Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di VC USD - opinion

ruifo · Feb 3, 2014

Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di VC USD

Hi, anyone using this lens or has used it in the recently? I am impressed by its reviews, specially sharpness, stabilization and price, but still curious about how fast and accurate the new USD motor is for auto-focusing. Any impressions?

Thanks in advance!

Braineack · Feb 3, 2014

I'm about to pull the trigger on one; just waiting on a payment for something first. If it's anything like my Tamron 24-70 VC, then I'll be a very happy shooter. I'm debating tossing the Tamron SP 1.4TC along with it as well.

Derrel · Feb 3, 2014

Matt Granger, aka "That Nikon Guy" was favorably impressed by it.

ruifo · Feb 3, 2014

dxomark.com metrics results are also pretty good.

Braineack, please let us know your first impressions, when you really get it.

I am starting to investigate the 70-200 2.8 sector for real.

Braineack · Feb 6, 2014

Will do. Should be ordering it Saturday.

manicmike · Feb 6, 2014

I think pixmedic uses one for wedding work.

Nickk · Feb 6, 2014

I got to try this out on 3 different bodies and really liked it, enough so that I purchased it then and there. I'm fairly blown away by it, but then again my prior camera lens combo was an xti with the kit lenses :wink:

MGRPhoto · Feb 6, 2014

It's an awesome lens. Just about as good as the VR2 for image quality even for pixel peepers. AF performance is not as good as the VR2 or even the VR1. Stabilization in somewhere between the VR1 and VR2.

Derrel · Feb 6, 2014

Saw a used Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 NON-VC model yesterday for $495 at PPS in town. Pro Photo Supply - Used Photography Equipment, Used Cameras, Used Video and Used Lenses in Portland OR

pixmedic · Feb 6, 2014

I have the non-VC version of this lens and love it.
the AF is fast (has built in motor), the optics are good, and i haven't had any focusing issues with it.
I tried it out in the store side by side with the Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8 and chose the tamron.
The nikkor lens was heavier, and might have slightly better optics, but the Tamron was lighter, the AF was faster (nikkor is screw drive) and was a few hundred bucks cheaper.

"better optics" with modern lenses means very little anymore. the differences are so minute that you can only really tell the difference on MTF charts and heavy pixel peeping.

ruifo · Feb 10, 2014

In terms of TeleConverters, what would you recommend to come with this lens?

The Tamron SP AF 1.4X Teleconverter or the Tamron SP AF 2X Teleconverter?

What's the difference between the "SP" and the non-SP version of the Tamron TCs?

The 1.4X Teleconverter would turn it into a 98-280mm f/4 lens. I guess that will maintain better IQ?

The 2X Teleconverter would turn it into a 140-400mm f/5.6 lens. I guess that will spoil the IQ?

Thanks for the advice.

Braineack · Feb 10, 2014

I'm leaning towards the 2x for the reach since I shoot FF myself. Still waiting on money to transfer so I haven't ordered. seriously pissing me off I really wanted to get it by this sat.

ruifo · Feb 10, 2014

Did you receive your 70-200mm already? If so, how is it?

To buy the TC, I am also thinking about the future Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3. The 1.4x TC would turn it into a 210-840mm f/7.1-9, while the 2x TC would turn it into a 300-1200mm f/10-13.

Due to the compromise in the 70-200mm and in other lenses (like the one mentioned above), I am leaning more to the 1.4x TC.

Braineack · Feb 10, 2014

Ordering right now. B&H had a used one, I was about to order "used/open box" Amazon, but it's over $100 less at B&H, plus no taxes. Should get here Thursday.

You probably won't be able to autofocus that lens with even the 1.4tc, worth a shot though.

robbins.photo · Feb 10, 2014

ruifo said:
In terms of TeleConverters, what would you recommend to come with this lens?

The Tamron SP AF 1.4X Teleconverter or the Tamron SP AF 2X Teleconverter?

What's the difference between the "SP" and the non-SP version of the Tamron TCs?

The 1.4X Teleconverter would turn it into a 98-280mm f/4 lens. I guess that will maintain better IQ?

The 2X Teleconverter would turn it into a 140-400mm f/5.6 lens. I guess that will spoil the IQ?

Thanks for the advice.

Well I use the sigma version myself but when I tested it with a 2x teleconverter I was actually very impressed with the image quality. I was expected the IQ to suffer quite a bit, but really there was barely any noticeable difference. In fact I was so happy with it I'll be keeping the 2x teleconverter and adding the 1.4 x shortly. The idea of having 200 mm f/2.8, 280 mm F/4 and 400 mm F/5.6 all on hand and only having to carry a couple of small, lightweight teleconverters instead of 2 extra lenses is just too good to pass up.