Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras
- Fast f 2.8 telephoto zoom
- Excellent macro magnification of 1:3.1
- Includes case and lens hood
- Removable lightweight Tripod Holder
- 6 year manufacturers warranty
Tamron A001 AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens – 0.32x – 70mm to 200mm – f/2.8 While overall dimensions are confined to the absolute minimum, the new SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 zoom lens is packed with features that allow stress-free photography: a versatile MFD of just 37.4 over the entire zoom range best-in-class maximum macro magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at f=200mm and an advantageous internal focusing (IF) system. The new tele-zoom lens covers a desirable focal length range of 70mm medium telephoto to 200mm telephoto when mounted on full-size format SLR cameras and a focal length range from 109mm to 310mm* ultra telephoto when mounted on a DSLR camera with an APS-C sized imager. AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens Pentax Mount Flower-shaped hood Lens Case
List Price: $ 1,622.95
Price: $ 769.00
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Great lens at the great price. The best lens of Tamron. Nikon version.,
I have used this lens 3 weeks so far, took around 300 pictures. This is the greatest lens Tamron has ever made, I think! I were so surprised about its optical performance, far more than what I expected!! I owned Tamron 28-75 before and this lens is even much better optically. Super sharp in all aperture stops, even at 2.8 ! The colors are very true-to-life and bokeh are so wonderful, creamy. The AF is pretty accurate although not very quiet ( on my D80), but still quieter than the Nikon 80-200 I tried before. The weight: lightest in the class. Built: very nice.You can take off the tripod collar easily to make it much lighter if you don’t need a tripod. If you don’t shoot pro and fast sports to earn money, this lens will meet all your needs. The only missing on this lens is VC ( or VR). But you can not require that at this price! Get it, and you will happy with it.
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|Tamron vs. it’s main competitors,
I was doing my research prior to buying this lens for couple of weeks. I read everything I could find on the internet about this lens as well as it’s competitors.
First, let me provide you with quick summary of my findings:
1. Major competitors for this lens are:
a. Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 OS. This lens is very sharp according to all reviews I read. It has fast and precise auto focus, high quality image stabilization. This is clearly the best lens out there. The negative side is cost (3 times as much as Tamron!) and watch out for defective lens (quality control issues). Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S NIKKOR Lens For Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
b. Sigma 70-200mm f2.8. This version doesn’t have image stabilizer. Compare to Tamron it has faster focus but lower quality glass. Image resolution is significantly lower and shows worse results with teleconverters then you get with Tamron. There are some complains about focus motor goes bad and coating of the lens is easy to scratch. I also want to mention that tests showed slight color cast with Sigma lens. There is a new version available for pre-order that has image stabilization. Nobody tested this new version yet, also cost went up 2 times! Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
c. Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 – No Image Stabilization. This lens received good feedback from user community and from pros. Resolution is good but not as sharp as Tamron. Cost is about 50% more. There are number of complains about quality of manual/auto focus switch that breaks by it-self. Cost of repair is about $300 to $400 (don’t remember exact number). Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
2. Now lets talk about Tamron 70-200mm for Nikon. I got this lens 2 days ago and shot lots of subjects and test charts to calibrate focus and evaluate performance.
a. Focus speed – This is THE MOST common complain about this lens. The focus motor on this lens is faster then screwdriver used on 50mm 1.8 prime, but not even close to Nikkor 16-85mm VR. It’s not fast but acceptable in most situations. I usually track my subject for a little while before pulling trigger, so speed should not be a problem. Sometimes this lens takes a while to focus (like 2 seconds). It happens when room has low lights or subject doesn’t have contrast edge. Tip: release shutter and press again and it will focus way quicker second time. Focusing performance is fine with flashlight focus assist lamp. I feel that focus is not great, but acceptable sacrifice for high quality glass and lower cost.
b. Resolution – I was concerned with results from dpreview that showed major degradation in sharpness at 135mm f2.8. I’m happy to report that it’s not a case with my sample. Resolution is very good from 70-170mm and goes somewhat softer by 200mm at f2.8 aperture. Stopping down to f3.2 from f2.8 increases resolution significantly for entire zoom range. Note: 3.2 vs. 2.8 is only 1/3 EV stop. The sweet aperture spot for my sample is f3.5 to f8. I got very decent results from f3.2 to f16. In general, sharpness in sweet spot is the same as my prime 50mm f1.8 lens at f4.0 aperture (the sharpest aperture for this lens).
c. Contrast – somewhat low at f2.8 but is fine by f3.2 aperture setting.
d. Manual Focus – I liked clutch type focus ring. If you pull focus ring toward camera body it goes to manual focus, push it outside and auto focus is engaged. It’s fast and easy. Try it couple of times and it feels natural to use. However, it’s not easy to focus at 200mm 2.8. Depth of field is extremely shallow and any minor errors are very easy to see.
e. Macro performance – Tamron is the only lens out of all listed that offers you reasonable macro performance. Sigma and Nikon can’t focus as close as Tamron can.
f. Calibration results – lens had front focus which I was able to correct using Nikon D300 lens adjustment settings.
