Continuing the econ tele comparisons - see "Econ 200mm lens comparison" and "A fungus comparison (400mm)" on 05-06 and Marc's "Quantaray 600-100 zoom...ramblings":
This isn't a TEST, just a working comparison of a Tamron 75-300 LD (T75) and an M42 Super Takumar 300/4.0 (PST) including a coupl'a TC's in three parts so as to simplify explanations.
The TC's used are:
- 1.4x Tamron AF/AE
- 2x Tokina AE
- 2x Vivitar M42 (older version) - Three M42 TCs were tried; a newer Vivitar all black, all plastic version and an older style Vivitar with metal barrel and silver f-stop ring, and a Katana 2x. The older Vivitar was slightly better than the newer one and both beat the Katana by a wide margin.
All pictures are at F8, ISO 400, K200D. T75- is AF/AE. PST300 is all manual of course. These are generally the best of multiple shots for each condition. Differences in AF/MF and changing light are seen. No PP other than resizing to 800x600 @96 DPI.
In order of appearance:
- T75 the general layout of my Super Sophisticated Test Lab with a few volunteer assistants in the background. cardinal on gate @ 26 yds, equipment @ 67 yds and turkeys and/or deer at ~120 yds.
- PST300 no TC @ 120 yds deer
- PST300 2x TC @120 yds deer
- PST300 2x TC @ 12 ft birds (focus on blue bird beak)
Part 2 will add PST300 detail
Part 3 will add T75 detail
Both of these 300's are suitable for my purposes. The Super Tak is a pleasure to use as always. But can be a bear to focus, even wide open, and setting up focus and exposure contribute to missed opportunities. Considering the AF/AE features of the Tamron, lighter weight, and since I'm hard pressed to differentiate between IQ's without the help of EXIF data the Tammy edging ahead of the PST lately. The PF/CA characteristics of both lenses are about equal and of no practical importance in less than harsh lighting conditions.
I'm finding the older, the better regarding TC's and M42 glass seems to be a good choice. Attempting to use any of the new AE/AF TCs with M42 era glass has not been impressive at all. In every case, the combination of excellent glass with the highest quality TCs is necessary for good results.
If anyone needs/wants a high quality image of any of these you may PM me.
H2
Last edited by pacerr; 05-16-2009 at 10:42 PM.
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