Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

Docrwm · 11-23-2018, 01:41 PM

I like a mystery lens. I have to admit it. I won an auction on this lens that has lost its ID ring (see the silver ring below the focus ring). It has Tamron front and rear caps but that doesn't mean its a Tamron. EXIF data has no clues on the origin or model, I've checked.

I have shot it at both extremes and it appears to go from 70-300mm.
Its largest aperture is f4.
Rotating front element as it focuses. Not internal focus.
Has aperture ring with A setting (4-22)
Filter thread size is 58mm.
It is an AF lens and does work on my K5IIs.
AF is fast.
So, what is it?

swanlefitte · 11-23-2018, 01:51 PM

Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 AF LD Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

You basically answered your own question.

Docrwm · 11-23-2018, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by swanlefitte

Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 AF LD Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

You basically answered your own question.

I looked at that one but there are differences in the arrangement. In reviewing the comments this one does appear to be similar to the reviewers observations - really sharp through most of its zoom but decidedly less sharp at the lone end - and unlike the cited lens there is no indication that this one has any aspirations to being macro anything.

stevebrot · 11-23-2018, 03:01 PM

Might it be one of the numerous Promaster 70-300/4-5.6 variants?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/promaster-70-300mm-f4-5-6-ld.html

(Yes, the Tamron was a rebadge as well and no, Tamron did not make the Promaster/Quantaray/Whatever versions.)

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 11-23-2018 at 03:06 PM.

Docrwm · 11-23-2018, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Might it be one of the numerous Promaster 70-300/4-5.6 variants?

Promaster 70-300mm F4-5.6 LD Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

(Yes, the Tamron was a rebadge as well and no, Tamron did not make the Promaster/Quantaray/Whatever versions.)

Steve

It certainly could be, the zoom ring is different and, again, the name plate is at the opposite end of the lens.

New tidbit - the EXIF through the Pentax software says its a Sigma lens but no other info (not even focal length) other than f setting.

UMC · 11-23-2018, 03:55 PM - **1 Like**

I am pretty sure this is a Tarmon AF LD Tele-Macro 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 [Model 472D], which got disassembled and the zoom ring got installed upside down. The name ring of the Tamron lenses of that aera was always down, adjacent to the aperture ring. As the name ring is missing on this lens, apperenty the tinkerer who worked on this lens, got mislead and managed to install the zoom ring in the wrong orientation....

stevebrot · 11-23-2018, 03:56 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Docrwm

New tidbit - the EXIF through the Pentax software says its a Sigma lens but no other info (not even focal length) other than f setting.

IIRC, Sigma is the presumed ~~parent~~ maker of those lenses as generic product, so that makes sense.

Steve

**UncleVanya** · 11-23-2018, 03:57 PM - **1 Like**

Weight? Filter Diameter? Minimum focus distance?

stevebrot · 11-23-2018, 03:59 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UMC

the Zoom ring got installed upside down

It looks to be oriented the same way as on the Tamron (i.e. not upside down).

Steve

**UncleVanya** · 11-23-2018, 04:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

It looks to be oriented the same way as on the Tamron (i.e. not upside down).

Steve

Maybe the rubber is but the underlying bits may be flipped or there may be a way to leave the gap at the wrong end?

UMC · 11-23-2018, 04:28 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Maybe the rubber is but the underlying bits may be flipped or there may be a way to leave the gap at the wrong end?

Originally posted by stevebrot

It looks to be oriented the same way as on the Tamron (i.e. not upside down).
Steve

Look at this image 70-300mm F4-5.6 AF LD Macro - Pentax Lens Review Database
This generation of Tamron lenses (e.g. the 70-300 372D, 472D, the 28-200 71D, 171D,...) had the name ring near the aperture ring. Later generations (70-300 Model 572D, 772D and A17) had it on the front end of the zoom ring.
I still think the lens in the image is a tinkered 472D.

Docrwm · 11-23-2018, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Weight? Filter Diameter? Minimum focus distance?

As stated 58mm

510g

1.5m

**UncleVanya** · 11-23-2018, 05:29 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

As stated 58mm

510g

1.5m

I missed the 58mm... Whoops.

**pdeley** · 11-23-2018, 11:28 PM - **1 Like**

I'll second UMC in thinking it's an incorrectly reassembled Tamron 472D. The weight, mfd and filter thread also match the earlier Tamron 70-300 4-5.6 172DM but that one lacks the striped/flanged finish on the rings and the subsequent 572D and 672D versions reportedly both have 0.95m mfd, 62 mm filter thread and weigh 453g. See this page at KEH with a somewhat blurry picture: Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD (472D) Tele-Macro Autofocus Lens For Minolta Alpha Mount {58} at KEH Camera Store

compare with Tamron's archived brochure for the 572D at www.tamron-usa.com/assets/pdfs/572D.pdf and note how the zoom ring is shorter in that version than in the 472D, due to a fixed part of the barrel carrying a macro switch and brand+model markings in between the zoom and focus rings.

Docrwm · 11-24-2018, 05:41 AM

There are no switches on this lens. The base and aperture ring have no writing other than the A and f-stop numbers.

11-23-2018, 01:41 PM	#1
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Identify that lens..... I like a mystery lens. I have to admit it. I won an auction on this lens that has lost its ID ring (see the silver ring below the focus ring). It has Tamron front and rear caps but that doesn't mean its a Tamron. EXIF data has no clues on the origin or model, I've checked. I have shot it at both extremes and it appears to go from 70-300mm. Its largest aperture is f4. Rotating front element as it focuses. Not internal focus. Has aperture ring with A setting (4-22) Filter thread size is 58mm. It is an AF lens and does work on my K5IIs. AF is fast. So, what is it?

