Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 A16N II ~ Short Review!

[khoking]

Am I the first in the world (consumer) to review this lens?!

Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 A16N II

~ Short Review ~





Tamron scheduled to release this lens to the market on 17th March 2008, but my supplier in Japan has managed to get the stock for me today! I ordered some quantity from them, the first generation (A16N), but was surprised to see there is a mixed of A16N and A16N II in the delivery.
As usual, I checked and tested every unit of Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 lens for my customers. This is important as my experience is that there is poor Quality Control from Tamron in this lens…the early batch (Assembled in China), but nowadays the reject rate is very low (Made in Japan version).
Since I have both the A16N and A16N II in hands, so I have the privilege to test both side by side.

First Impression
Built quality is similar in both. Weight seems similar as well, can’t feel any difference in hand.



When mounting the A16N II onto my D200, it is silky smooth. Yes, it is very hard to describe, but once you tried it, you will agree with me. When mounting the A16N, you will have the feeling of metal scratching each other. However, the A16N II is like butter smooth when mounting. Good!

There is a slight changes in the rear part of the lens. Some physical extension of marking on the 17mm focal length and you can now see more pins on the rear circuits and no screwdriver catch.

Made in Japan


Yes, both lenses are made in Japan. Great! On all the stock that I received this round, they are perfect. Sharp focus, clean and clear.

AF MF Switch
Besides made in Japan, you can also see a AF MF switch on the new A16N II version. You can have the camera body in AF all the time, and changing the AF MF on the lens will allow you to focus manually or automatically.

Auto Focus
I guess this is where most are interested in.
Auto focus of Tamron A16N II is slow. Yes, you heard me right. AF is much slower than A16N. From minimum focusing distance to infinity, it takes twice the time of the A16N. Yes, you can spot and feel the difference clearly.

However, though focus slower, the A16N II is much quieter than the A16N. Again, focusing is smooth. Though slow but very smooth. On the A16N, you will hear higher pitch focusing sound, but the A16N II is damper sound and quieter in focusing. Good in quiet environment, eg. Cinema or theater, though might still not be as quiet as AFS or USM lens.
Yes, I did compare the A16N II with A16E (Canon mount). A16E is still faster, similar speed to the A16N. However, Canon mount version is always noisier in focusing. In fact, very very noisy and high pitch sound. The A16N (Nikon) is still acceptable, the Canon version is considered as annoying. So the A16N II is considered as SWEET now.

Image Quality / Sharpness?
I always regards Tamron A16 17-50mm F2.8 lens as the best value for money wide angle fixed aperture zoom lens that you can get in the market. In fact, I am using one of it myself on my Nikon D200. This lens has been in such a high demand that it is often out of stock from time to time in Japan. I have sold many copies to my customers in Malaysia.
This lens is sharp. Very sharp indeed! Here’s an example of a shot I just took (A16N II):

(Original file of 0.99MB, unedited except putting ShaShinKi.com logo on it. Exif intact, shot at f2.8.)



Bokeh is nice and focus is spot on and sharp in the center. The lens design is same as the A16N, so you can browse many other photos in my blog that are taken with this lens.

Summary
Will I recommend this lens? Yes. The A16N II has some improvements over the A16N and the only drawback is the slower in focusing. The added AF MF switch is nice, making manual focusing switching easier. Damped focusing sound is a welcome improvement, though with the sacrifice of faster AF.

Do you have a choice? My understanding is that Tamron will discontinued the A16N version. No reason for Tamron to keep two almost identical lens for Nikon mount in the market, no production effective. So, if you want faster AF of the A16N and don’t need the built in motor for Nikon D40/D40X/D60, then you will have to act fast and grab the stock of A16N in the market!

Regardless of which version (A16N or A16N II), both are still highly recommended lens. I am keeping mine (A16N).

[cruidi]

wow nice how much is one for Canon? slow focus...how slow is slow? i was using olympus e-500 with 14-45...that's real slow...

[khoking]

Originally Posted by cruidi wow nice how much is one for Canon? slow focus...how slow is slow? i was using olympus e-500 with 14-45...that's real slow...

