softreq's reviews

  • Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di SP AF

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp, useful focal range
    Max aperture changes from F2.8 to F4 in a fairly narrow zoom range.

    The 17-35 lets you get in close to the action while achieving a wide framing of your shot.

    The lens is very sharp at F5.6 or greater.

    Some lens distortion at 17mm.

    The curved lens surface makes you wonder if you will scratch it.

    For the money, this is an excellent lens.

    reviewed October 28th, 2005 (purchased for $500)

  • Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF SP AF

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very nice contrast. Sharp. Good build quality. F2.8 max aperture.
    Kinda wish it was 17-85.

    This is a very sweet lens.

    Nice and sharp, good contrast.

    I love the Tamron look to my shots.

    Very good build quality, useful zoom range.

    Nice to have the F2.8 max aperture.

    Kinda wish it was a 24-85.

    This is an excellent lens for a Rebel XT or a Canon 20D.

    If I lost this lens, I would buy another one, just on the principle that this is a classic lens.

    reviewed October 28th, 2005 (purchased for $420)

  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp, light, reasonably contrasty, well priced.
    I guess the F4 max aperture.

    Nice light lens with excellent build quality.

    Very sharp, reasonably contrasty.

    Obviously an F2.8 max aperture would be better than the F4, but then it would be much more pricey if that were the case.

    I think it's a very good lens for outdoor or general photography.

    reviewed October 28th, 2005 (purchased for $600)

  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

    7 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp. Lightening fast focus.
    Build quality is very good, but I expected better.

    Lens is sharp.

    I haven't found a problem at F1.4, but the depth of field is so narrow, I tend to work with this lens at F2.8 or F3.4.

    Lightening fast focus.

    The build quality is very good but I expected excellent.

    It's a good lens, but the F1.8 version is much cheaper.

    reviewed October 28th, 2005 (purchased for $320)