Tamron SP AF 180mm F3.5 Di LD IF A-mount lens review by moedius
 moedius#44263 date: Apr-24-2019 | |
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| sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 3 overall: 4.1 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Sigma 105mm 2.8 Macro Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 APO EX DG Macro II |
| price paid: | 249 USD |
| positive: | * Sharpness and general IQ is great * 1\1 @ about 1.5ft * Lightweight but decently built plastic * Removeable tripod collar * Decent bokeh and colors * Large easy to use focus ring, internal focusing * Filter ring control |
| negative: | * Plastic build * Huge lens, large front element and a massive hood * Slow focusing |
| comment: | I don't have much to compare to, this is the longest dedicated macro I have, and also has the longest lens hood I've ever owned, and the only one I have with a filter ring control. My copy came with a Tamron branded CPL, I'm not sure if that was an original accessory or if it was added by the seller, but it's a nice plus considering the largish filter ring. Focusing speed is what you would expect from a screw-driven macro lens - it's not bad but it's got a long throw. I have not had problems making it work and not had any real issues with hunting. I use the limiter whenever possible on the a77ii to assist in speed. Needed a small MFA to get AF accuracy. The lens is very sharp, even wide open, and distortion control is good. 3.5 @ 180mm creates a very thin dof, plenty of separation, and pleasant oof. Shooting towards the open end, there's a good bit of fringing, but it's not been difficult to clean up in post, unlike the CA from the Sigma 70-200\2.8 Macro II which tends to be a huge pain. I haven't intentionally created flare yet, but there's a reason it has that huge hood and you'll need it if you're shooting anywhere close to towards a bright source. Contrast and color is much better with a deep hood on. If I can get away with it I use a smaller 3rd party hood, but at least the big one is there when necessary. All told, I'm quite pleased with this lens. I can't imagine it would be an everyday carry around lens for most people, but it's a lot of bang for your buck and its a lot of fun to use, which is in many ways, the ultimate test. I haven't tried this with a 3x teleconverter or macro extension tubes yet to push the extremes, but I will try eventually. |
rating summary
- total reviews: 38
- sharpness: 4.78
- color: 4.68
- build: 4.29
- distortion: 4.74
- flare control: 4.42
- overall: 4.58