Request for images from Tamron 70-200 at f/2.8

**Ash** · 10-12-2009, 04:44 AM

Originally posted by photogerald

I think we have their respective marketing departments to thank for this...

So what's the final conclusion - design limitation or bad sample(s)?

Design limitation - macro ability is mediocre at best IMO, esp. at large apertures.
Stopped down it improves significantly.
Would certainly choose a dedicated macro lens ahead of this for macro capabilities.
Nevertheless, the 70-200 is a fine piece of engineering and is quite capable for subjects greater than 2m or so from the lens.

The Sigma HSM version left a lot more to be desired in this department, however.
My copy, I'm putting down to bad sample, to give it the benefit of the doubt.

shane33 · 10-13-2009, 06:21 PM

guys i own this lens and a tammy tc 1.4x is it worth getting a da 55-300 for abit of extra without the tc or use this lens with tc any thoughts

**Ash** · 10-13-2009, 07:09 PM

Shane, you have which lens? The Tamron 70-200 f/2.8?
If so, it works beautifully with the Tamron 1.4x TC to give you 280mm of reach.
Still better than the DA 55-300 at 280-300mm IMO.

photogerald · 10-14-2009, 02:05 AM

Originally posted by Ash

Design limitation - macro ability is mediocre at best IMO, esp. at large apertures.
Stopped down it improves significantly.
Would certainly choose a dedicated macro lens ahead of this for macro capabilities.
Nevertheless, the 70-200 is a fine piece of engineering and is quite capable for subjects greater than 2m or so from the lens.

The Sigma HSM version left a lot more to be desired in this department, however.
My copy, I'm putting down to bad sample, to give it the benefit of the doubt.

I have my doubts that the original Sigma EX (pre-macro) can match this new Tamron. But I'm still concerned by the stuck aperture problem. If I could only find a used Sigma EX for a cheap price, that would settle this internal struggle... at least for the time being.

photogerald · 10-14-2009, 02:07 AM

Originally posted by Ash

Shane, you have which lens? The Tamron 70-200 f/2.8?
If so, it works beautifully with the Tamron 1.4x TC to give you 280mm of reach.
Still better than the DA 55-300 at 280-300mm IMO.

Ash, can you check your Tamron and let me know if the rear element is recessed? And if so, by how much? I'm just trying to figure out if my Sigma EX 1.4x TC will work with it. Thanks.

**Ash** · 10-14-2009, 03:21 AM

Originally posted by photogerald

Ash, can you check your Tamron and let me know if the rear element is recessed? And if so, by how much? I'm just trying to figure out if my Sigma EX 1.4x TC will work with it. Thanks.

I don't have it with me to measure, so I don't have an exact figure.
But what I do know is that there is a plastic rectangular mount over the rim of the rear element, which would impinge on the Sigma TC.

Have a look at the physical pics of the lens's rear section to judge for yourself.

photogerald · 10-14-2009, 10:21 PM

Originally posted by Ash

I don't have it with me to measure, so I don't have an exact figure.
But what I do know is that there is a plastic rectangular mount over the rim of the rear element, which would impinge on the Sigma TC.

Have a look at the physical pics of the lens's rear section to judge for yourself.

I've been unable to find any photos of the K mount version. Interestingly, it seems that the EOS version of this lens does not have the rectangular mount:

If it were like the EOS, then the Sigma TC would probably work (just barely):

Wait, is what you mean:

Thanks

photogerald · 10-14-2009, 10:24 PM

And to bring this thread back on topic, I found a review of the Tamron (in Nikon mount) which mentions the same softness wide-open that you appear to be seeing:

bo blog REVIEW: Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO

See the linked photos under the IQ section.

**Ash** · 10-14-2009, 10:36 PM

Originally posted by photogerald

And to bring this thread back on topic, I found a review of the Tamron (in Nikon mount) which mentions the same softness wide-open that you appear to be seeing:

bo blog REVIEW: Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO

See the linked photos under the IQ section.

It's mainly in close focusing situations - not the biggest deal-breaker.
But as for the rear end - it looks nothing like that of the Canon mount. The rear element is recessed, but the plastic rectangular mount is certainly evident and would block a TC that surfaces above the mount ring level.