11-23-2018, 11:28 PM - 1 Like	#14
pdeley Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Southern California Posts: 23	I'll second UMC in thinking it's an incorrectly reassembled Tamron 472D. The weight, mfd and filter thread also match the earlier Tamron 70-300 4-5.6 172DM but that one lacks the striped/flanged finish on the rings and the subsequent 572D and 672D versions reportedly both have 0.95m mfd, 62 mm filter thread and weigh 453g. See this page at KEH with a somewhat blurry picture: Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD (472D) Tele-Macro Autofocus Lens For Minolta Alpha Mount {58} at KEH Camera Store compare with Tamron's archived brochure for the 572D at www.tamron-usa.com/assets/pdfs/572D.pdf and note how the zoom ring is shorter in that version than in the 472D, due to a fixed part of the barrel carrying a macro switch and brand+model markings in between the zoom and focus rings. Last edited by pdeley; 11-23-2018 at 11:39 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Can anyone identify this lens ? Ricoh ? 400mm 5.6 ?	Ronald Oakes	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	18	08-15-2018 02:48 PM
Help me identify this lens	GT_IE	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	04-27-2018 09:02 PM
Identify this Lens.....Fun challenge	Ronald Oakes	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	26	04-07-2018 04:32 PM
Help Me Identify This Lens Damage/Defect, Please	pete-tarmigan	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	12	12-30-2016 07:13 AM
15 bladed lens challenge :) Can you identify this lens and mount? (Not me!)	Enigmaticca	Photographic Industry and Professionals	7	01-08-2012 10:57 AM

11-23-2018, 01:51 PM	#2
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 AF LD Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database You basically answered your own question.

11-23-2018, 02:02 PM	#3
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by swanlefitte Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 AF LD Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database You basically answered your own question. I looked at that one but there are differences in the arrangement. In reviewing the comments this one does appear to be similar to the reviewers observations - really sharp through most of its zoom but decidedly less sharp at the lone end - and unlike the cited lens there is no indication that this one has any aspirations to being macro anything.

11-23-2018, 03:01 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Might it be one of the numerous Promaster 70-300/4-5.6 variants? https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/promaster-70-300mm-f4-5-6-ld.html (Yes, the Tamron was a rebadge as well and no, Tamron did not make the Promaster/Quantaray/Whatever versions.) Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 11-23-2018 at 03:06 PM.

11-23-2018, 03:20 PM	#5
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Might it be one of the numerous Promaster 70-300/4-5.6 variants? Promaster 70-300mm F4-5.6 LD Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database (Yes, the Tamron was a rebadge as well and no, Tamron did not make the Promaster/Quantaray/Whatever versions.) Steve It certainly could be, the zoom ring is different and, again, the name plate is at the opposite end of the lens. New tidbit - the EXIF through the Pentax software says its a Sigma lens but no other info (not even focal length) other than f setting.

11-23-2018, 03:55 PM - 1 Like	#6
UMC Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vienna Photos: Gallery Posts: 205	I am pretty sure this is a Tarmon AF LD Tele-Macro 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 [Model 472D], which got disassembled and the zoom ring got installed upside down. The name ring of the Tamron lenses of that aera was always down, adjacent to the aperture ring. As the name ring is missing on this lens, apperenty the tinkerer who worked on this lens, got mislead and managed to install the zoom ring in the wrong orientation....

11-23-2018, 03:56 PM - 1 Like	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Docrwm New tidbit - the EXIF through the Pentax software says its a Sigma lens but no other info (not even focal length) other than f setting. IIRC, Sigma is the presumed ~~parent~~ maker of those lenses as generic product, so that makes sense. Steve

11-23-2018, 03:57 PM - 1 Like	#8
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,468	Weight? Filter Diameter? Minimum focus distance?

11-23-2018, 03:59 PM - 1 Like	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by UMC the Zoom ring got installed upside down It looks to be oriented the same way as on the Tamron (i.e. not upside down). Steve

11-23-2018, 04:17 PM - 1 Like	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,468	Originally posted by stevebrot It looks to be oriented the same way as on the Tamron (i.e. not upside down). Steve Maybe the rubber is but the underlying bits may be flipped or there may be a way to leave the gap at the wrong end?

11-23-2018, 04:28 PM - 1 Like	#11
UMC Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vienna Photos: Gallery Posts: 205	Originally posted by UncleVanya Maybe the rubber is but the underlying bits may be flipped or there may be a way to leave the gap at the wrong end? Originally posted by stevebrot It looks to be oriented the same way as on the Tamron (i.e. not upside down). Steve Look at this image 70-300mm F4-5.6 AF LD Macro - Pentax Lens Review Database This generation of Tamron lenses (e.g. the 70-300 372D, 472D, the 28-200 71D, 171D,...) had the name ring near the aperture ring. Later generations (70-300 Model 572D, 772D and A17) had it on the front end of the zoom ring. I still think the lens in the image is a tinkered 472D.

11-23-2018, 04:58 PM	#12
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya Weight? Filter Diameter? Minimum focus distance? As stated 58mm 510g 1.5m

11-23-2018, 05:29 PM	#13
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,468	Originally posted by Docrwm As stated 58mm 510g 1.5m I missed the 58mm... Whoops.

11-24-2018, 05:41 AM	#15
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285 Original Poster	There are no switches on this lens. The base and aperture ring have no writing other than the A and f-stop numbers.

Identify that lens.....

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!