Tamron SP AF 70-300mm 4-5.6 Di USD A-mount lens review by godsakes
 godsakes#10546 date: Sep-28-2012 | |
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| sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4 overall: 4.2 | tested on:
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| ownership: | I own this lens |
| compared to: | Big Beercan minolta 100-300mm apo Sony 70-300mm G sigma 100-300mm f4 |
| price paid: | missing |
| positive: | Best value lens of it's class (near) silent sonic motor manageable size/weight of it's class |
| negative: | No focus limiter No VC as on other mounts Not a huge image quality jump up from mid priced options |
| comment: | First impressions: Good performer, a touch better than the mid priced lenses such as the big beercan or minolta 100-300 apo, producing a crisper image with less glow and CA than the older alternatives. I'd say the G and sigma 100-300/4 are still better lenses but on a value for money basis, it seems to be the best option for someone looking to spend more than budget money. One of the things I like about this lens is it's a decent size/weight that's manageable. It's shorter (but fatter) than the big beercan which makes the Tamron easier to fit into smaller bags and unlike the sigma 100-300mm f4 it's weight isn't problematic, it can be packed in as a just in case lens (just) where as I would be reluctant to carry the sigma around unless I was confident I needed it. AF speed is okay but nothing special (seems to pause briefly when the motor needs to change direction, as if the lens is having a think about which direction to go), but then none of the other lenses mentioned are particularly fast IMHO. The (near) silent AF motor is a nice bonus from the older models. All in all a good compromise on image quality, price and bulk, but I wish they included a focus limiter and VC. |
; 36MPrating summary
- total reviews: 55
- sharpness: 4.50
- color: 4.38
- build: 4.35
- distortion: 4.62
- flare control: 4.53
- overall: 4.47