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Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens- replace or fix?

dinneenp
Posted 11/10/2021 - 16:58 Link
Hi,
I have a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens which I use for weddings. Or used up until this issue

For a while it's acting strange- doesn't focus. I sometimes have to focus (tends to focus better at shorter lengths) and then zoom in, which it's ideal and maybe bad for focus.
It's not an expensive lens so am I better off replacing it or trying to get it fixed? It's long out of warranty. If replacing, replace with same of is there a similar, better lens that doesn't cost a bucket more?
Thanks,
Pa.
Cheers,
Pa
http://www.photoblog.ie where every post have a musical reference as it's title.
davidstorm
Posted 11/10/2021 - 22:05 Link
I would lean towards replacing it, maybe with the same lens bought second hand? You should be able to pick one up for not too much money and could sell you broken lens on ebay as 'parts or not working', which would go a little way to offset the cost.

Kind Regards
David
Flickr

Nicola's Apartments, Kassiopi, Corfu

Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
smc
Posted 11/10/2021 - 22:36 Link
I agree - as a working professional you deserve reliable equipment.
Jonathan-Mac
Posted 12/10/2021 - 08:12 - Helpful Comment Link
First or all - have you tried giving the contacts a good clean on both lens and camera?

The only way to know if it's worth foxing or not is to get a quote. I'm not sure if places will charge just for that or provide one for free.

If you do replace it, I would recommend the Sigma 17-50/2.8 over the Tamron. Not because it's optically better but because it has a couple of advantages: it's better built and it has a built-in focus motor. It's also a bit heavier because of the more solid build and it's generally a bit more expensive, both new (if you can find it) and used. Sigma no longer make lenses for the K mount but there might be some new stock somewhere still.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses

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