| Latest Review Posted | Tamron AF LD Aspherical IF Macro (# 185D) 28-300mm F3.5-6.3
24 Jan 2023 -- I already have lots of good lenses for my dependable, well-used K-3 and a more recent "backup" K-5 in excellent almost-new condition. For years now, my "almost always" walk-around has been an excellent Tamron 18-200 AF macro that has very good performance – I've very seldom been disappointed. The only thing I’ve wondered about is a similar lens with a longer telephoto. So, I didn't really *need* this lens. And I'd read all the reviews from Pentax Forum and just about every other source I could find – most folks said it's nice to have but it has limitations (perhaps even some serious ones). So, it’s not the sharpest tool in the toolbox – according to those who’ve used it.
Then this copy came up on eBay. The vendor photos told me it was in exceptional shape. We agreed on a very good price. Zip-zap – it arrived from Japan yesterday, 100% professionally packed and in pristine condition. With a new circular polarizing filter attached, I've been testing it today through all my usual 6km "field and stream” hike conditions.
I've only used it on my K-5 so far. All functions, including AF, have performed just fine – some occasional “hunting” at 300mm, as expected, but nothing fatal. I have Sigma and Pentax zooms that go to 300mm, so knew that hand-held at 300mm with this Tamron would be close to "pushing" things. But, no problem. I also expected that 28mm on this model would probably not be quite what it might be expected to be. B... |
