Versatility and sharpness are often the top two features that photographers look for in a camera lens. They want (and need) glass that’s going to allow them to achieve stunning, high-resolution pictures in nearly any situation. The groundbreaking Tamron AF17-50mm lens fits the bill on both counts, but also augments these features with an image-stabilization mechanism, enhanced anti-glare coatings, and a compact size.

The new high-speed telephoto zoom lens, designed specifically for Nikon DX compatible DSLRs with smaller sensors and the Canon EF-S compatible DSLR's. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, and impressive sharpness and contrast over the entire focal-length and aperture range, the 17-50mm lens optimizes a photographer’s aesthetics, whether they’re striving for a blurred background at f/2.8 or experimenting with fixed-focus photography using extended depth-of-field at the smallest apertures. Smooth, natural transitions from the out-of-focus areas of the image (that much-sought-after “bokeh”) are easily attained.

1/40 @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 50mm Click for larger file (7.1mb)

Close-ups are a piece of cake, too, thanks to the 17-50’s minimum focusing distance of 11.4 inches over the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.8 at 50mm. Add to that Tamron’s XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass (which optimizes images by compensating for optical aberrations); the latest BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings to reduce ghosting and flare; and reduced fall-off of peripheral brightness, and you’re assured of the high-resolution, high-contrast images that lenses in the Di class are known for.

f/2.8 @ 1/400, ISO 200, 50mm

Smooth Operator
Even the most creative, well-composed image crafted using all of these features, however, can be sullied if you can’t get rid of camera shake. Enter Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism, which stabilizes the image when performing handheld photography. Photographers can easily use the slow shutter speeds necessary for low-light photography, whether they’re inside in less-than-ideal lighting or trying to photograph outside at dusk—and they don’t need a tripod to get these shots.

f/2.8 @ 1/80, ISO 1600, 17mm

How this proprietary technology works is a fascinating glimpse into the physics-meet s-art arena. The Tamron VC mechanism employs three driving coils that move internal optical components based on signals that emit from three steel ball bearings. The lens elements are held in place solely by contact with these bearings, so photographers are ensured of smooth, virtually frictionless movement. Translation: stabilized viewfinder images and stellar tracking performance. Check out the VC simulator by clicking here.

f/11 @ 1/25, ISO 400, 17mm

Perhaps most amazing about the incorporation of the new VC mechanism is that Tamron engineers were able to do so without compromising the compactness of the lens—a feature that’s sure to be appreciated by photographers who are already saddled with an arsenal of other equipment and props. The size of a lens usually increases when it’s equipped with an image-stabilizer unit—but the 17-50 retains a filter thread of 72mm and an easily portable weight of 15.2 ounces.

Just because it’s lightweight doesn’t mean the 17-50 skimps on feature enhancements. A handy zoom-lock mechanism prevents the lens barrel from extending out when your camera’s pointing down. The standard flower-shaped hood effectively blocks damaging light rays from entering the image area. And a simple, classic design accessorized with a high-quality textured finish beautifully complements different types of SLR cameras.