Build quality is very good. Contrast and resolution (better around f8). Vivid colors. No aberration. Good flares control even at 24 mm (hood included). Nice focal range (ideal for travel). Prosumer lens at a consumer price. I like it a lot.

A littel bit heavy. Distortion at 24 mm. AF not very fast (Attention actions photographers).

Very good consumer lens. Well build, good optical performance. Contrast and resolution are very good in center and even corner of the frame. Saturated and brilliant colors. Distortion (visibly present at 24 mm ) is not a problem if you are not involved in architectural photography. A little bit heavy, but I think it is an ideal travel zoom. I use it with my F80 and had no problems at all. Worth a try. It's my standard lens now.

Customer Service

hope to ignore it for a long time!

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor AF 28-105. Nikkor AFS 24-85. Nikkor 50 1.8. Leica lenses.

Great focal range Build quality - looks great! Fairly fast focusing with EOS Close focus ability Looks, Price, Warranty, Hood included

Distortion (especially at wide end) A little slow - constant f2.8 or f4 would be great (but cost a lot more $$$)

I bought this lens as the first to compliment my new Canon Elan 7E. I had just moved over from a Minolta MD manual focus system in which the prime lenses that I owned (28/2.8, 50/1.4, 135/2.8) were exceptionally sharp, and I actually had fairly low expectations for this zoom - but appreciated the range and convenience it would give me. Well my skepticism was completely unfounded. This lens is a solid, well-made, and optically excellent example of how good a consumer level zoom can be. The lens itself is well made and sturdy feeling - unlike some of the Canon and Sigma models I had handled. The zoom action is smooth, and even without the zoom lock I've never experienced zoom creep. In terms of optics, this lens is very sharp through all focal lengths. The multicoating on the elements works very well, and I have yet to experience any significant flare (although I do use the hood most of the time). The only problem I've encountered is fairly significant distortion on the wide end - especially when shooting buildings. The lens is a little soft on the long end, but stopping down to f8 or f11 yields incredibly sharp, contrasty results. For $275 off ebay, I have absolutely no complaints. This is THE perfect travel lens as it is relatively compact, fairly light, and has an excellent range of lengths. If it meets your needs, BUY IT! (now I just have to find a lens in the 100-300mm range to compliment it)

Customer Service

Haven't needed it

Similar Products Used:

Many.

Build quality. Sharp at all zoom ranges.

Just the tiny little button to unlock the aperature ring.

I really can't say enough good things about this lens. I have used it for over 2 years now, and through hundreds of rolls of film it has produced excellent results. I occasionally wish for a faster lens, but it's usually not necessary. I use Fuji Velvia film, so I always use a tripod anyway. Most of my shots are scenics, not wildlife, so speed isn't much of an issue. My only problem is that I have a cable release adapter mounted to the front of my Nikon N70, and it is in just the wrong spot to push the little button that unlocks the aperature ring when is locked at f22. Can't get to that button when I have gloves on. But I manage, and it's not a real big deal.

