Tamron now offers a lightweight, compact, high-image-quality telephoto zoom lens with macro capability of 1:2 that can be used with digital cameras. This new lens is a Di type lens using an optical system with improved multi-Coating designed to function with digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras.
With this 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens, flipping a macro switch in the Focal length range of 180mm to 300mm obtains a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at a minimum focus distance as short as 37.4", enabling close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other objects that normally require the use of a specially designed macro lens. Moreover, this is a zoom lens that casually offers the distant capture and foreshortening effect pleasures of the 300mm ultra-telephoto world.
Optical/Mechanical Feature Key
Tamron now offers a lightweight, compact, high-image-quality telephoto zoom lens with macro capability of 1:2 that can be used with digital cameras. This new lens is a Di type lens using an optical system with improved multi-coating designed to function with digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras.
With this 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens, flipping a macro switch in the focal length range of 180mm to 300mm obtains a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at a minimum focus distance as short as 37.4", enabling close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other objects that normally require the use of a specially designed macro lens. Moreover, this is a zoom lens that casually offers the distant capture and foreshortening effect pleasures of the 300mm ultra-telephoto world.
Let's not forget that this is a low-cost lens. At the same time, it delivers a nice tele-zoom with macro capability (make sure you read the manual, or you will never get back OUT of macro mode!!!). It "does what it says on the tin", even though it is easy to note that the picture can be a little soft, there is quite marked CA, and the autofocus labors somewhat. Construction seems solid enough, and with the included hood I would say that this does give a good value (although I haven't had the chance to compare it with the similar offerings from Sigma and Canon).
If you are an amateur photographer looking to stretch out and buy a second lens, you can;t do wrong by this one. For its price its worth having while you hone your skills. This lens is particularly good for getting pics of those critters and creatures you can;t get close enough too. Bear in mind when you use this lens to its full potential at 300mm zoomed in you have to be pretty steady, use a tripod or monopod or lean on something. Not all shots will come out great if your just hand holding as it is quite a heavy and lengthy lens. It does come with its own lens hood, something I did not realize when I ordered. The only slight beef I had was the zoom focus barrel is a little stiff, but you get used to it quickly, its not a Canon lens. Overall as a beginner I am very pleased, I got a new lens experience with good quality at a small price. I am uploading two pictures taken with this lens and a Rebel T1i at a local pond, one frog and one dragonfly, each taken from about 8ft away on Macro mode. This Lens has a normal/macro switch. The AF is not as quiet as a Canon lens, but also its not really noisy either, doesn't bother me.
Understand it's limitations and work within them, Wednesday, 02 June 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I purchased this lens nearly four years ago. Once I understood how I could use it, my frustrations decreased and my productivity increased. It is strictly for OUTDOOR USE ONLY. I've used it for sporting events and I managed to steal a couple of good shots from it. It does work satisfactorily on sunny days. However, cloudy days will reduce your shutter by 1 to 1.5 stops. The difference is enough to render the lens nearly useless or you must crank up the ISO. Nevertheless, the small aperture and the snail-like focusing speed does not lend itself to sports photography.
I primarily use it for Macro photography. It excels in that area. Using a tripod and the manual focus allows me to get pretty good images. Although the focusing distance with Macro is approximately three feet, you can still fill the frame with flowers and their petals with the 300mm zoom.
It is a good travel lens and it can work as a portrait lens as well by isolating the subject and providing a decent bokeh.
The lens does not excel in any particular area. It provides you with the opportunity to try different areas of photography and as you grow you can upgrade to lenses that provide better quality but not the versatility. Considering the lens is less than $200, you can create great images with the understanding of what it can do and what it cannot.
I've had it for four years and I'm starting to get Err99 messages. With that said, I plan to purchase another one as well.
I am relatively new to the SLR picture taking world. All along i have been using point and shoot and was never much into photography until i bought my first Canon rebel XS. The canon came with a 18-55mm standard lens. The canon lens was alright with not much WOW factor to it. I bought the tamron lens so that i could have a better range on my pictures and i was happily surprised by the picture quality. The Tamron lens took sharper and more realistic pictures as compared to the 18-55mm canon lens. I have not used any other brands so to me the Tamron lens is very well made and well worth the money i paid for it (Amazon - $164) Overall it was a very good buy and with the 6 years warranty, this deal beats all. I will definitely look into getting another Tamron for my next lens.
