Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di Macro Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Tamron and the lens was released 2006.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Tamron
At launch 2006 Tamron wrote this regarding Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di Macro:
"Compactness, light weight and affordability are brought together in the Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di, giving emerging photographers an alternative to the highly lauded SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD. Picture takers eager to bring distant sports or wildlife subjects closer, as well as bringing tiny, close range subjects into clear focus will appreciate the standout macro function, available at focal lengths between 180 and 300mm. Capable of a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 (one half life-size) close-up detail fills the viewfinder. Also, because the macro function is available at the lens´ longer telephoto settings, an extended subject-to-lens working distance is maintained.
Compact top tele-zoom lens with macro 1:2 function. A high mechanical quality combined with excellent optical qualities are the characteristic features of this telephoto lens. This Di lens can be used on a digital APS-C sized or full frame camera. This lens ideally complements standard kit lenses.
A ´Macro Switchover´ mechanism allows a minimum focus distance of 0.95m within the focal length range of 180-300mm. You can fill the entire frame with subjects of apx. 5 x 7cm size, at a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, ideal for capturing images of flowers, insects and objects of similar size. With its 300mm tele-end the lens guarantees ultimate photo fun.
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 70-300mm is available with a built-in motor for the Nikon D40, D40X and D60 (Model A17NII) from apx. February 2008. The A17N model which had been available up until February 2008 is only compatible with the D40/D40X/D60 in the MF mode due to the fact it doesn´t 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 70-300 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 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di Macro
- 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/4-5,6.
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 70 mm the lens brightness is f/4 and at 300 mm the brightness is f/5,6. 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 "DA17".
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 (435 gr)
- No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
- No built-in image stabilizer
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di Macro.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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