-Build quality -Sharp -Good contrast

-Significant distortion at wide end -Slow aperture

I have been using this lens for two years now. Having shot several hundred rolls of film with it (various speeds and manufacturers, in both black and white and colour), using a Canon Elan II and Elan 7, for everything from macro to weddings, my opinion is somewhat mixed on this lens…it really is a good news/bad news story. Good news first. With lots of sunshine, good film and proper processing, this lens performs quite nicely. It is very sharp, has nice contrast, and is built to last (I dropped this lens once…after my heart attack I was please to see there was not a scratch on it...this lens is built like a tank!). I have used this lens shooting outdoors at four weddings, and it produced very pleasing results. Another bonus is that it focuses very closely, which makes it a decent lens for introduction to the world of macro. I also like the tension on the zoom ring, which is firm, but that is really a matter of personal preference. Plus, the inclusion of a soft case and a lens hood as standards features is a nice touch (this has always been one of my pet peeves). Now for the bad news. First, this lens really disappoints at the wide end. It produces serious distortion and flare is often problematic, even with the hood. I have not managed to get consistently good results at lengths from 24mm to 50mm. Fans of wide angle work who grew up on fixed focal length glass will not find this lens to produce satisfactory results. Plus, fans of available light photography will be disappointed, as this lens will not provide high quality in low light situations. Despite the fancy abbreviations, this is still a very slow zoom lens. After using Canon’s 1.8 and 2.0 lenses, I really have a hard time adjusting to speeds in the 5.6 range. You will pretty much need to limit yourself to 400 speed film or faster for overcast or low light situations with this lens. If you already own a decent fixed focal length lens, this lens will be a good companion for you. If you just bought a new Canon camera and are debating what type of lens to buy, to replace the crap lens that the camera came with (my second pet peeve of Canon), I strongly urge you to consider spending your money on a decent fixed focal length lens instead (either Canon’s 50mm1.8 or the 35 2.0 are inexpensive and produce outstanding results). These are exceptionally versatile, fast inexpensive lenses. So, if you plan to use this as your only lens, it will not provide consistent results in less than ideal lighting conditions. To me, this is unacceptable, as I enjoy having a faster lens for most of my shooting. If you are a shooter who mostly shoots during midday light, using 50mm-135 focal lengths, you will love this lens. Those who want consistent quality in all other situations will be disappointed with the performance of this lens.

Build quality, excellent sharpness, good contrast, close focussing, lens hood is included and it has a six year warranty. Quality for the price is excellent

Slight vignetting at 24mm length with some filters and/or a lens hood. It is slightly heavy, but that isn't really a problem.

After reading the review by viv3729, I hope he/she hasn't discouraged anybody from buying an excellent lens. I too have a Canon Elan ll and have been using a Tamron 24-135 lens on it since July 2001. I have had no problems with either the lens or the camera and have not found it to use batteries excessively. My opinion is they are both very good pieces of equipment. The lens produces photos of excellent sharpness, contrast and color at all focal lengths, using Fuji Superia film. The zooming ring is a little stiff, but that keeps it at the focal length I have selected. I have had lenses which zoomed easily, but would change focal length if held vertical. This one does not do that. The photo quality, in my opinion, is better than Canon zooms which I have owned and used.

Customer Service

Have not needed it.

Similar Products Used:

Canon lenses: 28-105, 24-85, 35-80, 80-200, 75-300 and prime lenses.

Above average optical performance. Excellent zoom range. Very good build quality. Reasonable retail price.

Too slow to use for available light photography.

I've been taking pictures for over 30 years, and I'm currently using a Nikon F100 as my primary camera body. As a result of using Nikon prime lenses, I became a Nikon purest. In fact, until I made this purchase, I never owned a 3rd party lens! About a year ago, I purchased a Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-f/4 D for $569, to use for casual photography. Unfortunately, I found that if the lens wasn't stopped down a few stops, it delivered soft images. In addition, the image quality at the macro setting was sub-average. Perhaps my lens was a lemon, but I finally decided to get rid of it. Then based upon magazine reviews, and comments on this site, I broke my rule and purchased the Tamron 24-135mm f/3.5-f/5.6 lens. This turned out to be a great decision. I shot about 10 rolls of film with the lens,including a few rolls of slide film, and I'm extremely pleased. This is a very sharp lens! It not only has more range than my Nikon zoom had,(5.6X vs 3.5X), but it delivers superior image quality. All of my slide are sharp and contrasty, with very good color saturation. The auto-focus also works well, and the lens has better than average build quality for a consumer grade optic. The lesson I've learned from this experience, is that when it comes to consumer grade zooms, a 3rd party lens can be as good or better than the manufacturers own brand. If you don't have the budget to buy pro lenses, this consumer grade zoom deserves serious consideration.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 24-85MM f/2.8-f/4 D.