I'd forgotten I had this lens until a couple of weeks ago. It was in a bottom compartment of my camera bag. I pulled it out one night having forgotten what it was, realized I hadn't shot with it in several years, slapped it on my 40D and haven't had it off since (three weeks, now)!
I love this lens. I've had none of the problems mentioned in the negative reviews, except occasional slight CA in some shots. Consistently sharp -- even at 300mm. Even hand-held! Terrific Depth of field control and bokeh. Solid color rendering. Beautiful "macro" (actually, near-macro) effects.
Sure, I've got "better" more expensive lenses. But for one piece of general all-purpose daily walk-around glass that's ready for virtually ANY situation from insect to human portrait to telephoto action and wildlife and landscape shots -- at this remarkable price point -- this lens can't be beat without paying twice (or far more) as much.
Picture quality and price outweighs bulkiness and , Saturday, 09 January 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I bought this lens just to capture a moon shot (a newb had to do it). I did a comparison with Sigma and Canon but since I am a cheap-o I settled with this one. Under optimal conditions, i.e. clear sky, preferred moon phase, use of tripod and shutter release cable, the photo that I captured is pretty impressive. The details of the moons' surface is remarkable and there is very little Chromatic aberration. I live in Seattle where the rain never stops and so when it is cloudy or foggy at night, the shots that I captured would need a whole lot of post-processing.
I've also tried it using the macro mode and boy it produces silky smooth bokeh! I've yet to experiment more on this feature.
The down side is this lens is really heavy and huge. DSLR cameras are bulky and this lens adds up to the bulkiness. Don't get too frustrated though. The quality of pictures you get outweighs this disadvantage imo.
Overall, I think it is worth the price and a good upgrade from your kit lens.
The price for this lens truly is a fabulous deal. In that aspect, you can't really go wrong -- unless you're so hard up for money that you can't buy your children food ... but I would assume you wouldn't be looking at camera lenses if that were the case. The price for this lens on Amazon has fluctuated between $129 and $165, from what I've seen, and it meets and surpasses expectations for that amount of dough.
That being said, this is not a true macro lens. Yes, it has a macro mode, but because it can only be activated in the 180-300mm range, what you're getting is close-up photos, not macro photos. Which is fine, no big deal ... if you don't know or care about what true macro photography entails. For most people's needs, this lens will work just fine. You have to remember to compare apples to apples, though. The Tamron 70-300mm is not going to stack up against a $1,000 macro lens, so be mindful of that. Many other reviewers seem to have purchased this Tamron with the majority intent of utilizing the telezoom; I purchased it for the sole intent of using the macro mode, and so because of that, I am slightly -- but not totally -- disappointed.
In comparison with my Canon 55-250mm IS lens -- I took exactly the same photos of several different objects with the Canon and with the Tamron -- the quality of the Tamron is as good or better. So if you're looking for good telezoom capabilities and great-looking pictures, I give this two thumbs up. If you're looking to shoot true macro pictures, you'll have to fork over more dough for better lens, I'm afraid.
In regards to the quality, I found this to be a well-built piece that feels sturdy and smooth at the same time. So no complaints in that department. The lens hood is a nice bonus, too.
If it were possible, I would actually give this product a 3.5 rating.
Overall, happy with my purchase but wish I had the money to buy a real macro lens. Someday ...
When there's enough light for this to work, you get Chromatic aberration, when there' s low light you get nothing(4 seconds to eternity to focus). Canon 55-250mm is or sigma APO 70-300mm will do the trick. I would recommend Canon 55-250IS since its fast autofocus and Image stabilization.
while the AF works well and relativly quick, keeping a moving subject in focus it tricky, the image quality is poor in relation to most stock camera lenses. there is high ammount of chromatic abrasion to the edges, and the picture sharpness is shocking to say the least, the macro functions from 180mm-300mm, but even with a sturdy tripod its hard to get a good, shake free shot. while this is a budget lens i cant see any usable application for it, not even for a beginner like me. if you want a good lense then i suggest the sigma 70-300mm apo dg macro. has some grate reviews, heading out to pick one up now, like i should have done when i purchased this one.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it Where did you buy this item?: jessops Price paid: 90 When did you buy this item?: 22/12/09
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: No Pros: only the price Cons: while the AF works well and relativly quick, keeping a moving subject in focus it tricky, the image quality is poor in relation to most stock camera lenses. there is high ammount of chromatic abrasion to the edges, and the picture sharpness is shocking.
