Tamron SP AF 180mm F3.5 Di LD IF A-mount lens review by rsf3127

rsf3127#11401 date: Oct-23-2013
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 2 overall: 4.4	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I own this lens
compared to:	Tamron 90mm DI macro Tamron 70-300mm DI USD Minolta 100-300mm Sony 135mm 1.8f
price paid:	430 USD (used mint)
positive:	tack sharp for macro Bokeh buttery smooth
negative:	AF not practical Cannot be used as a tele prime, but this is not a negative since it is not intended to do that.
comment:	This lens is as sharp as the 90mm which I also own, and that is to say it is VERY sharp. Like its little brother, the AF hunts a lot, but the smaller one has a focus limit button, which the big guy lacks. So it will go back and forth a thousand precious seconds until it locks focus and your subject is already gone scared by the noise of the focus engine (not ultrasonic). So it is in fact a manual focus lens. This is not a problem since most modern Sony bodies have focus peaking and the focus ring is wide and well dampened. Manual focus is a breeze. Focus stacking is also very easy. I find the best combination is with my NEX-7, the LE-EA1, and my tripod. I set the shutter to front curtain and that is it. The good thing about the long focal length is that shy creatures are not disturbed. Don't try to use it as a tele. Focused at infinity, it is awfully soft and shows off lots of CA.