Solid build and great looks Not too large or heavy Good autofocus and quiet (Canon) Supplied case and dedicated hood. Non rotating front end Crisp contrast Very sharp overall Great range for travel

Only f5.6 at the long end Barrel distortion a little too evident after 35mm

I purchased this lens after selling my 24-85 Canon (reviewed here) and have no regrets. It functions flawlessly on my EOS and delivers sharp results at all aperatures and focal lengths - but even better stopped down to f8. I was shocked at first by the levels of distortion at the longer lengths, but this has not effected any of the hundreds of frames take over my years usage. Having said that be wary of any straight edges anywhere in the outer third of the frame - flagpoles for instance or foof lines will show pronounced barrel distortion - be warned! It is well made and sturdy and very slick in use - a pleasure to use. The best ever travel zoom in my opinion. It is quite fast and silent in autofocus in reasonable light and the wide end is really useful - almost as wide as I ever need and very low in distortion too. The contrast is very good and flare has never been an issue - but I have noticed very bright 'hot spots' of shiny metal surfaces in strong light. This effect is hard to quantify - would a Canon L lens in similar conditions give the same hot spots - I cannot say! I would like to see an independent head to head test of this optic against Tokina's much praised 24-200 zoom. I recommend this lens to all but the dedicated architecture photographer - because of the barrel distortion above about 35mm. Perhaps with the new 'XR@ technology Tamron will succeed in upgrading the speed of this lens while keeping it compact!

Customer Service

Unknon

Similar Products Used:

Canon 24-85 - sharp but poor build Tamron 28-200 - soft at wider settings Canon 28-80 4.5/5/6 -OK - light build

Build Quality Comes w/Hood "Wake Up Canon" Excellent Optics for the price ! Did I say Build Quality ?

Some Vignetting at 24mm, resolved with the newer slim filters out there, if you even use a filter. No other complaints, alot of wishes though, like Full Time Manual Focus and to be slighly faster a 2.8 in this lens would be great ! more $$$$$$ though!

It took alot of convincing for me to vear off the name brand lenses, But after serious study and actual testing of the build quality, Image quality and overall feel of the lens, I decided to brake down and purchase this baby. Don't get me wrong, their are better lenses out there, such as the Canon 28-70L, But I really don't see a $600.00 difference. And if we are comparing apples with apples then I would compare this lens to the 28-135 IS lens from Canon. In my opinion the Tamron is a far better build than the Canon and the optics for the price are superb, better than my 28-135 IS USM and not far from my 28-70L...I know that some of you would disagree with the latter, but If you use THIS Tamron enough, you will see what I mean. Sure the Focus hunts a little now and again, I truly believe that the reason people believe it hunts alot is because you can hear the lens focus, versus the USM wich you cannot, or very little. I feel the the focus is nearly as fast as my USM lenses on the EOS-3. Sure, I would like to see FTM Focus and the other gagetry on this lens too, but are they necessary for most of us? I think not. For the money, you can't go wrong with this versatile, well built lens. Grab one off the shelf somewhere and compare to the others in this range. You won't be disappointed. One thing I did learn was "Don't judge a lens by it's name " there are some pitiful builds coming out by our favorite manufactures for the lower to mid end consumer.

Customer Service

Called once for a Extra Lens cap, No Charge, recieved within a day or so.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28-70L Canon 28-135 IS Canon 28-105 USM II Primes of all focal lengths... Which really aren't similar, are they..?

Nicely built, image quality, zoom range, price

Focussing under poor light conditions.

Perfect travelcompanion: light and solid with a great zoom range. Pictures are very sharp, flare at both ends of the range is hardly noticeble. Under poor light conditions, AF hunts a little. (under most circumstances focussing works OK).

Customer Service

Not needed so far.

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None with a huge zoom range.

Excellent sharpness and contrast. Comfortable and easy to use. Great price for the quality. Close focus at all focal lengths. Well made. Six year warranty

Very slight vignetting in corners at 24mm when using filters, but not enough to create a problem. It is correctable using Photoshop.

I have been using strictly Canon lenses on the EOS system cameras which I have owned in the past twelve years. I read reviews and specifications on the Tamron 24-135 and decided to trade my Canon 24-85 USM in on one of them.What a lens! Sharp through all focal lenghts! In my opinion the Tamron 24-135 is sharper and contrast is better than either the Canon 28-105 or the 24-85. The cabability of focusing to less than sixteen inches at all focal lengths is a real plus. The prints are extremely sharp and contrast is excellent.In more than fifty years of photography this is the best zoom lens I have owned. In picture quality it equals some prime lenses I have owned.

Customer Service

Haven't needed it.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28-105 EF USM Canon 24-85 EF USM Canon 35-80 EF Canon 20-35 EF USM