I joined the Tamron SP14 club

[alphaPDX]

The price was absurd for a new-in-box lens with its 6-yr US warranty (essentially half price, then 25% off), so now it's mine all mine. It hasn't been tested too thoroughly yet, that will come tomorrow

For now, here's what one can expect if the lens isn't shaded, and when it is (both images shot wide open) - focus is on the leaf at lower left of the center bud. I thought I had focused on the bud, but it was breezy.. I shall test thoroughly before I go much further in case of ff/bf issues!


..but hey, we knew that!

More will be added in the near future at http://picasaweb.google.com/alphaPDX/SP14

[David Kilpatrick]

It's a great lens. I bought one brand new for my KM 7D for only £250 when the new price was £800. At that time, the 11-18mm Tamron/KM had not been launched and of course, we had no idea the full frame format was on the way. Also, when I was using the Tamron, I did not know my 7D had slight back focus (which I later corrected using the screws) because people were initially unaware of this issue, and put it down to just soft definition from lenses on digital. So when the 11-18mm arrived and focused better (being f/4.5-5.6 and therefore showing no stop down focusing shift with the KM 7D's sensors) I sold the lens for the same price I paid for it.

Also, I thought the clearance of these lenses by one dealer meant they were about to be replaced - and that they would always sell for around £250 anyway.

Wrong on all counts! They were not being discontinued; the model was not replaced; they now sell for near list price; I would have no chance of finding one at £250 again; the f/2.8 AF sensor and far better adjustment (with micro adjustment) of the A900 would have teamed up perfectly with this lens.

However, I got a Sigma 12-24mm instead and though it is much slower, it is a more versatile lens. There is still a quality to the Tamron 14mm image which I love.



Ceiling of the church in Bergamo Alta, camera laid on church floor.



Como



In Como, fully corrected in Photoshop (original converging much like the cathedral front shot)

David

[Birma]

Lovely pictures David, but look out - the Roman Catholic Church will probably send the lawyers around for that in door shot

[alphaPDX]

David - mine seems to have some backfocus; yours sounds like a 7D issue not a lens issue? I'd love to tweak a screw or two rather than send in a new lens, if that were possible. Had the 12-24 been on sale I'd definitely have gone for that one but I'll take what chance and budget allow. I was shut out by several online bidders recently, for Sigma's lighter 14/3.5, a 16-105 and finally SAL11-18. I haven't the ability to sit at a computer and bid to the closing bell, my Federal job would be gone (assuming I could get around all the website traps they set!). Being full-frame, rectilinear and f/2.8 will compensate for being made of lead (660g) and making flares appear when I am 90° from the sun I'd have liked a lighter Sigma 15 fisheye for my aps-c A200, but those simply aren't bargains anywhere.

[InTheSky]

Welcome to the club ! .

On the A900 the lens perform not so bad. Has you remember past posting (http://www.photoclubalpha.com/forum/vie ... =27&t=2187), I have compared it to the Canon 14mm II L USM on the Canon 5D Mark II.

On my A900, the focus is precise and don't need any adjustment.

On the A700 too, I don't remember having focus problem with it.

Regards,

Frank

[InTheSky]

Why not posting some Church picture too with the A700 :

2.8 ISO 1600



7.1 ISO 400
(the photograph on the left known this was a wide angle I think ).


Because of the F/2.8, I have use it a lot in wedding for group dancing situation in low light at ISO 3200-4000 (and even in my bar rock concert). Previously I had the sigma 14mm 3.5, and this is a big improvement in this situation.

Regards,

Frank

[alphaPDX]

Yes Frank, I acknowledge you as the champion of this lens and I've been reading your notes about it for some time. This particular copy sat in the store for several months, I never thought it would hang out long enough for further discounts.. that's partly why I kept bidding on other lenses without success. I wish it were more Sigma-15 size, but am glad that the fishy distortion isn't present. But oh, those sneaky flares even when I think I'm in the shade.