Tamron 70-200 2.8 owners...how soft is 'too soft'?

**Scorpio71GR** · 12-18-2016, 07:06 PM

My Tamron 70-200 @ 150mm f2.8.

bdery · 12-19-2016, 05:58 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Scorpio71GR

My Tamron 70-200 @ 150mm f2.8.

150mm is by far the best performing focal length for sharpness with that lens.

RightOnTime · 12-19-2016, 07:22 AM

Cheers for the replies guys! Based on the replies here and looking through some sample images online I decided to send the lens back. The retailer (Clifton Cameras, highly recommended!) tested it out and agreed that it wasn't performing right - I think the missing f/3.2 is a sign of something being properly wrong. They're pushing for Tamron to send me a new copy rather than make me wait for repairs etc, will let you know what it's like when the replacement arrives.

Originally posted by Scorpio71GR

My Tamron 70-200 @ 150mm f2.8.

What a cool sculpture! Great photo too. Whereabouts is it?

manufocus · 12-19-2016, 11:31 AM

Would you do me a favor and take a test shot in a controlled environment?

This way other people could check their lens as well. Also you will be able to make a real comparison to the new lens you will get!

I suggest:

Using a tripod, mirror lockup, manual focus with live view zoomed in. Take a sheet of writing (high black and white contrast, or camera test sheet) at about 2m distance, illuminated so that you end up with f2.8 ISO 100 ~1/500. For best results at 70mm, 135mm and 200mm.

Watch for stray light from the sides (Ceiling Lamp etc.).

I'm still convinced the behavior is normal but would like to see if it can be enhanced upon.

**Scorpio71GR** · 12-19-2016, 12:44 PM

Originally posted by RightOnTime

What a cool sculpture! Great photo too. Whereabouts is it?

Thank you, Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

View Poll Results: What do you think...did I get a lemon?
No, this looks totally fine and expected.	1	8.33%
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12-18-2016, 07:06 PM	#16
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,014	My Tamron 70-200 @ 150mm f2.8.

12-19-2016, 05:58 AM - 1 Like	#17
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by Scorpio71GR My Tamron 70-200 @ 150mm f2.8. 150mm is by far the best performing focal length for sharpness with that lens.

12-19-2016, 07:22 AM	#18
RightOnTime New Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 16 Original Poster	Cheers for the replies guys! Based on the replies here and looking through some sample images online I decided to send the lens back. The retailer (Clifton Cameras, highly recommended!) tested it out and agreed that it wasn't performing right - I think the missing f/3.2 is a sign of something being properly wrong. They're pushing for Tamron to send me a new copy rather than make me wait for repairs etc, will let you know what it's like when the replacement arrives. Originally posted by Scorpio71GR My Tamron 70-200 @ 150mm f2.8. What a cool sculpture! Great photo too. Whereabouts is it?

12-19-2016, 11:31 AM	#19
manufocus Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 87	Would you do me a favor and take a test shot in a controlled environment? This way other people could check their lens as well. Also you will be able to make a real comparison to the new lens you will get! I suggest: Using a tripod, mirror lockup, manual focus with live view zoomed in. Take a sheet of writing (high black and white contrast, or camera test sheet) at about 2m distance, illuminated so that you end up with f2.8 ISO 100 ~1/500. For best results at 70mm, 135mm and 200mm. Watch for stray light from the sides (Ceiling Lamp etc.). I'm still convinced the behavior is normal but would like to see if it can be enhanced upon.

12-19-2016, 12:44 PM	#20
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,014	Originally posted by RightOnTime What a cool sculpture! Great photo too. Whereabouts is it? Thank you, Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.