Tamron 28-300 IQ Samples and Questions

DavidSKAF3 · 12-11-2014, 08:33 AM

I bought a used Tamron 28-300 lens. I tried it out at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Below is a resized but unedited original photo, followed by two crops of that photo, and then an edited version of the original in which I tried to improve it and help it out. Overall I am disappointed. Is this the "softness at the long end" they are talking about? Is this lens no good? Can this lens do any better? Is there any reason to believe the new 16-300 will be any better?

The last photo was taken with the DAL 55-300 and I am just putting it up here too for the sake of comparison.

Thank you!

Dave

Pentax K-3 with Tamron 28-300 - ISO 200 - 300mm - f/7/1 - 1/640sec - Re-sized, but otherwise unedited!

Crop

Edited Version

Pentax K-3 with Pentax DA L 55-300 - ISO 400 - 107.5mm - f/11 - 1/640 sec.

Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 12-11-2014 at 09:18 AM.

VoiceOfReason · 12-11-2014, 08:48 AM

That's pretty much what you're going to get with that lens. I had it and while it is okay for general walk around and not wanting to change lenses it isn't spectacular at longer distances. Also, remember at that distance you're more likely to get motion blur too.

Wolfeye · 12-11-2014, 09:40 AM

I have mixed feelings about this lens. Somedays it seems to perform well, even at 300mm, and other days I get back and go "gah... yuck!" at the images I made with it. 300mm is definitely the weakest focal point of the lens. At 50mm it takes quite excellent photos, IMO.

You mean you didn't get it to take pics at 50mm?

EarlVonTapia · 12-11-2014, 11:34 AM

That DA 55-300 pic blows the others away! What a great lens.

arketner · 12-11-2014, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by EarlVonTapia

That DA 55-300 pic blows the others away! What a great lens.

I agree. It seems like a beautiful lens

DavidSKAF3 · 12-11-2014, 06:36 PM

Was not going to look into buying the new HD DA 55-300, as the basic DA L seems more than adequate, but maybe I should...

12-11-2014, 08:33 AM	#1
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546	Tamron 28-300 IQ Samples and Questions I bought a used Tamron 28-300 lens. I tried it out at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Below is a resized but unedited original photo, followed by two crops of that photo, and then an edited version of the original in which I tried to improve it and help it out. Overall I am disappointed. Is this the "softness at the long end" they are talking about? Is this lens no good? Can this lens do any better? Is there any reason to believe the new 16-300 will be any better? The last photo was taken with the DAL 55-300 and I am just putting it up here too for the sake of comparison. Thank you! Dave Pentax K-3 with Tamron 28-300 - ISO 200 - 300mm - f/7/1 - 1/640sec - Re-sized, but otherwise unedited! Crop Crop Edited Version Pentax K-3 with Pentax DA L 55-300 - ISO 400 - 107.5mm - f/11 - 1/640 sec. Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 12-11-2014 at 09:18 AM.

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12-11-2014, 08:48 AM	#2
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	That's pretty much what you're going to get with that lens. I had it and while it is okay for general walk around and not wanting to change lenses it isn't spectacular at longer distances. Also, remember at that distance you're more likely to get motion blur too.

12-11-2014, 09:40 AM	#3
Wolfeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 782	I have mixed feelings about this lens. Somedays it seems to perform well, even at 300mm, and other days I get back and go "gah... yuck!" at the images I made with it. 300mm is definitely the weakest focal point of the lens. At 50mm it takes quite excellent photos, IMO. You mean you didn't get it to take pics at 50mm?

12-11-2014, 11:34 AM	#4
EarlVonTapia Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vancouver Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,207	That DA 55-300 pic blows the others away! What a great lens.

12-11-2014, 11:36 AM	#5
arketner New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 6	Originally posted by EarlVonTapia That DA 55-300 pic blows the others away! What a great lens. I agree. It seems like a beautiful lens

12-11-2014, 06:36 PM	#6
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546 Original Poster	Was not going to look into buying the new HD DA 55-300, as the basic DA L seems more than adequate, but maybe I should...