Quote:If Matt Granger and DPReview don't count as "major".... Hmmm.BC, you've taken LensTip comment a litle out of context. Their recomendation based on price/performance/waranty ratio. It is not based on pure performance. Here is what they say for built quality for example: "Unfortunately some other parts of the inner tube are revealed in the process, including plates with electronic components. Seeing them you cannot even start talking about the lens being air-tight or sealed properly…"
How about lenstip then?
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.lenstip.com/432.11-Lens_review-Tamron_15-30_mm_f_2.8_Di_VC_USD_Summary.html">http://www.lenstip.com/432.11-Lens_review-Tamron_15-30_mm_f_2.8_Di_VC_USD_Summary.html</a>
"If I had to choose a winner of that duel I would point at the Tamron but I have to say it was only slightly better."
Or Cameralabs?
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Tamron_SP_15-30mm_f2-8_Di_VC_USD/verdict.shtml">http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Tamron_SP_15-30mm_f2-8_Di_VC_USD/verdict.shtml</a>
"This Nikkor earned a Highly Recommended rating in my review but even its very good image quality is surpassed by the Tamron in almost every comparison."
Another "individual" photographer:
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://improvephotography.com/33254/tamron-15-30mm-f2-8-review-my-new-favorite-landscape-lens/">http://improvephotography.com/33254/tamron-15-30mm-f2-8-review-my-new-favorite-landscape-lens/</a>
"If that wasn’t clear enough, I’ll put it this way. I used to own a Nikon 14-24mm and a Nikon 16-35mm. I still own a Tamron 15-30."
Don't get me wrong, If I am on the market now I would probly take the Tamron, or follow Studor13 steps.
BTW it is too early to write off the Nikon, it's a great lens for whoever can afford it.