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01-20-2011, 04:05 PM   #1
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Tamron SP 70-200mm f2.8

Hi All, has anyone experience with the Pentax mount version of this lens. I have an older Sigma 70-300 f1:4 - 5.6 and would like something faster without a major price tag and I don't really need the 300 reach on an APS C body..

DPReview had issues with the Canon mount version but in areas that shouldn't be relevant to a Pentax mount screw focus system. Otherwise the lens got quite a good report.

Cheers,

David

01-20-2011, 04:22 PM   #2
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The Tamron 70-200/2.8 is an excellent lens; outstanding IQ, nice colors and bokeh, and sharp even wide open. The focusing speed is so-so, but for most applications it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Not sure what prices are currently like on your side of the globe, but the Tamron is on par with the DA*50-135 here (perhaps a little cheaper). Certainly it would be a huge step up from the older 70-300, but a lot heavier as well.

Last edited by dgaies; 01-20-2011 at 05:44 PM.
01-20-2011, 04:32 PM   #3
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I would echo dgaies remarks. I love mine. It's big and a bit heavy but it delivers very good results.
01-20-2011, 08:09 PM   #4
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Here you go.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/109146-taking-...00mm-spin.html

The Tamron is 0.3 inches longer, 0.1 inch wider, and a couple hundred grams lighter than the Sigma - not really significant.


Last edited by SpecialK; 01-20-2011 at 08:17 PM.
01-20-2011, 08:33 PM   #5
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IQ of this lens is excellent. Build is not pro grade. mine is missing a screw and just feels not well made.
Anyone has this lens and the k-5?
I use it with my gx-10 for sports, tracking AF is useless and I have to step down to increase the DOF and get the subject in focus. very frustrating... Will upgrade to K-5 help me?
01-20-2011, 09:05 PM   #6
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Great lens--more shots in here:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31955-tammy-cl...ml#post1350274
01-20-2011, 10:07 PM   #7
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And more feedback on my thread here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/69207-request-...0-f-2-8-a.html, plus a few of my images with the lens here: Ash's Album: Tamron 70-200 - PentaxForums.com

It would have to be one of my most favoured zooms. In its focal range, I couldn't think of any lens that does it better other than perhaps the DA* 50-135 wide open.

01-20-2011, 10:13 PM   #8
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I would also agree with dgaies comments, except i think the focusing is a little better than just so so. Unless you are focusing from one end of the focal length to the other i find it focuses quite fast.
On my Kx it was great, on my K5 it is even better.
I have found AFC to be excellent on my K5. I took 300 photos at Sydney Airport the other day using AFC and continuous drive mode and did not have 1 shot out of focus.
01-20-2011, 10:31 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ivor K Ecks Quote
I would also agree with dgaies comments, except i think the focusing is a little better than just so so. Unless you are focusing from one end of the focal length to the other i find it focuses quite fast.
On my Kx it was great, on my K5 it is even better.
I have found AFC to be excellent on my K5. I took 300 photos at Sydney Airport the other day using AFC and continuous drive mode and did not have 1 shot out of focus.
Perhaps the "so-so" comment was misleading. In good light, especially on the K-x/K-5, the focusing is actually quite decent. It locks quickly and can make small adjustments fairly rapidly. As you pointed out, the "so-so" part comes in when it missed focus and searches through the entire range. In comparison to the Pentax offerings, the Tamron is certainly as fast or faster than the 50-135 and on par with the 60-250.
01-20-2011, 10:55 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ivor K Ecks Quote
I would also agree with dgaies comments, except i think the focusing is a little better than just so so. Unless you are focusing from one end of the focal length to the other i find it focuses quite fast.
On my Kx it was great, on my K5 it is even better.
I have found AFC to be excellent on my K5. I took 300 photos at Sydney Airport the other day using AFC and continuous drive mode and did not have 1 shot out of focus.
300 photos all in focus, wow. I guess I'll save up and get a k-5
01-20-2011, 11:10 PM   #11
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I just got one of these a few weeks ago and am very happy with it. I don't have many pics to show yet, just stuff around the backyard, but I did take it to a concert on Saturday and had to shoot wide open(2.8) and at ISO 3200. I was pleased to find I still got some very useable shots with my K20.





The f/2.8 shallow DOF makes the subject pop here.


hopefully I can take the lens outside for some daylight testing this weekend.
In my initial outdoor tests, I find the bokeh to be surprisingly good, so I may use this lens for some portraits even. Also, though the screw drive AF is pretty noisy, it is not really slow compared to other screw drives. I have rented a couple of SDM lenses before and they are really fast and quiet, but they also cost MUCH more $$. FWIW, I can deal with this lens for now.
Highly recommended!
01-20-2011, 11:20 PM   #12
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That's the thread I was going to link to - good examples (I've got a bunch of photos in the thread as well) This is just a fantastic lens, IMO. Sharp, fast focusing, excellent contrast (not as exquisite as the DA70Ltd. for micro contrast, but within a stone's throw), almost no chromatic aberration, well balanced for such a long lens even on my wee K-x.

I bought this lens to shoot a wedding last summer, thinking I'd probably end up reselling it at some point because it's a big sucker, but I can't let it go - it's just too perfect for portrait work
01-20-2011, 11:49 PM   #13
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.

This is a fantastic zoom. As others have stated, sensational bokeh, good sharpness wide-open, nice contrast at every aperture.

Here's --> Another Thread In Which I Gush, with Photos.

.
200mm f/2.8

Last edited by jsherman999; 01-20-2011 at 11:54 PM.
01-21-2011, 01:32 AM   #14
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Another option is the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II; I wouldn't bother with the updated, and lot more expensive OS version (Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM) though.
01-21-2011, 04:58 AM   #15
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Awesome IQ, micro-contrast and overall rendition though a bit heavy (looking for a small 55-300 for general use now)
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