the new Tamron 70-200 2.8

Elaine

I've found it on Amazon and Adorama ($700), but not B&H yet. I know it's new, but I was also hoping to find some sort of review out. If anyone has seen info, please share!

Scott_Quier

Elaine wrote:

I've found it on Amazon and Adorama ($700), but not B&H yet. I know it's new, but I was also hoping to find some sort of review out. If anyone has seen info, please share!

This is all I could find (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0802/08020701tamron70200.asp)

Tee Why

This lens is stated to come out in March of 2008 for Canon mount and later for all other mounts.

There has been no preview images that I've come across, just technical details.

Compared to the other third party 70-200mm f2.8 from Sigma, it's lighter, has a closer min. focus distance for a bigger 1:3.1 vs 1:3.5 magnification, is close to 1/2 lb lighter.

Most Tamron's SP Di class lenses have been optically very good and I don't think a 70-200mm range zoom is optically challenging to make, so I expect the optics to be on par with other similar lenses if maybe not better since this is a brand new design.

Now for the bad news. Tamron's are lighter b/c they use plastics in the barrel, and they do feel cheaper/less sturdy than those from Canon/Nikon/Sigma EX line/Tokina IMO. Second, they tend to use older AF design, so those tended to be noisier and often slower than the latest USM/SSM/HSM AF motors used by Canon/Nikon/Sigma. Those you can just MF any time. With the Tamron, you have to pull the MF ring back to focus and then push it forward to AF again. This may or may not be a factor, depending on your shooting needs.

Good luck

dangin

i'd assume that this lens should have better optics than their last generation 70-210mm f/2.8 lens; which i have and use on a regular basis. if it is anything like the previous generation optics, it will not be particularly sharp but will offer up overall good-very good IQ, good center sharpness, and good bokeh. the tamron 70-210mm f/2.8 is built like a tank and is quite heavy with its mix of metal and plastic construction. unfortunately it does not have vibration reduction, internal focusing and suffers from a moving focusing ring. however if you're looking for a tele lens in this zoom range without breaking the bank, i think the new tamron 70-200mm (and old 70-210mm) and can make do without vibration reduction, this may be what many are looking for.

ddkphotos

can't wait
I'm hoping we'll see some real reviews about this lens. Please let us know if you see any!

limbik

Just wondering if there have been any updates on this lens? I'm really anxious to get my hands on one and its almost May already.

Tee Why

It's out, at a Canon forum, those who bought it seem happy with it.
I've not seen any formal tests on it.

Shane422

Based on what I saw on Dpreviews Canon forums, and my own experience with the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, I went aead and preordered the Nikon version last week. I've been hearing that it will ship sometime in May.

keith204

The lack of USM/HSM/etc is enough reason for me not to buy one, even if I was looking. I own the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX DG HSM Macro which can also be bought for around $700....and it DOES have HSM.

I am not worried about optical quality of the Tamron, but this focal length really needs a faster AF since it's often used for sports.