

[@mp7161]

I have this lens for a few years, bought second hand. I was never happy with its lack of sharpness even in optimal lighting conditions. I thought that it is not calibrated properly, but now I realize the this is its poor quality. 😔

[@richardvarnold6245]

Inexpensive? This lens goes for $650, are we looking at the same lens or did Tamron come out with a newer model that you haven't tested yet. The only more expensive lens is the Canon 17-55.

[@christopherfrost]

That's weird - the price seems to have shot up. Even the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM, a much sharper lens, is under $400. (Bear in mind that I made this video four-and-a-half years ago)

[@richardvarnold6245]

I really appreciate you doing these kinds of tests. These days the cost compared to quality is a major influence with my purchases. My First choice was the Canon except for issues that may pop up in the future. The camera shop is really pushing the Tamron 17-50 VC, seems they can't keep it on the shelf. If I had to buy a lens right now it would be a Sigma. I had to rent out an older Tamron 24-70 last week for an event but was not happy with it on my Canon 80D. Again Thank You.

[@christopherfrost]

Definitely get the Sigma lens - it's an incredible bargain these days IMO

[@maxfactor4209]

center sharpness OK... corner and mid sharpness horrible... worse than kit lens