Hi there

I own an EOS 300 (think it's called a Rebel 2000 in the US?) with the standard 'kit' lenses - 28-80mm and 75-300mm. I am considering buying a half decent wide angle zoom as I tend to do a lot of landscape photography. The two lenses I am looking at are the Canon EF20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 (can't afford the L series!) and the Tamron AF20-40mm f/2.7-3.5. Can anybody give me any advice on the difference in quality between these two lenses please?

I note the Tamron lists for $1388 but can be had for $660 from B&H ($300 more than the Canon, which is available for $360). I assume it must therefore be a superior lens? Is this right?

Also, I may be able to get hold of one of the Tamron lenses second hand - any ideas on what a fair price would be?

Grateful for any help/advice you can offer.

-- Graham Evans (Graham.Evans@dotars.gov.au), May 07, 2002

Answers

I have the Canon 20-35 and it is an excellent lens. It is also slow. Since I use it for outdoor nature photography, scenics, landscapes, etc., the speed is not an issue and my results have been exceptional. Some sources have indicated the 20-35/3.5-4.5 lens is optically as good as the Canon EF 17-35/2.8L zoom.

I doubt the Tamron lens is "superior". It is faster. Faster means it costs more to design and build. That means it will cost more.

You can save yourself some money by buying the Canon since you indicate you're planning on using it for landscapes. The Canon lens is a true bargain--something you don't find in the Canon line very often.

-- Lee (Leemarthakiri@sport.rr.com), May 07, 2002.

I agree.. I also own the canon 20-35mm USM lens. It is slow, but not a problem outdoors.

The focus is much quicker then the old tokina 20-35mm (non USM)

-- Pete (gregarpp@icqmail.com), May 07, 2002.

Canon weighs less, costs less, tests slightly lower at photodo.com (3.4, vs. 3.7 for the Tamron). Only you can weigh the importance of each of these considerations, but I like the feel of Canon's OEM lenses and have been very pleased with my 20-35. . . .

...

-- Terry (tcdvorak@aol.com), May 07, 2002.

Pop photo tested the Tamron in feb 1995 and scored it extreemly high.It was said to be (remarkaby sharp)at all apertures and focal lenghts. I own the 20-35f2.8L not the non L, if you can afford to get a good used 20-35L you will never regret it, It is truly one of the best performing wide zooms ever made. JC

-- joecap (joemocap@yahoo.com), May 07, 2002.

My experience with Tamron was dismal. Aperture was not closing around freezing temperature. Sent it to Tamron to fix, they said it was normal, and lens should not be used in cold weather. Canon's any lens is no problem.

-- Boris Krivoruk (boris.krivoruk@kp.org), May 08, 2002.

My experience with Tamron was dismal. Aperture was not closing around freezing temperature. Sent it to Tamron to fix, they said it was normal, and lens should not be used in cold weather. Canon's any lens is no problem, even way below feezing.

-- Boris Krivoruk (boris.krivoruk@kp.org), May 08, 2002.