Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD

Guide Price: £430 / Street Price: £375
construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6
Minimum aperture: f/32-45
Filter thread: 62mm
Angle of view: 34º - 8º
No. of diaphragm blades: Nine
Minimum focus: 1.5m
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:4
Dimensions: 81.5x142.7mm
Weight: 765g
Supplied accessory: Lens hood and caps
AF Fittings: Canon, Nikon, Sony (Non-VC)
Phone: 01628 674411
Website: www.intro2020.co.uk

The telezoom has remained one of the most popular choices of lens with digital SLR photographers, in particular with newcomers looking for additional pulling power than what is on offer from their standard kit zoom.

The three most popular types of telezoom are those with a focal range of around 55-200mm, the pro-series 70-200mm f/2.8 and the more powerful 70-300mm types. The 55-200mm zooms are generally designed exclusively for use with APS-C sensors, giving an effective range of around 82-300mm, offering a decent, lightweight and low-cost zoom option for amateur photographers. The fast 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms are at the other end of the scale: they’re large, expensive and aimed at the enthusiast and professionals looking for the very best performance. Sitting between these two extremes are the more powerful 70-300mm telezooms. As with the 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, these are larger than the budget options, can be used with APS-C or full frame sensors and boast superior optics. In terms of size and price, they sit between the other two classes of telezoom and represent a very good upgrade for those looking for a high-performance zoom, without the expense of the fast f/2.8 lenses.
Tamron’s latest 70-300mm offers an incredible specification and is sure to prove a big temptation to enthusiasts. Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) stabilisation system has proved itself to be very reliable and effective and is a welcome facility to this type of lens. It’s the first lens to feature Tamron’s latest focusing technology – the Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) which, much like similar systems found on Canon (USM) and Nikon (Silent Wave) lenses, promises fast and near-silent autofocusing. It also provides the advantage to filter users of internal focusing, so that the front element doesn’t move during AF, as well as allowing manual focus without the need for the user to switch the lens from AF to manual focus.

The Tamron is quite large and heavy by 70-300mm standards, due to the inclusion of the image stabiliser, so users of entry-level DSLRs should try it out for balance first. The reason for its size is also due to the optics having to provide coverage for full frame as well as APS-C sensors. It’s also worth noting that the high quality materials used in its construction, along with the glass elements, also add to its weight and size. Our lens was tested on a Nikon D7000 and balanced well with the larger, heavier body. The larger barrel brings with it the advantage of a very wide zoom ring, as well as a well-sized manual focus ring, too. The ability to switch between AF and manual focus without having to access a switch is a real bonus. Towards the rear of the lens is a focus distance window, an AF/M switch and the on/off switch for the Vibration Compensation. We found the VC to be very effective, providing around three stops of benefit, which proves particularly useful when shooting at the extreme end of the telephoto – with the DX sensor, the Tamron is effectively a 105.5-450mm zoom (112-480mm on a Canon APS-C DSLR).

Tamron lenses generally offer very good AF performance, but the difference made by the USD is noticeable, providing very fast and responsive autofocus. Hunting is minimal, while it also tracks moving subjects well. With all lenses of this type, the optical performance is strongest at the short end, with a general decline in sharpness as you zoom to the 300mm end. This is true of the Tamron, but what is impressive is that image sharpness remains respectable throughout the range. At 70mm it’s very good to excellent and rates from good to very good all the way through to 300mm. We’d recommend you use it at f/8-11 for the very best results and avoid the minimum aperture, but don’t hesitate using it wide open if required, as it still gives good results at maximum aperture. Distortion and chromatic aberration are both very well controlled, as is flare – even without the supplied hood being used.

This lens performs well and is easy to recommend. Full frame users will find its range to be useful but those with APS-C sensors need to be sure they can handle its effective range of 105.5-450mm.

Verdict:
Tamron has produced a telezoom 
that delivers in every key area. From focusing through to optical performance, it doesn’t disappoint and should meet the requirements of most enthusiasts. Its large size may put off some, but we’d recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and capable telezoom.

Like: Fast and quiet focusing; VC stabiliser; image quality; versatile range and large manual focus ring
Dislike: Large size may be a turn-off to those with lightweight DSLRs

Handling: 4/5    
Features: 4.5/5      
Performance: 4/5    
Value: 4/5    

Overall: 4/5