Tamron 70-300 Di LD or FA 75-300?

*morfic* · 10-03-2008, 03:06 PM

The tamron is a "purple monster", but the 1:2 can be fun, the FA 75-300 from reviews seems to have less CA, but lacks the 1:2.
Has anyone owned both and can share which one they liked better?

Thanks,

Daniel

kjao · 10-04-2008, 04:38 PM

How about the Sigma 70-300/4-5.6? It has 1:2 macro too and less a "purple monster". I have just post some LBA shots here:
Late LBA shots: Sigma 70-300/4-5.6

I have used Tamron (non-Di version) before and find it a nice enough lens. I sold it because it was a little bulky (compared to DA50-200) and I didn't really like the barrel design (fatter than the Sigma from memory).

Kenny

SpecialK · 10-05-2008, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by morfic

The tamron is a "purple monster", but the 1:2 can be fun, the FA 75-300 from reviews seems to have less CA, but lacks the 1:2.
Has anyone owned both and can share which one they liked better?

Thanks,

Daniel

The Pentax 55-300 is much better than the Sigma 70-300 (I had one, it died), which many people compare to the Tamron (never had one).

It appears you have higher-quality equipment otherwise, so it is too late to go on a budget :-)

I would suggest the 55-300 for the longer zoom aspect, and a macro lens as well if macros are important to you.

axl · 10-05-2008, 01:34 AM

I never had FA75-300. But I can only recomend Tamron 70-300. Yes, the purple fringe is annoyingly visible at times, but if you're careful you can manage it pretty well. All in all with it's macro capabilities and long reach it's one great lens for the money...

jsherman999 · 10-05-2008, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by morfic

The tamron is a "purple monster", but the 1:2 can be fun, the FA 75-300 from reviews seems to have less CA, but lacks the 1:2.
Has anyone owned both and can share which one they liked better?

Thanks,

Daniel

Daniel,

Ive owned both, and the tamron is a bit sharper & maybe a bit better made.

Focus is on the peeling paint spot under the highest tomato:

70, 300

*morfic* · 10-05-2008, 08:30 AM

With the initial lack of responses i decided to get the Tamron 70-300, mainly based on the jsherman's shots he had posted on the market place selling his Tamron 70-300

SpecialK: I chose better lenses where i will use them a lot, the 70-300 range i am better off with a budget lens, since i won't use it much or at least not when it counts, where i would use the 50-135.

jsherman999 · 10-05-2008, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by morfic

With the initial lack of responses i decided to get the Tamron 70-300, mainly based on the jsherman's shots he had posted on the market place selling his Tamron 70-300

SpecialK: I chose better lenses where i will use them a lot, the 70-300 range i am better off with a budget lens, since i won't use it much or at least not when it counts, where i would use the 50-135.

Very good choice, can't be beat for the $.

But.... do not look at This Thread. I'm warning you, do not look.

.

*morfic* · 10-05-2008, 09:55 AM

I looked, it does not appeal to me. Unless i missed a $199 pricetag ;P

*morfic* · 10-07-2008, 04:24 PM

Quite happy with the first "around the house" images of the Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro, not as much purple as i remembered (except wide open maybe if i would go do that).
Got a nice accidental fly shot while aiming at my usual wooden deck post ball thingensbumens.
I think my telephone poles look at least as good as jsherman's

The 1:2 will come in handy for those times where i don't need to unearth the 90/2.5 for 1:1 from way down under in my now way too small camera bag

http://www.zerorealm.org/pole.jpg
http://www.zerorealm.org/darksideofthemoon.jpg

Mechan1k · 10-11-2008, 03:25 PM

I have the dreaded FA J75-300 .... and apparently it is meant to be crap ... but I haven't found it to be.

If I was in the market again ... I'd go the Tamron ... as it is meant to be the sharper or the lot ... with better contrast.

But now ... i am looking at the Tamron 70-200mm ... with my Tamron x1.4TC mated to one .... then I think I will put my 75-300mm on the market ... then again ... i might just keep it for a "bash-around" lens.

JJJPhoto · 10-11-2008, 04:37 PM

I certainly enjoy the Tamron 70-300mm lens. Yes, there's some PF/CA in some shots, but whenever it shows up it's easy to remove in CS3 or PSP Photo X2. Here are a few captures I made with the lens at the Cincinnati Zoo:

petes99 · 10-15-2008, 07:50 AM

hi guys,

just "lost" (read: it was dropped

) my old Tamron 75-300.. am looking for a replacement and cannot decide between the newer 70-300 or the 75-300..

the 1:2 macro is appealing but i have my concerns about all the purple fringing the 70-300 is reported to have. is it worse than the 75-300?

pete

Mike Cash · 10-16-2008, 04:49 AM

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

I have the dreaded FA J75-300 .... and apparently it is meant to be crap ... but I haven't found it to be.

I just recently sold mine...first item I ever put up for auction. Good riddance to bad rubbish as far as I'm concerned. I've gotten a couple of "nice" photos out of it, but I sure as hell won't miss it.

Mechan1k · 10-16-2008, 02:40 PM

Hahahaha ... I'll probably do the same if i can get my hands on a Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 (with my current TC).

But then .. i might just keep it as a go to lens in poor conditions ... or a beater lens ... it wouldn't bother me if it got damaged then .. and keep my better lenses in better condition.

Knowing me as a hoarder ... I doubt I'd get rid of it. :P