| Author: | | New Member Registered: July, 2013 Location: Essen / North Rhine-Westphalia Posts: 8
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 11, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $70.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Light weight, compact, build quality, sharpness, focal range | | Cons: | Nothing for that Price! | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-1, K-3, K-3 II
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I've bought this lens from Japan for only 70 Bucks include taxes and shipping and for this price, i can't find any negative aspects.
My copy is near mint and i'm glad to find one.
It works very well on my K-1 and give me an wide focal range.
This lens is truly a little swiss army knife on a K-1. It can do almost anything, but small compromises have to be made...but that's no surprise, this is an used lowbudged lens!
I think, this Tammi is a good reliable Travelzoomer and a bang for the buck and it will be hard to find alternative lenses.
Why pentax doesn't produce a new lens like this? Ok, there's the new D-FA 28-105....but hey...that's only a lightweight 28-105 and nothing more. When you need more focal range @ lightweight you must search for an used one, old lens. Not funny!
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2020 Location: California Posts: 6 | | Review Date: November 28, 2020 | Not Recommended | Price: $320.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Not too expensive, sharp in bright conditions when stopped down, wide zoom range | | Cons: | Soft below f11, inaccurate autofocus, soft at ends of range, flare | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 7
Value: 7
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I have the Promaster Spectrum 7 branded version, but identified by Lightroom or Flickr as "TAMRON 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 Ultra zoom XR" from camera metadata. The lens has the same physical appearance as the Tamron except the branded writing on the barrel.
I got it new from a local camera store around 2008 and used it when I needed a flexible one-lens solution. Even though I have lots of photos with this lens, I can't say I really love it for what I paid for it or considering the compromises it makes. I might feel better about it if I'd got it used for less than $100.
I like my kit 18-55mm better in the shorter end since it seems to produce sharper results in a little lower light and has a nicer colors. Maybe it's the same with all superzooms, idk, but I like this lens less than other zooms I have that even go as far as 200mm or so.
At the long end of the range, I tend to get flare, soft results and if using auto exposure, some blown highlights (even in raw). I really try to avoid going over 200mm or so. Removing the protective filter and using the included lens hood help some, but don't solve those issues.
When I did some tests with charts to test sharpness against many other lenses, I found the sharpness disappointing and worse than most from the widest end through about f/8 but was actually better than many other lenses at f/16. I also found the autofocus fairly inaccurate and it didn't seem like it was consistent in front or back focusing and seemed like it was unable to make the small adjustments it needed in order to focus accurately.
When I try focusing manually, it was a little better, but was still hard to adjust and needed tiny focus movements or luck to get accurate focus. Still soft f/8 and below.
For a "walk around" lens, it might be a fine choice for shooting in sunlight. I took it on a few trips, but when shooting indoors like churches or museums I got generally disappointing results, even compared to other lenses with similar apertures.
It's probably a pretty ok lens it you can always shoot in bright conditions and stop the camera down a lot, but I can't get really enthusiastic about this lens, even as a walk around lens, since I have quite a few lenses that out-perform it at wider apertures as far as sharpness and I avoid carrying a tripod or using the built-in flash.
| | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2018 Posts: 1
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 23, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Sharpness, Range, Contrast. | | Cons: | Distortion ? | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 9
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This lens makes a lot more sense on full frame. It gets very sharp, with sharp contrast f/11-16.
On crop cameras, it's OK as a summer travel lens or telephoto.
On full frame, the lens is sharp enough wide open, but the contrast goes up with every click of the aperture. At close range F/6.3 and F/7.1 are quite good, with shallow depth of field.
