Well, not so much a take as a commentary. I like that the lens is smaller. The PZD drive does seem to make it focus a bit quicker and more quietly. We stocked it because everyone is certain that newer is better. But one thing to note here, and it’s an important thing: this isn’t the old lens with a new motor. It’s an optically different lens (fewer elements, one less low dispersion element). Better? Worse? Too early to say. But we certainly remember how the new optical formula for the Tamron 17-50 took a sharp non VC lens and made it a soft and mushy lens with excellent Vibration Control.

I’m reminded though, of an old saying “Better is often the enemy of good enough”. We shall see. One thing that isn’t better is the point at which focal length decreases. If you open another window with the original version compared to this you’ll see aperture decreases at much shorter focal lengths in the new lens. Deal breaker? No, but worth noting.

But I do just have to include Tamron’s marketing blurb: Design has been improved by adding a gold-colored band between the focus and zoom rings to enhance the appearance. Tamron, do you really pay the guys who write your copy? Really? I’m a big fan of Tamron lenses, but guys, please hire a professional to write your marketing blurbs, OK?