Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras by Tamron
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Digital camera reviews of Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: Great Pics from a Budget-Priced Lens
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had this for about a week, and I've been very pleasantly surprised by the picture quality. I looked at two other lenses; the Sigma APO version of this, and the Sony 75-300, and the reviews as compared to the Tamron were similar. I thought it was interesting that the most negative review that the Tamron received was about the receipt of a non-working lens, and every other review was 4-5 stars, so I used that as the decider. Also I figured if I was going to spend over $200 for the Sigma APO, I may as well spend a little more and get the Sony version, but my goal was to stay in the $150 range.
My highlights for this lens so far:
- Macro mode works GREAT. I was able to take a shot of a wasp's nest, at 300mm, manual focus, handheld in good daylight, from about 2 feet away and the picture was surprisingly crisp.
- Not as heavy as I expected, only slightly heavier than the 70-210 Minolta that I have.
- It definitely needs good light, but I've had good experiences so far without using a tripod in dimly lit rooms (and using good breathing techniques) and with manual focus.
Irritants:
- The complaint about the macro switch getting stuck can be irritating, it's happened to me twice already. I've been able to free it by moving the focus ring by either manually rotating it or switching from manual to auto on the camera body.
- If using auto-focus, there is definite softness at 300mm, but like I mentioned above, the shots I took using manual have come out pretty good.
So far that's all I have, but I am very pleased with this lens so far. I have no buyer's remorse, and I love pulling it out. I'll try to attach a couple of the macros I was able to take. Enjoy!
Digital camera Review: Great Value!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
For what you pay you get a great value. This lens was purchased to replace my Pentax 100-300mm which broke. This lens is far superior. I am using this lens as a stop-gap/learning tool until I can both afford and justify getting something more high end.
This lens does like a lot of light and will cast a shadow using the built in flash, especially with the lens hood attached. The macro function works well. I have coupled it with close-up filters and gotten good results.
I would have only given this a 3 star compared to some of the other lenses I use but when you factor in the price, it goes to 5. You will be pleased with this piece of glass as long you remember that it is not pro-grade. Nor was it intended to be.
Digital camera Review: Great dual function lens
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted a new macro and telephoto lens for my Sony Alpha 100 but couldn't afford to buy both. But with this lens, a flip of the switch allows you to take some very nice close-up shots and the telephoto focus is very clear for a 300mm. I am very pleased with the performance and the price. I will try other Tamron lens now that I have seen what this one is capable of.Digital camera Review: Great for amateur photographer!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll start by saying that I am by no means a professional photographer. I only recently picked up my Sony a330 DSLR, and while I love everything I've been able to do with the kit lens, I recognized that I needed something else to get those close up shots I've desired. This lens does pretty much everything I wanted it to do without me even trying! I took it to the park and got some great shots of strangers walking by from at least 100 feet away. It creates really good bokeh and the subjects come out looking crystal clear in the foreground. The Auto-fucus seems to be a bit slow, but honestly if you're shooting things from really far away, you'll probably want to use Manual focus anyway (at least I do). Can't wait to take this to some concerts and see what kind of shots I can get.Digital camera Review: Great for the money.
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this lens as an add-on purchase when doing some shopping. I didn't have anything in this range which wasn't manual and decided I couldn't go far wrong for under $150. Well, I was right. One thing I was surprised about was the metal mount. I thought for sure it would be plastic.
The lens is responsive, light, and has a decent feel to it. The focus ring can be inadvertently twisted while not in MF while putting the hood on for storage, but if your careful it shouldn't happen. I tested this guy out just the other day on a sunny day and was pleased with the results. If you don't have a similar piece of glass already in your bag, and don't want to shell out on pro glass, this is the lens for you. And you can't go far wrong with a 6 year guarantee!