Not impressed with Tamron... Need recommendation for new lens

Recently I had the opportunity to borrow a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] and was not impressed by the lack of sharpness when shooting wide open. I could not figure out for the life of me why all of my photos seemed out of focus and then for some reason thought that it might be a front or back focusing issue. So I put the D7100 on a tripod and put a book on the couch with a ruler at a 45˚ angle. At f/2.8 I noticed a front focusing issue. According to my math, the camera is focusing 10mm in front of where it shows the focus point was.


I did attempt to adjust the settings on my D7100 to compensate for the problem, but it made no difference.

At f/4 it focused correctly, so I'm wondering if it is possible that the lens had a misaligned element. But if that was the case, wouldn't it affect focal points regardless of aperture? The only argument based on what I just said is that as the aperture closes, the focal range increases.



Regardless, I found the lens more of a headache than anything else. I am in the market for something similar, but a I am on a tight budget. I have about $400-$500 to play with and am wondering what lens is recommended for sharpness (and correct focus) when wide open.

I am also considering maybe getting a Sigma 105mm (or something equivalent to it). The main thing I am looking for in a lens is image stabilization. I am on medication that gives me the shakes.

Nikon,s refurbished 16-85 falls into that price range but do not know if you would think it fast enough; Except for macro, I use mine constantly.

I do have the nikon 35mm f1.8 but need setting with a little more reach.

As far as zoom I'm looking for something a little faster. My best friend and my sister are getting married this summer and plan on taking some photos. My sisters "country themed" reception will be outdoors under what I can only describe as a huge barn that had the walls removed. Later in the evening there will not be much light and I don't really don't want to use my flash because I don't want to be in the way of photographer that shooting her wedding.

My other lens is a Sigma 18-250mm OS HSM.

If you can't find the right priced lens in time, you could always rent one. Borrow Lenses rents Nikon AF-S 85mm 1.4 for around $80 for 7 days.


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Try the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 macro C. It's a very sharp lens, light and compact, I chose it over a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8.

Chito said:

Try the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 macro C. It's a very sharp lens, light and compact, I chose it over a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8.

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I was actually looking at that lens a few minutes ago. I might be renting one to see how I like it.

I just bought a Sigma DC 17-70mm F/2.8-5 OS AF HSM one fleabay and it left me enough to purchase a broken 50mm f/1.4g lens that I know I can repair. Thanks for the recommendations!