Image courtesy: Kurtmunger.com
Kurtmunger (Click here) tested the Tamron SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens on the Sony A700 and A900: “Build quality is not great like the Sony, and the slot/screw drive focusing system is slow, but pretty accurate. Unfortunately, there are no focus hold or focus limiter buttons to help out, that’s the down side. On the up side, the lens performs very well optically, with relatively low distortion, good control of both axial and lateral color fringing, although color fringing is noticeable along the sides at the short end to about 135mm.”
For comparison: You can also read the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 review at Kurtmunger and Photozone.
The Tamron lens costs $769 at BHphoto (Click here)
The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 SSM Lens is just a little bit more expensive….$1,799.00 (!) at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
10 Responses
I almost going to get this lens but due to some focusing issues and build quality, I end up getting a Sony 70-200G SSM which I’m glad I had made the right decision =D
I use the Sigma 70-200 f2.8, and I can say that it is a great lens. Fast AF and great optical performance. I’d never trade it for a Tamron (slow AF) or Sony (expensive for nothing extra). So I believe it’s fair to have the Sigma in this article also as a comparison.
Curious about new Tamron 70-200mm with VC and USD similar to Tamoron 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD. I think it is on the way, and some optical improvements are also possible.
Tamrons for A-bayonet do not bear VC in name… sadly :/
for me its a great lens with super results 🙂
I own this lens and I use it for shooting static objects like flowers. It does a good job as a macro lens too. For its price, I really have no complain. Like the review suggest, the down side is slow focus but is not a biggy for me. Optical quality wise this lens is very sharp straight from F2.8, althrough edge are little soft and I really like green colour out of this glass. Its quiet different from all other lenses I have.
As it is, it’s a great lens. Add fast and *accurate* focus (mine had problems at f/2.8 with accuracy), and you’ll truly haev a spectacular lens.
I’ve had the 70-300 USD 0n order since the 16th Dec 2010 and still waiting – is this lens ever going to be delivered??
I’ve had this lens since not long after it was first released (bought at a considerably lower price than it currently retails at) and have no complaints really. The AF is a little slow and noisy, but my primary use is for Landscapes so I tend to use MF.
I’ve got this lens for about a year now. I recently had trouble focusing and sent it back to Tamron. I thought having the 6 year warranty was a good thing until they told me the lens had “shock damage”. When I spoke to Tamron they said the lens had been dropped by me. I argued for about a week and eventually agreed to pay the repair fee which was not covered under the warranty.
This is a very good lens for the price but must be taken care of as if it was a newborn baby. If I knew what I know now I probably would have saved my money and bought the Sony 70-200 instead.