Couple of words about Image stabilization. Image Stabilization allows you to use slower shutter speed by an average of 3 EV stops. Let’s say you can make sharp picture without image stabilization at 1/200s with 200mm zoom.Image stabilization would allow you to make similar sharp image at 1/25s 200mm. Image stabilization works great with static objects, but doesn’t help with…
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|No brainer 4.5 stars,
All of you out there that are reading this review of the Tamron 70-200 are probably in one of two categories. 1) Looking for a fast low light zoom but don’t wont to pay the price of the Nikon/Canon 2.8 tele or 2) Your looking for a backup telezoom for your Nikon/Canon. I do wedding, family, sports shoots as a side biz and I’m in category 1. You’re probably worried about buying it and it not Auto Focusing fast enough or having some other issues that you’ve read……because that was a concern of mine. Let me put you at ease…..don’t worry, the Tamron 70-200 is fantastic! In fact I was so pleased that I ended up purchasing other Tamron lenses. The 28-75 f/2.8 and also the 17-35 f/2.8-4mm and all 3 have been exceptional to say the least.
AF – Lets get to what everyone is concerned about…Auto Focus. I have two Nikons that I’ve use this lens on. A D5000 (cropped 1.5x sensor) that I use for quick pics of the kids and vacations (non paying gigs) and a D700 full frame for my professional paying gigs and if the kids have very special events like my daughters kindergarten graduation. I’m really not seeing what everyone is fussing about this lens AF’s just as fast as my Nikon DX lens….55-200 VR for example. I use this lens for in and out doors and have never had a problem with it auto focusing. It’s like any lens you use…..take a person dressed in black standing in front of a black background and any lens will have a hard time trying to find the focus. Adjust your focal point on the face where the contrast is different and boom it finds it. This is only rare occasions but it does happen sometimes and it also happens with my Nikkors. One thing I do notice is my D700 AF quicker compared to my D5000. It’s not by much but it is noticeable, but not an issue. I honestly believe it’s due to the difference of the AF systems in the two cameras. D700 is known for its superb AF.
AF Accuracy – Spot on, never a problem. I have my D700 set where it will not release the shutter unless it’s in focus and I’ve never have had a problem with it being fooled or hunting for focus unless it’s in a dark closet.
AF loudness – Is the Tamron louder than the Nikkor lenses when Auto focusing? Yes it is. It’s not quiet but it’s not loud by any means. You have to remember you’re the one looking through the viewfinder and of course you’re going to hear it. Others won’t even notice it. The shutter closing/opening when taking a picture is twice as loud as the Tamron AF system. It’s not even an issue. I don’t know if I would take it out to the Amazon taking pics of dangerous and exotic animals where my life depended on it……but then again you’d still probably be ok. Remember the shutter is louder than the auto focus…..again it’s not even an issue I don’t think.
Sharpness – Super sharp at all focal lengths. I’ve actually have been very pleased with all of my Tamrons and the sharpness it produces. When hand held at 200mm 2.8 it is a tad softer but 95% of that is due to camera shake. I’ve tested this and have mounted it on a tripod at that setting with sharp as a tack results. Vibration Reduction or Tamrons VC would be a huge plus but it’s not totally necessary.
Construction – Very well made, very hefty and durable. I’ve used Nikons version and it’s a fantastic piece of engineering that is weather sealed, built like a tank and is without a doubt more durable. I think this is where the price difference is. The Tamron is not cheap feeling by any means. When you hold it you know its made very well but the Nikon just takes that to another level which is why its $2000 plus US dollars and the fact this it has Vibration Reduction. If you’re going to be going through some rugged terrain on a paid photo shoot it would only make sense to purchase the Nikon. Honestly if you took care of the Tamron and kept it clean I’m sure it could make it out fine also but I wouldn’t try it.
Overall – Superb sharpness, old school but very effective AF system and AF accuracy, AF noise is not a problem and is really not even loud enough to even mention in this review but I know people have brought it up and are concerned. I’m 100% pleased. Even if I would have paid more I still would have been pleased but that’s the beauty of Tamron. Giving you a great professional lens at a great price. Quick story: I was outside under the patio just a couple of days ago taking pics of the massive storm that we had here in Oklahoma using this lens. I would AF on the clouds and press the shutter and to my surprise the shutter would not release. Remember I have it set where it will not take the pic unless it’s in perfect focus. After a few times of this I was getting very frustrated and thought to myself……..this is what everyone must be talking about when they mean the Tamron has trouble AFing. Few seconds later the shutter goes off taking pics of nothing…
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