Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Tamron and the lens was released 2004.
The lens belongs to the category
superzoom lenses. A superzoom lens gives you a wide zoom range, from a wider field of view (wide angle) to a more narrow field of view (telephoto) and is usually appreciated as an all-in-one travel lens.
Product description from Tamron
At launch 2004 Tamron wrote this regarding Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di :
"A 10.7x zoom that, when used on an APS-C digital SLR, renders a picture angle range equivalent to a 43-465mm lens on a full-frame DSLR or a 35mm film SLR. Its Di lens properties allow it to function on full-frame and APS-C digital SLRs, as well as 35mm film SLRs. Engineered for extreme compactness, award-winning image quality is optimized through use of a combination of XR (Extra Refractive Index) and LD glass. Internal focusing contributes to responsiveness and maintains constant lens barrel length and Macro focusing brings small subjects into view crisply.
This lens is the successor of the legendary XR 28-300mm which has proved itself as a universal travel zoom for all opportunities. As a Di lens it was adapted especially to the technical demands of digital SLR cameras. Due to its gigantic focal length the lens can be used universally. As a travel zoom its compactness and low- weight played a determining role in its construction, its popularity is the confirmation of its design. On APS-C sized digital cameras it offers an angle of view corresponding to a focal length of approx. 45-480mm.
The increased stray light problem with digital cameras was counteracted with special coatings. The technique used involves applying several extremely thin metal hydride layers on the glass lenses. This decreases the stray light portion effectively and results in brilliant and high contrast images. In addition, XR glass, aspherical lenses and LD (Low dispersion) elements provide an optimum reduction of image defects. The minimum focus distance is 49 cm across the entire focal length range. At the 300mm-setting you can achieve a maximum ratio of 1:2.9!
The designation “Di” (Digitally Integrated Design) marks a generation of lenses, which have been specially adapted to the higher requirements of digital SLR cameras (APS-C and full frame).
Please note: The Nikon mount is only compatible in the MF mode with the following Nikon cameras: D40, D40X and D60. This is due to fact that these 3 cameras require lenses with a built-in motor. The Nikon version of this lens does not have a built-in motor. "
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.
The lens has a focal length of 28-300 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
- Read more about the autofocus motor and the importance of this part
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-6,3.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 28 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 300 mm the brightness is f/6,3. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 62 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "AD06".
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The price (more info)
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- Light weight (420 gr)
- No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
- No built-in image stabilizer
- Poor aperture value with its f/6,3
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di .
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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