Save Big on the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8

Our favorite fast zoom is on deep discount

By deadwolfbones in Deals and Savings on Jan 24, 2017

Word on the street (though as-yet-unconfirmed) is that Tamron has discontinued its legendary 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] zoom lens. That's sad news for fans of high-quality budget lenses everywhere, but great news if you're in the market to pick one up. Retailers are clearing stock, and as a result, this excellent constant-aperture normal zoom is down to just $299 at US stores including B&H Photo and Adorama. That's $200 off the regular price, which saw virtually no discounts over the course of the past year! You also get 4% back in gift card rewards at both stores. That's a steal considering that this is a lens that borders on professional image quality.

Get your 17-50mm F2.8 now:

A few years back, we pitted the Tamron against its Sigma and Pentax equivalents, and it scored a solid runner-up result, beating out the revered Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 and only slightly edged by the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS. At the time, we praised it for its excellent sharpness and bokeh, not to mention its superb value. With this sale, that value proposition goes through the roof.

This isn't a perfect lens: the build quality could be better, and we've heard plenty of reports of front- or back-focusing. But lucky for you, you have the reassurance of excellent return policies from either store.

All in all, you can't get a better f/2.8 zoom for the price, so if you've been looking to upgrade from your 18-55mm kit lens (or add a handy all-around zoom to your prime lens lineup) don't miss out on this deal.