Tamron 'Di' range of lenses for digital cameras vs previous range of lenses ?

Question

Is there a noticeable difference in the 'di' lenses produced by Tamron vs the previous lenses withouth the 'di' logo ? Their web site does not give much detail at all on the differences. The 'di' range is significantly more expensive.

Answer 1

The Di (for full frame or cropped) and Di ll (for cropped only) are supposed to be superior to regular Tamron lenses in the following respects:
* higher resolution
* better control of flare and ghosting
* less light fall-off
* lower chromatic aberration
When you condsider that the Di line also includes a few constant f/2.8 zooms, it seems that they're even aiming for pros - like Sigma with their EX line. And indeed, places like photo.net give the 17-50 and the 28-75 great reviews. PopPhoto even calls the 17-50 one of the 10 best lenses of 2006. So if you can do without image stabilzation and the rugged build quality of name brand pro lenses, these Di lenses seem to be the next best thing. And really, that's a far cry from the quality Tamron was known for.