Third-party lenses are sometimes considered to be lower-quality replacements for lenses built by the camera manufacturer, but that is an old story that no longer has any truth to it. These days, third-party lenses, such as those built by Tamron, are of the same quality as manufacturer lenses, but without the high price tag.
Tamron 17-50 mm f/2.8 Di-II VC
Boasting superior sharpness and excellent color rendition, this lens gives camera manufacturers' best lenses a run for their money, outdoing Nikkor and Canon L lenses in some tests. Its price tag is considerably below the Nikon and Canon lenses it competes against at $450, as of June 2011. Its range is perfect for today's crop-sensor DSLRs, offering a speed and short end that allows the photographer to capture big scenes under almost any lighting conditions while getting tack-sharp images.
1:1 Macro Lenses
Out of all the lenses that Tamron makes, its 1:1 macro lenses are its finest class. These lenses are capable of focusing on objects that are extremely close to the lens --- up to less than an inch --- and produce images that are the same size as the object, hence the 1:1 magnification ratio. Because of the complex technology and precision equipment needed to produce these lenses, as well as the skill required to build them, high-quality 1:1 macro lenses are especially sought after.
Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 Di
Every photographer needs a wide angle to short telephoto zoom lens for day-in, day-out operations. This lens needs to be sharp, fast, versatile and capable of handling the constant use and abuse that a go-to lens receives. The Tamron 28-75 mm 2.8 Di is just this lens, with excellent sharpness and resolution and a focal range that makes it suitable for any camera, be it a 35 mm camera, a crop sensor digital camera or a full-frame DSLR.
Third Party vs. First Party
The popular myth that first party, or manufacturer, lenses are the best available no longer has merit. Tamron builds lenses of extremely high quality that prove their worth with excellent image quality, color rendition and sharpness. That said, the price reduction is the result of the company's attempt to provide more efficient construction technology and quality control measures. Where first-party companies check their lenses thoroughly, third-party companies check parts of each batch, taking a representative sample of the production line. This means there is a higher chance of a bad lens slipping through the cracks and into your waiting hands. Should you happen to get one of the lenses that does not perform as well as its brethren, simply return it for a replacement.
Tags: Canon lenses, color rendition, companies check, lenses that, manufacturer lenses, Tamron 28-75, this lens
