Tamron 70-200 f/2.8

Mini Review for Tamron 70-200 F/2.8

I was at my local photo store today and saw the new Tamron 70-200 F/2.8 lens. Thus far reviews for this lens on the net are scarce.
My initial impressions are that the lens is very light for what it offers. It is much lighter than the Canon 70-200 USM IS F/2.8L and even lighter than the canon 70-200 USM IS f/4L.
I looked through the lens with the shops Digital Rebel XTi, it felt unbalanced mounted on this lighter camera. I think the balance would feel much better on a Canon 40d, 30d, or 20d. The autofocus is noticeably on the slower side due to it's lack of ultrasonic motor (canon) or hypersonic motor (sigma).
Although it the lens does have a lot of plastic on it the build quality seems good. It has two large rubber rings for focusing and zoom, these dials operate smoothly.
I looked at some sample shots and the lens does deliver some excellent bokeh in my opinion. the color tones appeared on cooler side, but I have not seen enough photos for a firm judgment on that.

The Price is what really caught my eye, this lens retailed at my notoriously overpriced photo shop for $750.00 so I am sure cheaper deals can be had online. Considering that a Canon 70-200 USM IS F/2.8 retails for $1200 to $1800 this is certainly a lens I would like to hear more about.

So please share if you know more about this lens, or any sites who have conducted reviews.

This lens received a very nice review in the latest edition of the American photography magazine Popular Photography. The link to the review is, http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/5436/tamron-70-200mm-f28-di-ld-macro-af-sp-lens-test.html

I hope this helps out.

Tim