Tamron Lens Question

It's not the macro ability of the Tamron-70-200mm that I care much about it is the overall image quality of the lens I was hoping to get answered but the more reviews and examples of all the lenses in my price range don't really look any better than what I already have so I have decided I will keep saving for now.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Ernie,

A good Macro, like the Tamron or other off brnads should be able to do the same, but I've never tried to photograph snowflakes here in Florida, so I don't know if my 100mm would work, but I think it would,

Rich

Rich, This would be real hard with a longer lens for one I have tried many times.

Ernie,

Ball heads are the only way to go,except for architecture. Had a ball head for my big 4x5 camera.

So what images can you get with your 30mm that you feel you can't get with a longer macro?

Rich

I think I talked myself out of buying a new lens for awhile and will just keep saving and testing with different settings using the ones I have for now. But still want to get a good quality telephoto lens. Bought me a ball head for my tripod and it has made a big difference in the ease of shooting things. :) Thanks for all the input.

Ok Rich, You Win!!!

Here are a few true Macros using the 30mm.



Done!!!

Now to get back to the real discussion. Still hoping someone has used the lens that I started this thread about.

Would it be worth trying or better to keep saving to get a better one?

Ernie,

Nice shot, but you're not using the lens as a macro, just a sharp 30mm lens, which could have been shot with a good zoom. Unless you feel you need to be right on top of stuff, the longer lenses will work much better in most situations. If there are critters on the subject, a 100 will give you and the critter some "safe" space,not so the 30,

That's all I'm saying,

Rich

This was taken with my 30mm Macro today.

Thanks Joy and Kaye :)

Kaye looks like a great site added it to my fav's.

Ernie, I have not read all the posts, but you could check this site out for prices. I purchased the Tamron 90mm macro from them and also some extension tubes. Their service is great. They say they have a Tamron sale on at present. I find their prices hard to beat. Worth keeping the link for future reference also.

http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/astore/Tamron_Clearance.aspx#

The link shows the lens you are looking at but it is only around $20 cheaper, but there may be freight charges (but these are reasonable) and delivery is normally within 3 days.

I have a Tamron macro lens. It's a 90mm, I have not used the one you refer to but I have used mine for about six years now. I use it just about every day. I love it.

Thanks Mike I'll take a peek at those.

Rich, There are a lot of shots that I can get with the 30mm Macro that I can't with a longer lens. I do have an older Quantaray 70-300mm LDO Macro. Just trying to get better glass.

I have Tamron LD lenses for my Pentax bodies. I love them. I have yet to have a good Sigma lens, I either threw them away or sold them. My goal is to get some Zeiss primes.

Ernie,

30mm Macro!!!??? That's way to short, you must be right on top of the stuff you're shooting. I have a 100mm and can borrow a 180 Macro and that's even better!!!

Rich

Thanks Fraida I have a Sony 2.8 30mm Macro. :)

hard to say, sony hasn't been in the camera business for that long, tamron has been there longer. yet i am looking into getting a sony pocket camera, 30x optical, so i guess they must know what they are doing. i do know that tamron does vary.

the 28-300 - terrible lens.
the 28-300VC - slow but very good, it's what i use for everything
the 28-75, is almost prime quality, fast, nice good contrast, good walkabout lens, i use it as a backup.


---Mike Savad

Ernie-----If you ever decide to explore the macro world I could recommend the Tamron 90mm 2.8!!! It has opened up a whole new world for me!!! :)

Thanks Mike,

Can't decide if I should go ahead and get that one or keep saving and get the Sony.

i have tamron lenses and can recommend them, but i don't have that one.


---Mike Savad

Thanks Rich,

I have a Sony A77.

Ernie,

There's a used one on eBay for $600 from a highly rated seller. I'd buy this and then see how it preforms, keep it clean and when a better one shows up, sell this for $500 and it was as if you just rented this lens. Look at Tokina and Sigma too,

Rich

Anyone else?

Thanks Rich,

The price on this one is the same everywhere. I have read a ton of reviews and your right they seem to be split down the middle. There is a newer one coming out from Tamron but double the price same IQ just faster AF. I have several small primes and a 500mm f8 a couple 70-300 f4.5 but looking for a good fast mid range lens. Thought this would be it but not sure.
Hard to justify spending the extra grand or more for not much difference.

Ernie,

Here's a review from DP Review and they're not crazy about it, but end up giving it a "recommend". It's 5 year old technology type lens and I'd probably buy this on eBay or find a more current lens from Sigma,Tokina or even Tamron,

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_70-200_2p8_c16/6

Rich