Camera Labs

Hey all,

I've been using a rebel XSi and upgrading to a better camera. I've only been using the kit lens and thus I'm not stuck on a format just yet. I've been eyeing the D90 but I don't think I'd be happy with a kit lens, so I've been searching for a professional nikon lens and came across the following:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Promaster-Tamron-AF-17-50mm-F-2-8-Zoom-Lens-Nikon-MINT_W0QQitemZ320519571327QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item4aa074877f#ht_1254wt_976

It's a 2.8 non-varying-with-zoom aperture which leads me to believe that it's comparable to a professional nikon. I know the build quality would be less, but what about image quality? What are your thoughts on this lens?

Also, is there a website that quantitatively compares lenses similar in nature how dxomark compares bodies? Thanks!

The tamron is a pretty decent lens. Quite sharp, but worse in build quality. The Nikon's bult like a tank though (and 5x as expensive).

I have no idea what the whole "promaster" rebranding is about, the only version I know is the Tamron lens. It's quite cheap, even new.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

That's not a Tamron lens...or is it? I've never heard of "Promaster".

Trevor,the D90 kit lens is the best all-around budget lens on the market,with a sharpness & built quality per price ratio that is unmatched by other lenses. Why exactly don't you think it's good?

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
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Well, from what I hear the variable aperture implies a lower quality lens. I see you own this lens, and you seem pleased with it. That's good to know. I'm basically wondering if I could get the d90 with a "professional" quality lens - without the price. I know, I'm asking a lot.

By professional - I mean something comparable to a Nikon lens that has the gold ring.

good comparative analysis:

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-a ... vr?start=2

http://photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c ... ew?start=2

Basically, (correct me if I'm wrong) the tamron is the "knock off" version of this:
http://www.nikon.ca/en/Product.aspx?m=14329

I would get the 18-105 for convenience because it is a really nice lens and a 50mm f1.8 AF-D for the professional feel!

Promaster ist a company startet with rebranding lenses in the 60s, I think, but I never heard of one today! They where never the brightest but solid quality lenses. I would take a new original Tamron 17-50 f2.8 instead if you want a fast zoom!

ciao,

Karhallarn

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Samsung NX 11, lots of Minolta and Nikon glas