Review: Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 VC USD

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Having had both lens for almost a week, I'd have to agree with Matt Granger's conclusion (at least when it comes to the Canon vs Tamron). Again, the Canon has a slightly more "luxurious" feel to it. The IS comes a hair faster than the VC, as well as the autofocus (just barely though on the AF). IQ is pretty much equal. I can have less than perfect shots with either (only noticed when pixel peeping), but the rate of "perfect" (focus / exposure, etc) pictures is roughly about the same. The only problem is that when the lens are this good, you realized how far you are from "perfection".... Makes for a nice theological concept right?

I think I'm going to stick with the Tamron. The main reason I think (aside from price), is the fact that I can hopefully be less conspicuous with a black lens instead of a white lens. I think as a PRO a white lens may help telling other people that you are a Pro, and that alone, might worth the extra cost (think of it as a marketing tool). I would rather NOT market that I have an expensive glass with me when I'm traveling .

I find Matt's assessments typically pretty good, so I'm not surprised at your findings. At the end of the day that extra thousand makes you feel like there should be more separation between the lenses than there is.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

One more note, related to the sense of Luxury, and please keep in mind that this has NOTHING to do with IQ or the overall function of the lens.

Tamron completely, massively missed the boat when it comes to the packaging of this lens. This lens was packaged with regular plastic, protected only by cardboard protector. While I realize that this is more "earth friendly", it totally makes it feel cheap. Compare this with the canon, which include its own carrying case (solidly built, worthy of the glass it's trying to protect). They should learn a thing or two from Apple on how to package a product.

One more aspect to consider. The MkII definitely works well with the 1.4x extender, so that will give me the flexibility of going that route, should I choose to. We have limited data on the Tamron, at least with regards to the pixel peeping folks .

The point about the packaging is a good one. In fact, the previous Tamron 70-200 that cost almost half as much came with a decent padded bag that the new lens doesn't. That is one area that Sigma does nicely.

Unfortunately, for me, while I like having those things (like the dumb little "L" series bag/pouch), I don't actually use them. I have padded bags/backpacks etc... that I store gear in - the included bags, pouches, and cases typically end up in the original packaging.

 

[Shield]

I shoot with the 70-200 Canon MK II, and sometimes with the 1.4x tele. I just adore this lens; it's easily the best lens I've ever owned for any camera system.

When I bought it the new Tamron wasn't out yet else I'd seriously have considered it - my other workhorse is my Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC. You can't go wrong either way; I'd say the Canon would hold it's resale better.
Competition is a good thing! Great review by the way, but I'd have liked to seen more about the sports shooting aspect as many of us shoot action with these 70-200 2.8's.

 

[bholliman]

Excellent review and pictures (as always) Dustin! If I didn't already own a Canon 70-200 2.8 II I would be looking to buy this lens! When I view your photographs it makes me realize how much improvement I need to make in my composition and photographic creativity.

Somewhat off topic: How do you carry your 6D + 70-200 when away from your studio? Black Rapid strap? Cotton Carrier?

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Excellent review and pictures (as always) Dustin! If I didn't already own a Canon 70-200 2.8 II I would be looking to buy this lens! When I view your photographs it makes me realize how much improvement I need to make in my composition and photographic creativity.

Somewhat off topic: How do you carry your 6D + 70-200 when away from your studio? Black Rapid strap? Cotton Carrier?

I have both type systems and use depending on need. When shooting a wedding I use a Cotton Carrier type harness system with one camera and big lens in chest harness with another body with something like a 24-70mm at the hip.

I certainly wouldn't sell a Canon 70-200II to buy it, but if I were considering lenses straight up, I would have to look pretty long at the Tamron.

P.S. Thanks for the Kudos. I am just signing a contract to start blogging for PhotoNewsFlash (a new endeavor from PhotoNews Magazine) and in conjunction with Tamron of Canada (I guess they liked the review, too), so you will be seeing more of my reviews in the future.

 

[silvestography]

I was making the decision between the tamron and canon 70-200s and decided to go with the canon because of performance with teleconverters. I'm used to a 70-300, and especially once I go full frame, I know I'll miss my long end from time to time, and the canon with mark 3 TC's seems to perform much better than the tamron with 3rd party TC's.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

I was making the decision between the tamron and canon 70-200s and decided to go with the canon because of performance with teleconverters. I'm used to a 70-300, and especially once I go full frame, I know I'll miss my long end from time to time, and the canon with mark 3 TC's seems to perform much better than the tamron with 3rd party TC's.

Very true. I find the Tamron works fine with the Kenko, but one definite advantages of using a Canon lens/Canon tele combo is that the new Canon bodies allow you to set a separate AFMA for the combination.

 

[slclick]

Well due to issues with Servo and tele end sharpness I have decided to take advantage of the recent rebates and sell my Tammy for the Canon Mk2. I have done very well with One Shot but tracking AF just fails over and over.

 

[spiderweb]

I bit the bullet and went ahead bought a gray market Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VC and 70-20mm f/2.8 VC for Canon (6d) from Hong Kong online shop (buybuybox.com). I took this risk because the difference in cost is almost huge, though I might not get a warranty, but my case I will be moving to another country, so the US warranty anyway is useless for me. Even if you have US warranty, Tamron looking for some opportunity to screw you up.

Check out the cost saving.

1) Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD For Canon (A007E) (Black) $798.00
http://buybuybox.com/11646.html

2) Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Canon) (A009E) (Black) $980.00
http://buybuybox.com/photography/lenses/11652.html

With free shipping from Hong Kong.

For total of ~$1800.00, I’m damn happy that I made a right decision. Yes, it’s gray market lens, but so what? It works.

I didn’t trust the seller so I did my transaction through PayPal and I let the seller knows that I don’t have much faith that he can complete the deal. He replied immediately with great communication. Holy surprise! Within 1 ½ weeks, I got my shipment in my doorstep. Perfect pieces, tested and everything perfect.
I’m not affiliated with buybuybox.com anyway. I’m really excited and surprised the whole deal went through without any issue! That’s what I’m sharing my view.


I bought it on Jan 4th 2014 and received the shipment on Jan 14th .

Thanks,
-Aru

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Congrats on your excellent price and getting the lenses. Enjoy!

 

[MLfan3]

do not waste your money on this crappy lens , it is a good lens optically but its mechanical quality is very bad.
it is cheap and there are many reasons for it.
my 24-70VC and 90 macro broke up into many pieces just after a few months of light use.
and , I sold them and decided never get Tamron, Samyong and Tokina.
I think Sigmas primes are fine but Sigma zooms are also as fragile as Tamrons'.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

do not waste your money on this crappy lens , it is a good lens optically but its mechanical quality is very bad.
it is cheap and there are many reasons for it.
my 24-70VC and 90 macro broke up into many pieces just after a few months of light use.
and , I sold them and decided never get Tamron, Samyong and Tokina.
I think Sigmas primes are fine but Sigma zooms are also as fragile as Tamrons'.

With all due respect, do you have any supporting evidence to this claim? "Broke up into many pieces" seems unlikely. I have used the 24-70 VC for close to ten thousand frames in countries around the world in all kinds of weather conditions without any issue.