You can order the lens at:

http://shashinki.com/shop/advanced_s...7-50mm&x=0&y=0

Not sure about Olympus lens focusing speed, what I was comparing was the same lens but different mount versions.

[padilopadilan]

so what the major different bang? since u stated, AF isnt that ~ZZzzUuup~ fast... i'm expecting it to be ~BeDeZZzuuuUUPp~ fast...

Thanks for sharing anyway...

[khoking]

Originally Posted by padilopadilan so what the major different bang? since u stated, AF isnt that ~ZZzzUuup~ fast... i'm expecting it to be ~BeDeZZzuuuUUPp~ fast... Thanks for sharing anyway...

Major difference?

Built in motor and No built in motor.

[padilopadilan]

Originally Posted by khoking Major difference? Built in motor and No built in motor.

it means... can AF on D40 .... that all?

[khoking]

Originally Posted by padilopadilan it means... can AF on D40 .... that all?

Major features of A16N II:

1. AF MF switch on lens body
2. Quieter AF
3. Built in Motor for D40 / D40X / D60

Tested on Nikon D70, will AF as well.

[ndgoh]

Whoa... hahaha... saya punya barang bila mau mali...!!!

[khoking]

Originally Posted by ndgoh Whoa... hahaha... saya punya barang bila mau mali...!!!

Next week will reach you...

[sh4hr1n]

Good effort to do a review of the new lens there, KK and thanks for sharing.

[bkhong]

Hi KKK,

Compared to the Sigma HSM 18-50 f2.8, would you recommend the A16N II for D40/40x/60 owners over Sigma?

I believe Sigma has lower IQ but faster/quieter focus compared to Tamron.

Argh...my fingers so tempted to click buy on Shashinki for A16N II, but is also tempted by Sigma...

[wtay0001]

Sure hope the Pentax version will not be as slow. Otherwise, it will not be called slow but creep.

[khoking]

Originally Posted by bkhong Hi KKK, Compared to the Sigma HSM 18-50 f2.8, would you recommend the A16N II for D40/40x/60 owners over Sigma? I believe Sigma has lower IQ but faster/quieter focus compared to Tamron. Argh...my fingers so tempted to click buy on Shashinki for A16N II, but is also tempted by Sigma...

Hi bkhong,

I have not tried the Sigma, and honestly I am quite please with this Tamron SP 17-50mm. Though focus is slow, but it is quiet. Of course, Sigma HSM should be quieter, but you have to make sure you get a good copy of HSM lens also, as I have tested Sigma HSM lenses with high pitch sound (like metal scratching).

I think optical image quality should be the main concern, Tamron A16 is a proven lens.

[ndgoh]

Proven and definitely cheaper....

Fast fast go Shashinki order le....

[asrolsani]

Originally Posted by khoking Next week will reach you...

mine also next week right?
canon mount and not this new nikon mount....
why tamron is more toward nikon

[fadzlizuka]

my hand is itchy.... rasa mahu klik je 'add to cart' kat shashinki tu.... heheheee...

[asrolsani]

btw... for canon mount, is there any difference between A16N and A16E?

[FESEM]

kk, just a quick question, if put a 67-77 step up with 77mm filter.

@ 17mm, will it get vignetting @ edge?

anotehr question, A16NII, got stock liao?
hehe, wanna order, haha.

[chunglern]

It's sad that the changes on the version 2 is not really amazing. I was hoping they would improve on the softness on wide open.

I've been using the lens on my backup body. It is really a superb lens for portrait, since it offers 2.8 at any length.

The only thing that really drives me through the wall is about the opposite direction from Canon lenses when changing its focal length. It gets a lil' annoying when you're not used to it and when you're in presured condition to shoot.

None the less, its really a good lens to own! No regrets!

(Disclaimer: Satisfaction may vary, buy at on risk)

[artyeo]

YA... Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 lens as the best value for money
I have it on my D200 all the time since I bought it last year .. fast and sharp ..
khoking ... may I know which is which ... mine the DII means = A16N II ka . ..