Distortion is present, but mild. Most professional editors have corrections for it.
| | | | | New Member Registered: November, 2013 Posts: 14
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 11, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $100.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | big zoom range, good performer for trips | | Cons: | soft corners, CAs / manque de piqué sand les coins | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 5
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 8
Camera Used: K-1, k-5, k200d k-x, k-s1, fuji x-e1 + x-T100
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CHANGED REVIEW - a good performer for trip shootings (APS-C), stopped down to f 6.7- f 13  / on bon copain pour des voyages, diaphragme fermé entre f 6.7 et 13 (APS-C)  :
===== but some problems with sharpness wide open, especially with full frame 24x36mm/ mais problèmes à ouverture totale du diaphragme, notament au format plein 24x36 mm =====
best correction if stopped down to f 9-13 / meilleurs résultats avec f 9-13
O/+ 28 mm soft corners, acceptable to good sharpness / coins flou et netteté modérée
++ 50 mm very good sharpness  / très bon piqué
+ 100 mm good sharpness / bonne nettetée
O 300 mm weak sharpness / flou et pas tout à fait net
 an often TAMRON AF problem: EDGES are DECENTERED, unfortunately  / un problème TAMRON: les coins sont souvent décentrés, malhaureusement
lens must be stoppd down to f 9-13 for better sharpness, over the full zoom range, soft edges, visible CA's in the edges, especially at 28-35 mm and 200 to 300 mm  / diaphragme de l'obejectiv fermé à f 9-13 améliore visiblement la netteté, flou dans les coins et ACs visibles, en particulier entre 28 et 35 mm et entre 200 et 300 mm
but macro shootings with 125 mm f 11 and marco ring are better than expected (nearly no CA's and fine sharpness) mais quelle surprise. marco photos avec bague d'extension sont avec f 11 très nets (presque pas d'aberrations chromatiques)
for big poster prints the shooting with this lens affords much improvement with PhSh afterwards. sharp big posters up to the edges possible / agrandissements extrèmes possibles - en particulier après traitement intensif avec PHSh  | | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: December, 2016 Location: London Posts: 1,079
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 11, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $120.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Works well, pretty good at all focal lengths | | Cons: | Slight creep if aiming up or down; not as sharp as a good prime lens at any focal length; heavyish | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
Camera Used: Nikon D7000
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I got the Nikon version of this with my first DSLR, a Nikon D50 (6 megapixels), circa 2003, and have been using it ever since. It's a good all-round performer, though I wouldn't describe it as exceptional. It handles well and stays reasonably sharp throughout its focal length, though I think the best performance is around 150mm. The only problem I've noticed is that the zoom focal length doesn't stay put if pointing the camera up or down, it creeps in the direction gravity is pulling it; for example, if you're taking pictures of something where you aim the camera downwards at say 100mm, the lens will slowly zoom to say 200mm if you don't keep hold of the zoom ring. This is a very common fault with zooms, of course, especially when they're worn and a little loose. There's a lock, but on my lens it only works at 28mm, I don't know if later versions lock at other focal lengths. One nice feature is that it will work on full-frame cameras, though optimized for APS-C; I've tried this a few times to test camera bodies, there was slight dimming at the corners but nothing too horrible.
I recently got a D7000 (16 megapixels) and took this out today to see if it's still giving good results at the higher resolution. My feeling is that it's still pretty good for most purposes, and that my other lenses can cover most of the situations where it isn't coping well. I've thought about swapping it for Tamron's 18-270, which is purpose designed for APS-C, but really can't see a lot of point. It's working well for me, I probably use it more than all of my other Nikon lenses put together, and while it isn't pin sharp at all focal lengths I'm not a professional photographer and rarely need that sort of performance. I think it's good enough for my needs, and hope that I'll continue to be happy with it for many years to come.
Some shots:
 | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: November, 2017 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,982
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 4, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $60.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | cheap, good enough, don't care if it gets damaged | | Cons: | soft, slow, pretty optimistic about reaching 300mm | |
I bought this lens a few months ago knowing full well what I was getting, a cheap good enough consumer super zoom. I saw it for sale used at a local store for $60 and was looking for a better beater lens for cub scout events. At $60 if it gets damaged it isn't any great loss unlike my better lenses and being a 28-300mm it can serve as a do all lens. It replaced a SMC Pentax-FA 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 and image quality is better with this tamron so it was an upgrade all around.