Others who have this lens could probably chime in to show you images of this, but I'd have to wait until mine comes back (not soon) before I could show you myself.

photogerald · 10-14-2009, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by Ash

It's mainly in close focusing situations - not the biggest deal-breaker.
But as for the rear end - it looks nothing like that of the Canon mount. The rear element is recessed, but the plastic rectangular mount is certainly evident and would block a TC that surfaces above the mount ring level.

Others who have this lens could probably chime in to show you images of this, but I'd have to wait until mine comes back (not soon) before I could show you myself.

No problem, I'll try searching around some more for photos of the mount. Thanks

shane33 · 12-21-2009, 08:41 PM

guys ive taken a few shots on this link Random pics - shane33's Photos

could you take a look at them and tell me if you think this lens is a bit soft thanks

**Ash** · 12-21-2009, 08:57 PM

At the screen resolution given, these images all appear sharp.
Do you have any doubts that the images are not?
What do they look like at 100%?

photogerald · 12-22-2009, 12:04 AM

Originally posted by Ash

At the screen resolution given, these images all appear sharp.
Do you have any doubts that the images are not?
What do they look like at 100%?

The only photo where I noticed some weakness was the following:

Random pics - shane33's Photos

View at the largest size (X3Large), and look at the nets on top and at the bottom - there does appear to be some softness towards the very left of the frame.

Is this what you are seeing, Shane?

shane33 · 12-22-2009, 03:36 AM

gday mate it was actually only those photo page i posted the one you pointed out was takin with a TZ7 point and shoot its only few on last page i took today

wallyb · 12-22-2009, 07:59 AM

I recently took a couple shots with this lens and a TC attached, and I'm planning on adding more. It performs beautifully!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/84205-tamron-7...elievable.html

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
A variety of images with FA* 200/4 Macro (no bugs) - VLF competition images	Marc Langille	Post Your Photos!	28	08-22-2008 07:28 PM
Request for a Tamron 28-75 shot	Katsura	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	09-21-2007 03:27 AM
Some flower shots with a tamron 18-200 (large images)	rhermans	Post Your Photos!	3	07-08-2007 01:50 AM

10-12-2009, 04:44 AM	#46
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920 Original Poster	Originally posted by photogerald I think we have their respective marketing departments to thank for this... So what's the final conclusion - design limitation or bad sample(s)? Design limitation - macro ability is mediocre at best IMO, esp. at large apertures. Stopped down it improves significantly. Would certainly choose a dedicated macro lens ahead of this for macro capabilities. Nevertheless, the 70-200 is a fine piece of engineering and is quite capable for subjects greater than 2m or so from the lens. The Sigma HSM version left a lot more to be desired in this department, however. My copy, I'm putting down to bad sample, to give it the benefit of the doubt.

10-13-2009, 06:21 PM	#47
shane33 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 51	guys i own this lens and a tammy tc 1.4x is it worth getting a da 55-300 for abit of extra without the tc or use this lens with tc any thoughts

10-13-2009, 07:09 PM	#48
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920 Original Poster	Shane, you have which lens? The Tamron 70-200 f/2.8? If so, it works beautifully with the Tamron 1.4x TC to give you 280mm of reach. Still better than the DA 55-300 at 280-300mm IMO.

10-14-2009, 02:05 AM	#49
photogerald Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 253	Originally posted by Ash Design limitation - macro ability is mediocre at best IMO, esp. at large apertures. Stopped down it improves significantly. Would certainly choose a dedicated macro lens ahead of this for macro capabilities. Nevertheless, the 70-200 is a fine piece of engineering and is quite capable for subjects greater than 2m or so from the lens. The Sigma HSM version left a lot more to be desired in this department, however. My copy, I'm putting down to bad sample, to give it the benefit of the doubt. I have my doubts that the original Sigma EX (pre-macro) can match this new Tamron. But I'm still concerned by the stuck aperture problem. If I could only find a used Sigma EX for a cheap price, that would settle this internal struggle... at least for the time being.

