Hi Gidders,
Because it will be replacing my 17-85mm, I need to keep the wide end for other 'walkabout' stuff. I also have a 60mm f2.8 macro for a little bit longer portraits, which will will probably be better than the tamron when used specifically for the task of portraiture. However I'm really wanting one lens that can cater for a lot of situations, so I can keep weight down if I were to go somewhere that I 'may' have the opportunity to photograph stuff, but am not planning on it (otherwise I'd take all the kit, bells and whistles included).
I have worked quite a lot with thin dof, to bring out features (eyes etc...), what I'm really wondering about is the contrast/sharpness/autofocus of this lens. I used to use a 50mm f2.0 on an oly (although that had dof closer to f/2.8 on a canon/nikon), and that had great clarity and contrast. Here's an example:
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...raits/mum1.jpg
I'm wanting a lot for the money from a walkabout lens, probably more than what's on offer, but I hope to get the best I can as it is one of the most important lenses one can own.