Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Strong Construction

Heavy; Loud

The Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 SP XR Di II VC is an optically stabilized version of Tamron's 17-50/2.8 Di II, though the two lenses do not share exactly the same optical design. The "VC" version has one less XR glass element, but one more LD and one more aspherical element.

The Tamron 17-50/2.8 Di II VC is an update of the earlier, non stabilized Tamron 17-50/2.8 Di II. "VC" or Vibration Compensation is Tamron's equivalent to Canon's IS (Image Stabilization) and Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction).

I wanted to provide some detail about my experiences with this new lens, and it's performance in my day to day photography work. If you had asked me 15 years ago, I would have been very hard pressed to recommend a Tamron Lens, but with some work and time, they have managed to sell me on this...

Solid Construction: OK, we hear a lot about "plastic" feel and less than rugged construction; I think we will have to get used to this construction method as it will be the norm going forward.

Auto Focus Lock: OK here is where I will complain about Tamron's way of doing things; On other AF lenses that I have from Nikon, you can turn the Auto-Focus Ring, while the lens is set to Auto and it freely turns without causing any potential damage to the lens.

In one day after placing the order i realized that the UV filter i chose was wrong. They replaced it with a right one (which was more expensive) and did not charge me additionally! The camera and lenses were in brand new condition. Delivery was fast. The price was amazing.

Very fast and flexible

Finally, a fast, stable lens at an affordable price.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD ASPH (IF) is one of the first 3rd-party standard zoom lenses designed for the APS-C size bodies. Prices at about US$370 (as of October 2007) the lens is quite affordable for the mainstream consumers.

There are many similarities between the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR zoom and Sigma's 18-50mm f/2.8 EX, not least because both use professional-grade optics. Deeper under the skin, they share a seven-blade iris and have almost the same dimensions and mass.

Compact and keenly priced

Slight stiffness on zoom ring

The Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] is a very serious performer capable to deliver very sharp images at all focal lengths. Vignetting and distortion are about average for a lens in this class. CAs are a bit on the high side towards the short end of the focal range.

The Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] VC is a very promising lens based on its specifications. However, it falls somewhat short of the high expectations especially when considering the excellent performance of its non-VC variant.