10-14-2009, 02:07 AM	#50
photogerald Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 253	Originally posted by Ash Shane, you have which lens? The Tamron 70-200 f/2.8? If so, it works beautifully with the Tamron 1.4x TC to give you 280mm of reach. Still better than the DA 55-300 at 280-300mm IMO. Ash, can you check your Tamron and let me know if the rear element is recessed? And if so, by how much? I'm just trying to figure out if my Sigma EX 1.4x TC will work with it. Thanks.

10-14-2009, 03:21 AM	#51
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920 Original Poster	Originally posted by photogerald Ash, can you check your Tamron and let me know if the rear element is recessed? And if so, by how much? I'm just trying to figure out if my Sigma EX 1.4x TC will work with it. Thanks. I don't have it with me to measure, so I don't have an exact figure. But what I do know is that there is a plastic rectangular mount over the rim of the rear element, which would impinge on the Sigma TC. Have a look at the physical pics of the lens's rear section to judge for yourself.

10-14-2009, 10:21 PM	#52
photogerald Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 253	Originally posted by Ash I don't have it with me to measure, so I don't have an exact figure. But what I do know is that there is a plastic rectangular mount over the rim of the rear element, which would impinge on the Sigma TC. Have a look at the physical pics of the lens's rear section to judge for yourself. I've been unable to find any photos of the K mount version. Interestingly, it seems that the EOS version of this lens does not have the rectangular mount: If it were like the EOS, then the Sigma TC would probably work (just barely): Wait, is what you mean: Thanks

10-14-2009, 10:24 PM	#53
photogerald Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 253	And to bring this thread back on topic, I found a review of the Tamron (in Nikon mount) which mentions the same softness wide-open that you appear to be seeing: bo blog REVIEW: Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO See the linked photos under the IQ section.

10-14-2009, 10:36 PM	#54
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920 Original Poster	Originally posted by photogerald And to bring this thread back on topic, I found a review of the Tamron (in Nikon mount) which mentions the same softness wide-open that you appear to be seeing: bo blog REVIEW: Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO See the linked photos under the IQ section. It's mainly in close focusing situations - not the biggest deal-breaker. But as for the rear end - it looks nothing like that of the Canon mount. The rear element is recessed, but the plastic rectangular mount is certainly evident and would block a TC that surfaces above the mount ring level. Others who have this lens could probably chime in to show you images of this, but I'd have to wait until mine comes back (not soon) before I could show you myself.

10-14-2009, 11:10 PM	#55
photogerald Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 253	Originally posted by Ash It's mainly in close focusing situations - not the biggest deal-breaker. But as for the rear end - it looks nothing like that of the Canon mount. The rear element is recessed, but the plastic rectangular mount is certainly evident and would block a TC that surfaces above the mount ring level. Others who have this lens could probably chime in to show you images of this, but I'd have to wait until mine comes back (not soon) before I could show you myself. No problem, I'll try searching around some more for photos of the mount. Thanks

12-21-2009, 08:41 PM	#56
shane33 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 51	guys ive taken a few shots on this link Random pics - shane33's Photos could you take a look at them and tell me if you think this lens is a bit soft thanks

12-21-2009, 08:57 PM	#57
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920 Original Poster	At the screen resolution given, these images all appear sharp. Do you have any doubts that the images are not? What do they look like at 100%?

12-22-2009, 12:04 AM	#58
photogerald Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 253	Originally posted by Ash At the screen resolution given, these images all appear sharp. Do you have any doubts that the images are not? What do they look like at 100%? The only photo where I noticed some weakness was the following: Random pics - shane33's Photos View at the largest size (X3Large), and look at the nets on top and at the bottom - there does appear to be some softness towards the very left of the frame. Is this what you are seeing, Shane?

12-22-2009, 03:36 AM	#59
shane33 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 51	gday mate it was actually only those photo page i posted the one you pointed out was takin with a TZ7 point and shoot its only few on last page i took today

12-22-2009, 07:59 AM	#60
wallyb Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The Untied States Photos: Albums Posts: 1,881	I recently took a couple shots with this lens and a TC attached, and I'm planning on adding more. It performs beautifully! https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/84205-tamron-7...elievable.html