Photoclubalpha

this lens is a constant F2.8 accorging to DPR. I wasn't expecting that was this common knowledge before?

Isn't this just the rebadged Tamron/KM 28-75/2.8???

Maybe not. the Tamron isn't motorized unless i'm missing something. and the Sony is described as a SAM lens with that micro motor thats in the 18-55

I mean rebadged and SAMmed

it's interesting at least. I think maybe Sony is having Tamron make it but doesn't that constitute a new lens? I could use an F2.8 in this range myself for when the 28-135 is too slow.. I'm hoping that because there lumping it in with the A850 that it will work well at kit lens prices.

Javelin wrote:Maybe not. the Tamron isn't motorized unless i'm missing something. and the Sony is described as a SAM lens with that micro motor thats in the 18-55

the Nikon fit Tamron 28-75 now has a micro-motor - & Nikon users prefer the screwdriven version in low light ...

Javelin wrote:Maybe not. the Tamron isn't motorized unless i'm missing something.

My Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 in Canon mount that I bought in 2003 has a motor.

I now have the high resolution press shots of the new lens, and I'm 90% certain it is a Tamron 28-75mm. Careful examination of my KM 28-75 and the press views of the lens front elements from a couple of angles confirms that the optical design is the same, or so close it is a minor revision.

So, I stay happy to be using my KM.

I think I will pop the A380 kit while still new into my local shop and let them sell it for £50 under lowest current retail as ex-demo. Might also part with the A350, and place an early order for the A550. But I don't really want it, I should wait for a model with video. That would simplify life.

David

David Kilpatrick wrote:I now have the high resolution press shots of the new lens, and I'm 90% certain it is a Tamron 28-75mm. Careful examination of my KM 28-75 and the press views of the lens front elements from a couple of angles confirms that the optical design is the same, or so close it is a minor revision.

I just checked and the Tamron at Amazon is $499. In 2003 it was about $330 in the States and I paid 33,500 yen in Tokyo -- at the time the exchange rate was $1 = 110 yen so that made it $305. The price sure has gone up! Still, it is better than the $800 for the Sony and some people may prefer the screw AF mechanism rather than the non-SSM motor in the Sony.

There must be more than one version then the one I saw on the tamron site only was for screw drive bodies.

http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/2875mm.asp

bakubo wrote:

Javelin wrote:Maybe not. the Tamron isn't motorized unless i'm missing something.

My Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 in Canon mount that I bought in 2003 has a motor.

There was never question it was a tamron re-badge. A rebadge of the motorized Nikon version to be more specific. Some of the switches even look to be carry over. Besides, it's a near certainty the SAM drive for the new lenses came from Tamron.

Also, the 67mm filter is a dead give away. That's a huge shame that Sony didn't change this to 77, or at the very least 72, just so it's inline with the system more.

I have the KM version. And the 67mm filter is a PITA.

I don't see any of us with the KM version getting this. As I'll take screw drive anyday.

Javelin wrote:this lens is a constant F2.8 accorging to DPR. I wasn't expecting that was this common knowledge before?... it's interesting at least. I think maybe Sony is having Tamron make it but doesn't that constitute a new lens? I could use an F2.8 in this range myself for when the 28-135 is too slow.. I'm hoping that because there lumping it in with the A850 that it will work well at kit lens prices.

I thought it was common knowledge from when they showed us the concept earlier this year. Also, I kinda expect any new FF lens with just 3x zoom to be f/2.8 all the way through. It's the only way to sell such limited range these days. Longer ranges will be either variable-aperture or constant f/4. Also, I don't think $800 is "kit-lens price." It's an affordable alternative to the Zeiss 24-70, but not to the Tamron 28-75 on which the new lens is surely based. I'd wager the Tamron with screw-drive AF is faster to focus than this new lens, not to mention 55 grams lighter.

A rebadged Tamron 28-75/2.8 with motor at $800 - wow! If they rebadge the 10-24 it will be probably $1300. And maybe the revive the 'old' Sony 18-70, with SAM, as high end long range zoom kit lens for $450. Don't want to know the European prices, they will be preposterous.

Bit of a joke really $800 for a re-badged tamron (Which is good, but hmm) So that's about £650 for it UK wise!
So why would you bother, sam..wow..erm probably slower than the screw drive. It's got buy the tamron all over it, cheaper by a long way.

Just specifically for that lens, I don't care. I have the KM28-75/2.8 and I am happy with it. A bit long, but it's lightweight, fast focus and gets the job done when I need F2.8. Don't need SAM. They should make it a 24-70 SSM then it might be worth $800.

Here, the 70-300 SSM is now at 1000E/ $1400 and the 70-400 at $2300 Maybe I should start painting, cycling, or grow vegetables rather than photography because I don't think the grass in greener in C or N land. I might buy another lens when there is a special deal or a serious cash-back (like when I got my A700) but not now.