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Comment by johnieutah posted on Back focussing issues on a 17-50 Tamron at 09/03/2012 - 13:51
Hi all,
I recently bought a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for my k10d from Amazon. The first one I received had pretty bad back focusing issues. I contacted Amazon and they sent me another straight away. Unfortunately I was off to Sri Lanka, for which I needed the lens, and only had an hour or 2 to test the replacement. It performed a lot better, so I took it with me.
I've now returned from holiday, and whilst most shots are as expected (very sharp this lens!), there are still some shots where the focusing is all over the shop. I realised this at the time on one occasion and did one AF and then MF. See below for example shots. Both taken same settings, single centre focus point. This happened fairly regularly, although sometimes the AF would turn out great, the next not so great. Weird.
Now my question is, do I send this one back too? I'm fairly new to buying lenses. Is this something one has to put up with? I have to say that I'm 90% happy with the lens, it is annoying however to have to take multiple shots of things in case the focusing is off. I'm still (just) within the 30 day exchange policy with Amazon so I could try another copy. What are peoples thoughts?
Here's the full AF:
[IMG]http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu108/johnieutah/photos/01Boat-AF-full.jpg[/IMG]
And now the MF:
[IMG]http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu108/johnieutah/photos/02Boat-MF-full.jpg[/IMG]
Now the crops. AF:
[IMG]http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu108/johnieutah/photos/03Boat-AF-crop.jpg[/IMG]
MF:
[IMG]http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu108/johnieutah/photos/04Boat-MF-crop.jpg[/IMG]
Thanks for any advice, Matt.
I recently bought a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for my k10d from Amazon. The first one I received had pretty bad back focusing issues. I contacted Amazon and they sent me another straight away. Unfortunately I was off to Sri Lanka, for which I needed the lens, and only had an hour or 2 to test the replacement. It performed a lot better, so I took it with me.
I've now returned from holiday, and whilst most shots are as expected (very sharp this lens!), there are still some shots where the focusing is all over the shop. I realised this at the time on one occasion and did one AF and then MF. See below for example shots. Both taken same settings, single centre focus point. This happened fairly regularly, although sometimes the AF would turn out great, the next not so great. Weird.
Now my question is, do I send this one back too? I'm fairly new to buying lenses. Is this something one has to put up with? I have to say that I'm 90% happy with the lens, it is annoying however to have to take multiple shots of things in case the focusing is off. I'm still (just) within the 30 day exchange policy with Amazon so I could try another copy. What are peoples thoughts?
Here's the full AF:
[IMG]http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu108/johnieutah/photos/01Boat-AF-full.jpg[/IMG]
And now the MF:
[IMG]http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu108/johnieutah/photos/02Boat-MF-full.jpg[/IMG]
Now the crops. AF:
[IMG]http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu108/johnieutah/photos/03Boat-AF-crop.jpg[/IMG]
MF:
[IMG]http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu108/johnieutah/photos/04Boat-MF-crop.jpg[/IMG]
Thanks for any advice, Matt.
Comment by johnieutah posted on Back focussing issues on a 17-50 Tamron at 08/03/2012 - 21:56
Dr. Mhuni wrote:
Re. Sri Lanka - in the Cultural Triangle, my faves are Polonaruwa and Anuradhapura, both extensive abandoned ruined capitals with some phenomenal extant structures among the tropical vegetation. Sigiriya's nice too - though only if you have a head for heights (there's a sheer drop of about 2-300ft with just a metal rail between you and it). Forget Dambulla, particularly if you can go to the similar, more low key and more scenic, Mulgirigalla (near Dikwella on the south coast).
Kandy and the surrounding area is nice.
The tea country around Nuwara Elliya is stunning. Nuwara Elliya itself definitely isn't! Ella definitely is.
The south and west coasts have loads of desirable beachside destinations - and Galle which has a wonderful old Fort area. The east around Trincomalee sounds cool, though I've yet to get there.
The parks can be nice - though don't expect African type experiences.
