3rd time a charm. Revisiting the DSLR Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8

A lens so nice I bought it… thrice? Anyhoo…

I love a bargain. My father is the tech/geek inspiration, but my mother’s battle cry is “Never pay retail!”

Round 1:

A while back I had a Nikon D3300 that I really liked. Would still have it if the upgrade path were not so prohibitively (for me) expensive lens and body wise. My favorite lens for it was the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. More about that version here and below is a sample photo of a nightmare fuel mutant hummingbird lobster moth thing captured in my backyard with it.

Round 2:

Tamron lens round 2, Pentax round 1. During my system churn adventures I visited (revisited) the Pentax mount before with the Pentax K-3ii. On my way to building a budgetographer’s dream lens trinity (APS-C edition) I remembered this lens and picked up a Pentax copy of the Pentax 28-75mm f/2.8 with great results. Once again it was a go to lens. Then I went astray and traded my Pentax gear on an ill advised jag where I gave my allegiance to  brand that was not that into its customers before I snapped out of it and…

Round 3:

Tamron lens round 3, Pentax round 2. Now back in the Pentax fold once again, this time in full frame and APS-C strength, this lens was one of my first buy backs (traded and repurchased locally at Southeastern Camera, Carrboro, NC along with the Tamron 70-200mm.) This lens was an astounding value and it was great on crop sensors as in round 1 and round 2, but due to its focal length range it really belongs and shines on a full frame camera. Not only does the lens compliment full frame’s low light capabilities and benefit from a true 28mm wide angle focal length…

…it also compliments full frame’s ability to isolate the subject along with fantastic colors.

This lens has yet to disappoint. If I were not so obsessed with prime lenses this lens could stay on my camera and I would not have a single complaint. If you are hesitant to spend over a grand on a wide to tele f/2.8 constant factory lens and you do not need VR (except Pentax which has in body stabilization), water sealing or silent drive focusing I believe you will be quite pleased with this lens. It is a bargain at its current new asking price, but I purchased the Pentax copy used and spent around $250 which makes for an even greater deal.

Here is a link to my ongoing flickr album for this lens. Happy shooting.

-ELW