Has anyone ever tried the Tamron Lens?

Question

I was looking for a long distance type of lens and was tryin to find a not so expensive lens that I could practice with until I know more about it. I was wondering if anyone has tried the Tamron AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens with hood for Nikon-D DSLR Cameras?

Answer 1

If you go to B&H Photo (www.bhphoto.com) and enter "Tamron 70 300" in their search window, you will find the lens. I see only two user reviews and they are actually under the lens with a Canon mount. It seems like it's "okay for the money," but you know you are not getting a real world-class lens for under $200 anyway.

Tamron designates their "pro" lenses with a gold band around the body of the lens and this one does not have that gold band.

Hey, for your purposes, I am sure it is just fine. The best case would be that the lens turns out to be better than you expected and you will keep it forever. The worst case is that you spent $190 to get the general idea about whether or not you want to spend well over $1,000 on a really top quality lens in that focal range.

If you want to spend LESS, look at the Nikon Zoom Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Autofocus Lens for $139 at B&H. There are nine very mixed reviews. It is without a doubt a cheap lens made of all plastic. But, if you can get a lens you don't plan on keeping long for $139 instead of $189, what does it matter if it's made of plastic? (polycarbonate) See Rockwells's review here:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70300g.htm

Answer 2

I have used the 70-300mm from Tamron but I am not sure if it is the exact verson your looking at. I really felt like it was going to break on me compared to the lenses from Canon. It has slow autofocus and its not the greatest lens in the world but of course your not paying much for it. My opinion stay within the Nikon line of lenses, their quality is so much better than Tamron.

Just wondering, if your going to keep this lens and not get a replacement 70-200mm then this is not a good investment. IF your going to use it just to learn and then replace it later on with a Nikon lens then it probably would be a good investment or just use it as a living room decorador, or a paper wieght. =)

Answer 3

Here are several more user reviews http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=254&sort=7&cat=43&page=2
The common denominator is that this lens is decent when stopped down, has a relatively slow auto focus, and shouldn´t be used too much in the 200-300mm range due to deteriorating image quality (which is also true for the inexpensive Sigma and Nikon versions.)
In short, cheap reach but good value for money. Consider buying it second hand. That way if you don´t like it, or if you upgrade in a year or two, you can sell it for the same price and you´ll only have paid for the shipping.

Answer 4

I own that very lens for a Pentax mount. I've noticed at the higher focal lengths, the image does get a bit deteriated. I'd suggest keeping it under 220mm for no degredation. It's a good lens, and has a great size. The only thing is be careful when you switch it to macro. Mine seems to get stuck in macro, and it takes a bit of jiggling to get it back to normal focus. Overall, it's good lens for the $$.