It is slow, and soft but I knew that going in. The purpose of this lens was to fill the role of a do it all good enough lens that if it gets damaged isn't a big deal. With scout events it is fast enough during the day and I won't do night shots with it unless I am using the non in camera flash as I wouldn't setup a tripod around the bouncy kids so the slowness isn't a big deal. The biggest advantage is the wide zoom range so I don't have to change lenses. So given all that, it is perfectly acceptable for what I want it to do.
The only thing I haven't seen mentioned elsewhere is that it is pretty optimistic on reaching 300mm. Since I own 2 good 300mm f/4 lens I was curious what a 300mm shot from this lens looked like compared to one of the 300mm f/4 lenses. I was mostly curious in the difference in image quality which substantial didn't surprise me unlike the difference in field of view which was very substantial. I wouldn't be surprised if this lens actually closer to 250mm than to 300mm on the long end. Some day I may do some shots out into the park with my S-M-C Takumar 200mm f/4, 300mm f/4, and this lens just to have a better idea of where it falls on the long end
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: March, 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 521 | | Review Date: August 26, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $85.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Price, Useful range, Walk around lens, light enough to shoot hand held | | Cons: | Soft wide open and at at 300. AF hunts on occasion | |
Going in I knew what I was getting with this lens. I've had similar super zooms for my Canon DSLRs and while useful they're not the best lenses around. I wanted a decent lens for my ocasional air travel and concert going where I don't want to be dealing with a lot of lenses. This fit the bill perfectly.
It's not super fast at f/3.5 and even slower at f/5.6 at the other end of the range. But on a K-1 with the IBIS, I felt it was something I could live with. I had a chance to try this out at a Stray Cats concert recently and I had to give thought if I wanted to deal with multiple lenses or just one. I decided this would be a great test of this lens and see if I was going to keep it for it's intended purpose.
I think the images are just fine from this lens, and for the $85.00 I spent on eBay a hell of a deal.
Some Auto focus Micro adjustments, sharpening in post processing and I've got a keeper. It's not a lens I'll use everyday, but will use when when I go on trips and to concerts.
I'll let the images speak for themself.
 | | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2014 Location: Brownstown Twp., Mi Posts: 6
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 9, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $100.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | zoom range, reasonably fast focus | | Cons: | image softness, needs a lot of light | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 7
Camera Used: K-3
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I have the non- DI version of this lens without the AF/MF switch, and as I've been looking there are multiple versions of this lens; DI and non-DI and with/without the AF/MF switch. Basic look of the lens and rubber grips are all the same.
I received this lens on Dec 8 and took it out for a test at a local park. The day was cloudy and not overly bright so perhaps I'm being a bit harsh, but my 18-135 kit lens and old (very old) Pentax 80-320 lens have given more pleasing results in similar conditions.
First impressions. Near and far subjects, wide open and stepped down to F11 mostly seemed just a bit soft (especially if you are a pixel peeper and I find myself turning into a peeper).
Even some of the pictures posted by others reviewing this lens seem a bit soft and I wouldn't have given as high a sharpness rating, especially if I'd paid full price for the lens.
Lens sharpness does improve with lots of light and taking close ups with a flash yielded some pleasing results.
Winter days here in Michigan, USA are often cloudy/dreary and I plan to re-test the lens on the next sunny day (which may not be anytime soon). I do wish I'd had this lens to take along on a recent trip to Asia where I experienced a lot of very bright sunny days - I suspect the lens would have performed better.
As others have said, this could be a reasonably fine walking around/general purpose lens which is what I was hoping for when I purchased it.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: June, 2014 Posts: 6
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 17, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Light weight, Wide zoom range, Performance at the short end | | Cons: | none to me | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
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This is Tamron’s updated version of the 28-300mm XR lens that covers a large, 10.7x zoom range. The update to Di, (Digitally integrated) includes a new coating on the rear element to cut down the reflective problems associated with digital sensors.
This lens was designed to cope wit most situations in the days of full frame 35mm film, but now, on a cropped dSLR, acts as a standard to long telephoto zoom. The close focusing ability helps in a number of areas to make it a useful lens where weight or dust is a problem. The range does save changing lenses every couple of minutes. Good at the wide end, it does fall away considerably at the long end.
