Tamron's legendary budget standard zoom — the 28-75mm f/2.8 that punched well above its price class.
The Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro (Model A09) was launched in 2003 and quickly became one of the most recommended third-party lenses in history. It offered constant f/2.8 across the standard zoom range at a fraction of the price of Canon and Nikon equivalents, making professional-grade shallow depth of field accessible to enthusiasts.
Optical performance punched dramatically above its price class. Centre sharpness is excellent from wide open, rivalling lenses costing three times as much. Corner performance is good by f/4. Bokeh is smooth and pleasant. The lens is known for particularly good performance at 50-75mm for portraits. Autofocus is adequate but not as fast as Canon or Nikon's own f/2.8 zooms.
Available in Nikon F mount and Canon EF. Filter thread is 67mm. Weight is approximately 510 grams — significantly lighter than OEM f/2.8 standard zooms. Build quality is adequate plastic with a metal mount. No weather sealing and no image stabilisation. The LD and XR elements help control chromatic aberration and keep the design compact.
Extremely common on the used market and very affordable. Check for AF accuracy — front or back focus can be an issue on some copies. The zoom ring and focus ring should move smoothly. One of the greatest value propositions in used lens buying — a genuine f/2.8 standard zoom for well under £200. The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III for mirrorless is the spiritual successor.