Tamron AF70-300MM F/4-5.6 LD Macro

[Greg B]

Tamron AF70-300MM F/4-5.6 LD Macro

I was keen on getting the extra telephoto oomph, but having just parted with around $2k for the camera, some restraint was needed.

I looked at the Nikon 70-300, the Sigma and the Tamron.

The cheapy in each case was around $250 give or take.

The Sigma and the Tamron offer Macro capability, a nice little extra in my view.

None of these lenses is going to be top notch - the slightly better version of the Nikon is around $800. I had a feeling that maybe a cheap Tamron or Sigma might be better than a cheap Nikon (while a quality Nikon is probably better than everything else)

Anyway, I walked into the store and they had a Tamron just sitting there, desperately wanting a home. I bought it. Woohoo. Lens plus a good quality UV filter - $255, it is a sweet deal.

Results....
I am pleasantly surprised at the performance of the lens at all focal lengths and in Macro mode. While I haven't performed rigorous testing ('cos I really just want to play with it), I have zero complaints at this stage. This is a lot of happiness for not much money. Build quality is fine, eveything is tight and tidy.

Summary....
Excellent value for money

You can see more about the lens here....
http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/70300mm.asp

cheers

Greg

[birddog114]

I don't have the Tamron 70-300 but seen this link from dpreview. It's not a bad lens isn't it?
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=10187001

[Greg B]

Hi Birddog

Not sure exactly how the link relates to the tamron 70-300, however, yes, it is a good lens

cheers

Greg

[birddog114]

The guy" Candreas" has the Tamron 70-300 and he used it to shoot the swimming meet, refer to his earlier post.

[Raydar]

Well done on a great deal.

Have to be happy with that mate

Cheers
Ray

[Onyx]

I've been a fence sitter for a very long time, holding out for the "ideal" tele zoom to compliment the kit lens. This Tamron was amongst those up for consideration, but I'm still undecided.

Greg B, if you get the chance would it be possible to post some pictures from this lens, taken wide open?

I tried out a Tamron 80-200/2.8 which had surprisingly unfavourable image quality shot wide open at the long end. Which is a shame since I admire every other aspect of the lens. Here's the image: http://dr-cbtan.fotopic.net/p7168369.html
Contrast just wasn't up there with the kit lens (18-70DX). Chromatic abberation seems well controlled, but perhaps I just need to lower my expectations...

[Greg B]

OK Onyx, will do.

Wanted to get out today, but weather conditions in Melbourne decidely crapolla, hopefully be better tomorrow.

I think you need to control those expectations a bit on a lens costing AUD $240

It is very very cheap. I am viewing it as a possible interim lens. I wanted the range immediately, but had just spent so much on the camera.....

Anyhoo, I'll endeavour to get a test shot as requested

cheers

Greg

[birddog114]

GregB,
you won't disappoint with $249.00, as said I don't have but seen many of the samples, and agreed it's worth with your investment.

[Greg B]

http://greg2502.fotopic.net/c289402.html

Onyx

Sorry, it took a while, but here is a shot using the tamron at 300mm wide open (unfortunately on a dodgy Melbourne day)

I haven't done any post processing.

[Onyx]

Cheers Greg. Fair bit of fringing, but far better IMO than from the Nikkor G.