I've always been a bit wary of the off-brand lenses. Well, of Sigma and Tamron mostly, Tokina has always been in a different class. You used to hear so many horror stories about faulty Tamrons and Sigmas.

But that was years ago. Everybody says both companies have improved their quality control and build standards enormously over the last few years.

Hmmm.....

Over the years I have bought about 20 Canon lenses. Failure rate out of 20? Zero.

Over the years I have bought 3 Tokina lenses. Failure rate out of 3? Zero.

I just bought my first ever Tamron. Tried it out in anger for the first time this week. Dud. Failure rate out of 1? 100%.


This is what you get at f/1./8.



I haven't checked to see the exact point at which the fault goes away, but it does go away as you stop down.

Anyway, now that I've had my grumble, I guess I'd better send it off. Should I send it back and ask for a refund? Or trust them to fix it so that it actually works properly?