Only a month late replying to you! - sorry. Thanks ever so much for your tips. Have got most of what you said already on the itinerary, and will try and implement the rest if possibleRe. Sri Lanka - in the Cultural Triangle, my faves are Polonaruwa and Anuradhapura, both extensive abandoned ruined capitals with some phenomenal extant structures among the tropical vegetation. Sigiriya's nice too - though only if you have a head for heights (there's a sheer drop of about 2-300ft with just a metal rail between you and it). Forget Dambulla, particularly if you can go to the similar, more low key and more scenic, Mulgirigalla (near Dikwella on the south coast).
Kandy and the surrounding area is nice.
The tea country around Nuwara Elliya is stunning. Nuwara Elliya itself definitely isn't! Ella definitely is.
The south and west coasts have loads of desirable beachside destinations - and Galle which has a wonderful old Fort area. The east around Trincomalee sounds cool, though I've yet to get there.
The parks can be nice - though don't expect African type experiences.
Still haven't sorted a lens out!! This is driving me mad
Comment by johnieutah posted on New walkaround lens for Sri Lanka at 29/01/2012 - 19:16
PM'd
Comment by johnieutah posted on FS: DA* 50-135mm at 27/01/2012 - 10:30
pm sent
Comment by johnieutah posted on FS: K10D, lots of lenses and some other bits at 22/01/2012 - 11:36
PM sent
Comment by johnieutah posted on Several lenses for sale. at 17/01/2012 - 11:43
PM sent re: 55-300
Comment by johnieutah posted on F/S K110D +DA55-300+DAL18-50 at 06/01/2012 - 12:39
Yep, was aware of the SDM issue and the k10d is running v1.30. Worked fine with the 18-135mmm I tried out. Only issue I later found was that Lightroom didn't pick up the lens info, but that may be down to the version of LR I use.
17-70 looks pretty good value from SRS. Are there other reputable retailers that will ship to the EU??
Also how about the Sigma 17-70 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigma-optical-stabilisation-Pentax-Digital/dp/B002ZNJB3M...=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1325102759&sr=8-8 ??
Yes I was not that impressed by the IQ of the 18-135. But that could have been down to the sample, shooting conditions etc... I did think it felt lovely and solid in the hand, and the WR is a nice bonus.
So I think I will spend more on a suitable upgrade walk around lens and then pick up a cheaper zoom from the forums.
Matt.
17-70 looks pretty good value from SRS. Are there other reputable retailers that will ship to the EU??
Also how about the Sigma 17-70 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigma-optical-stabilisation-Pentax-Digital/dp/B002ZNJB3M...=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1325102759&sr=8-8 ??
Yes I was not that impressed by the IQ of the 18-135. But that could have been down to the sample, shooting conditions etc... I did think it felt lovely and solid in the hand, and the WR is a nice bonus.
So I think I will spend more on a suitable upgrade walk around lens and then pick up a cheaper zoom from the forums.
Matt.
Comment by johnieutah posted on New walkaround lens for Sri Lanka at 29/12/2011 - 13:06
Hi all,
I'm off to Sri Lanka in a little over 6 weeks. I desperately need some advice about what lenses to consider. I'm using a k10D with the kit lens and a 50mm f/1.7. I'm looking for something that will give me a good increase in IQ, isn't too bulky so that I'm constantly worried about it getting knocked etc..., and offers me something above and beyond the range of the 55m from the kit lens.
What I've considered:-
55-300. Received one of these for Christmas, but am considering sending it back to Amazon. I honestly don't think I'll use the range that often, maybe on a safari, but not enough to justify how little use it will get IMO...
18-135. Tried one in a shop and loved the build quality, size and range. Bit pricey here in Germany but can be imported from the UK for not too much more than the 55-300. However, was not impressed with the IQ (at that price).
50-200. Cheaper and more compact than the 55-300. However the IQ is not supposed to be in the same league.
17-70. Seems to get great reviews and looks like a nice piece of kit (not handled one yet). Pricer again, but the IQ looks to be very well regarded. Doesn't offer as much range, but will I need it?
In general, I like to shot architecture and landscapes, but tbh you can add a bit of everything in to that mix every now and then (see what I mean here:- http://picasaweb.google.com/johnieutah).