Distortions are kept down to mild barrel at the short end, going on to a slightly more severe pincushion at the long end. As usual, the lens is neutral through the mid range. Neither end is problematic with a little play in the editing suit though.
It is an internal focusing lens though, which is nice when shooting close-ups, although the 1.6 foot (49cm) working distance leaves you with a healthy 12 inches or so of working room between the subject and the front of the lens at the 300mm focal length.
| | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2013 Posts: 1
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 21, 2014 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
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This lens is absolutely what I am looking for. A very handy, lightweight all purpose lens. You can shoot from 28mm to 300mm. Great for travels, outdoors, special occasions. Results are very satisfactory to me. I like it's quality, I like Tamron lenses. It became a very good couple with my tamron 17-50, for my Pentax K5 body. Highly recommended if you don't like to bother changing lenses a lot, like me 
 | | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2013 Posts: 23
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 8, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | built quality, zoom range, sharpness, macro | | Cons: | little zoom creep | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
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I use both tamron 17-50 and tamron 28-300 lenses. I've chosen 28-300 as a walkaround lens for daytime outside. It has a very good built quality, I also used some pentax and samsung zoom lenses before. The range of the lens is great. It's giving a change to shoot landscape, portrait and wildlife photography with one single lens. Autofocus is fast enough, which may sometimes hunt when shooting macro in low light conditions, but you can always make manuel adjustments to focus. As a result this lens is giving you what ever you are expecting for this price range, I personelly recommend this lens...
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: June, 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Posts: 6,124 | | Review Date: May 15, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $100.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Zoom range, fairly sharp for what it is | | Cons: | zoom lock seems weird, hunts in lower light | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 7
Value: 9
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I bought this lens used off of a Craigslist ad because I wanted to compare it to the Sigma lens I have which has the same specs. This one seems to edge the Sigma I bought new last year, and this was a used copy!
My biggest gripe so far is that it hunts in lower light situations. I know it's mainly going to be used outside, but still, that's a bit annoying. It is also a light hog, just as the sigma is.
Still, with that said I can definitely recommend this lens if you can find it for a good price.
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2009 Location: Gold Coast Posts: 43
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 22, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, Good Macro, You can use both film camera and DSLR | | Cons: | Not relatively sharp as prime lens (of course), not 18mm | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 10
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I have a very good copy of this lens.
It is a little bit soft in wide open at 300mm however, in f8 or above - good, in f11 or above - excellent.
You will get very good portrait in wide open at 135mm.
Between 28mm-135mm you will get very good result.
Autofocus is a little bit slower.
I am very happy with this lens over all.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: April, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 293
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 12, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $390.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Relatively small size | | Cons: | Unortodox filter size (62mm) | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 9
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Nice zoom lens. It works on 35mm film and Digital SLR camera bodies. So, its the 'what lens I'll have if alone in the desert' (yeah, beaches apply too). It tends to have slight pincushion distortion, but most humans, animals and scapes won't care. Additionally, it comes with a 5-yr warranty (let's hope that Pentax sitcks around with Ricoh for that long).
It proved itself when a plane was taking off: I did the mistake of locking the zoom ring in wide (28/44mm) when putting the camera / lens in my bag, but when I got it out, unlocked it and zoomed to 300/450mm, I was able to take a nice photo of the airplane before it got lost in the distance.
Now, I can't get a value-price CPL filter for it yet, so I'll have to wait for the next cash infusion. But, other than that, It's fine optic that will be close to my K10D, ZX-L and LX (oh yeah).
| | | | | | | | Review Date: September 12, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | light, small than I thought, 28-300, good for begginers! | | Cons: | not good for users who spend more than 5 years for camera, dust, long distance | | Sharpness: 5
Aberrations: 5
Bokeh: 2
Handling: 10
Value: 6
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When I start my photography, I used this lens for 5 year. It was good lens but weak from dusts...
also in the zoom rings, I can not clean the dusts...
only for beginners only
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;)
;)
