Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC pricing and availability; aims at 70-200 f/4 rivals

NikonRumors reports that pricing for the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC has been announced at $1499 (from B&H Photo Video), shipping on Nov. 30. I think the price was designed to aim at the Canon 70-200 f/4 IS ($1349) and the recently-announced Nikon 70-200 f/4 VR ($1399 + $199 for tripod collar) So what Tamron is saying is that for about the same price, you could get a lens that is a full stop faster.

Of course the question is whether the 70-200 2.8 VC has comparable image quality at f/4 and has at least a usable image quality at f/2.8. Many photographers who shoot only with first-party lenses may be skeptical of that. As for me, I don't mind using 3rd party lenses (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina) and I haven't seen shots from the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC but it's possible.

I had the Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC and it was one of my sharpest lenses, even at 2.8 (reviewed here). According to DXO, it outperforms the much more expensive Nikon 17-55 2.8 (which doesn't even have stabilization).

I also have an upcoming review for the Tamron 70-300 VC. I haven't shot enough with the 70-300 VC yet, but so far it looks quite good. And if you look around for reviews on it, you'll see that it is at least equal to if not slightly better than the Nikon 70-300 VR. Of course there are also Tamron lenses that are not very good compared to their Canon or Nikon equivalents. But my point is, it's at least possible that the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC may meet or exceed the image quality of the Nikon 70-200 f/4 VR or Canon 70-200 f/4 IS. I will be looking forward to reviews of the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC.

UPDATE:
Roger Cicala tests the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC (Canon mount) and the Nikon 70-200 f/4 VR:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/12/quick-resolution-tests-on-two-new-70-200s


Review of the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC for Canon
http://www.photonews.ca/?p=5849