Now the most important thing for me is not the price, but usability and quality. If I spend €200 on a lens and only use it a handful of times then I consider that a bad purchase. On the contrary, if I spent €400-500 on a 17-70 and find it's stuck on my camera 90% of the time, giving me great results, I'm a very happy bunny
I'm still just a hobbyist/travel photographer and would rather get one lens for now and then take it from there.
Should I be looking at other alternatives from Sigma and Tamron??
Also, if anyone has been to Sri Lanka and has any hot tips on what to see/do/stay etc... please jump in.
Any help and advice much appreciated.
Matt.
I'm off to Sri Lanka in a little over 6 weeks. I desperately need some advice about what lenses to consider. I'm using a k10D with the kit lens and a 50mm f/1.7. I'm looking for something that will give me a good increase in IQ, isn't too bulky so that I'm constantly worried about it getting knocked etc..., and offers me something above and beyond the range of the 55m from the kit lens.
What I've considered:-
55-300. Received one of these for Christmas, but am considering sending it back to Amazon. I honestly don't think I'll use the range that often, maybe on a safari, but not enough to justify how little use it will get IMO...
18-135. Tried one in a shop and loved the build quality, size and range. Bit pricey here in Germany but can be imported from the UK for not too much more than the 55-300. However, was not impressed with the IQ (at that price).
50-200. Cheaper and more compact than the 55-300. However the IQ is not supposed to be in the same league.
17-70. Seems to get great reviews and looks like a nice piece of kit (not handled one yet). Pricer again, but the IQ looks to be very well regarded. Doesn't offer as much range, but will I need it?
In general, I like to shot architecture and landscapes, but tbh you can add a bit of everything in to that mix every now and then (see what I mean here:- http://picasaweb.google.com/johnieutah).
Now the most important thing for me is not the price, but usability and quality. If I spend €200 on a lens and only use it a handful of times then I consider that a bad purchase. On the contrary, if I spent €400-500 on a 17-70 and find it's stuck on my camera 90% of the time, giving me great results, I'm a very happy bunny
I'm still just a hobbyist/travel photographer and would rather get one lens for now and then take it from there.
Should I be looking at other alternatives from Sigma and Tamron??
Also, if anyone has been to Sri Lanka and has any hot tips on what to see/do/stay etc... please jump in.
Any help and advice much appreciated.
Matt.
Comment by johnieutah posted on New walkaround lens for Sri Lanka at 28/12/2011 - 19:55
Hi, bump to this thread.
I've recently received an old Tokina 35-135mm lens. When I use this on my k10d, do I enter the actual focal length I will use for a given shot, or the max. focal length (135)? The first method is is extremely limiting though, surely most people recompose shots and will use different focal lengths, so do you need to change the SR setting every time?
Thanks, Matt.
I've recently received an old Tokina 35-135mm lens. When I use this on my k10d, do I enter the actual focal length I will use for a given shot, or the max. focal length (135)? The first method is is extremely limiting though, surely most people recompose shots and will use different focal lengths, so do you need to change the SR setting every time?
Thanks, Matt.
Comment by johnieutah posted on Shake reduction and focal length at 03/12/2011 - 21:03
The second copy, I only had an hour before I needed to leave for the aiport and had to make a decision quickly over whether to take it or not. I'm glad I made the decision to keep the lens as 95% of the shots are fantastic, especially the ability to use f/2.8 throughout the focal length. However, it is annoying that the lens does not consistently focus as expected, hence one can never really trust it, and then you end up having to check each shot after taking, as suggested above. I had occasions whereby I'd take 4/5 shots of the same thing and only 1 would turn out ok... I'm not sure about the AF drifting when the kit lens appears fine for me (although to be fair, I did not take that to Sri Lanka with me so I never could test it in exactly the same conditions at the time).
Mike: I am interested in this hacked firmware, any tips or more info??
Anyways, Amazon will take the lens back, who I must say have been great to deal with. They won't however send me another one, apparently they only ever send one replacement. So I get a refund and then have to re-buy another copy from them. Bit of a faff. Worth it to get a good one (hopefully) IMO, as from the few shots that I've so far processed, this lens can be incredibly sharp.
Matt.