What I can tell you is that this store gets your order prepared and back in the mail to you in a hurry. I received my order as I was told that I would and it was in a factory sealed box too. It is a Christmas present so it has not been tested but I have no doubt that it will perform. I will write another review after the holidays and we have had a chance to test it out.
My husband asked for a "zoom" lens and this should work for him. This lens came with a better warranty than others I looked at. Thanks.
tell me how to use this lens with my sony dslr 200, Tuesday, 01 December 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
JUST GOT MY AF70-300 FOR MY SONY DSLR A200...BUT IT WONT TAKE A PICTURE?! THE LENS MOVES ON ITS OWN BUt when i press button for picture taking-nothing happens? i am a newbie at this and need help how to use this lens with my sony camera...help!!!
Es un buen lente en terminos generales, buena construcción, agradable al tacto, luce profesional en su visual. sinembargo hay un par de cosas que hace que no sea un lente del todo bueno, en principio podemos decir que es sobresaliente entre 70 - 200mm, pero la cosa cambia a 300mm donde no define bien la imagen, poca nitidez y detalle a esa distancia focal, varias aberraciones cromáticas, pero eso es algo que todos los lentes suelen tener. la función Macro está bien para sacarle algún provecho, tampoco es la ideal.
- Buena construcción
- Buen Precio - buena calidad entre 70-200mm - Enfoque suficientemente rápido (en este tipo de lentes).
- trae parasol ( tamron y sigma suenlen harcerlo ).
contras:
- Poca nitidez en los 300mm - aberraciones cromáticas purpuras en contraluz.
- Boton de autofoco dificil de acceder.
podemos decir que su hermano Tamron 75-300mm tiene mejor calidad y nitidez, pero no esta mal este lente, se trabajan muy bien las focales 70-200mm, donde es muy nítido.
Great deal! Just take time to learn it!, Tuesday, 03 November 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
I've learned to use this lens. I've been shooting with a Canon XSI close to a year now and I'm very happy with the experience so far but it's been a learning curve for me. I have 3 other lenses, one of them a Sigma 18-200mm IS lens which is my main lens but over time I've learned to shoot with the Tamron lens to take advantage of the extra focal length it offers and for some macros. I've also taken some great portrait shots of my son (5.5 months old) with this lens. If you shoot with this lens outdoors in the day light use 1/300 for shutter speed and I do the same indoors unless I use a tripod. They recommend a 1/100 sec shutter speed for every 100mm on the focal lenth if you don't have image stabilization and this has worked for me very well. I like the sharpness and color reproduction of the pictures I get with this lens and that's why I highly recommend it, specially for under $200.
So my recommendation is to take extra time to learn photography and to use this lens and you'll end up with great shots and a much better overall experience.
Some nice features, but not a great lens, Saturday, 10 October 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
2.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
2.0
I purchased this lens because I read a review of it in the approximate Canon equivalent it was mentioned in the review that the Canon had a little fuzziness on the high telescopic end and that was not mentioned for this lens I also liked this lens because it had the macro feature which the Canon did not. It was also a little less expensive. Since putting this lens on my camera I have found that very few of my telephoto or macro pictures have been as crisp as I would like. This may be my fault or the lens, but I did not get the results I hoped for. I also found it rather odd that to get out of macro mode I have to turn the focus to manual and extend to infinity which seems a strange thing to do and was not obvious until I did some more experimenting. I also learned with this lens the 300 mm is not as much magnification as I would really like for wildlife photography. Overall I am not dissatisfied with this purchase but I guess I am considering future purchases of higher-end lenses when I can afford them.
