Danno's reviews

  • Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF SP AF

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp from f2.8, impressive little CA, light and compact
    Noisy AF, some vignetting at f2.8

    This is a very good lens. I use it on a Canon 60D. The downsides are the AF, which is noisy and not very fast when shooting moving subjects and some vignetting at f2.8. Both downsides can be overcome when you know how to work with this lens. The lens is most sharp at the wide end. In light situations it's really good, better than my Sigma 50 f1.4 at the f2.8 setting. In darker situations, my Sigma becomes sharper than the Tamron at f2.8. I tested the Canon 24-70 f2.8, but it's less sharp on the 60D than the Tamron. Indoors I combine this lens with the 430EX II flash, great combo. Just test this lens before purchase to ensure a sharp copy. CA's are very well controlled, better than the Sigma 50. Note that on a crop sensor body you will not get much Bokeh at 2.8, you need a 1.4 prime really. For the price an excellent crop sensor lens. I don't see the point spending 850 Euro for the Canon 2.8 EF-S. Hope this helps choosing.

    reviewed May 5th, 2012 (purchased for $392)

  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Build quality, sharp at 2.8
    Fragile hood

    Bought this lens second hand from a shop yesterday.

    I wanted to buy the 4IS, but bought this lens instead.

    Despite reports of this lens not being sharp at 200mm, I find this lens sufficiently sharp at 2.8. Yesterday I was carrying my gear through an afternoon of shopping with wife and daughter to test the weight. I find the lens less heavy than expected. Most people complain too much?

    I have tested this lens against 200mm F/2.8 fixed and the 70-200mm F/4 IS. The 70-200mm 2.8 gave nicer colours than the fixed 200mm. The 4IS was boring, as I don't see the point of buying a lens similar to my 24-105L. What would I gain by spending so much money? The 70-200 2.8 is really special, I don't care about weight.

    Today I shot at the first commune of a friends daughter. Light was challenging, but with a 2.8 it was fine. With the 4IS I wouldn't have such nice photos, your lens can stabilise, but you won't stabilise children.

    I do miss stabilisation in low light of it's expensive brother, but I spend much less now and wait with that investment.

    Excellent lens, build quality, image quality including colours, just awesome. I have the 85mm F/1.8, in low light colours change, the 70-200 shows good colour and contrast at 2.8 so important.

    reviewed May 18th, 2014 (purchased for $1,225)