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Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di VC USD Lens Review
Review posted 12/7/2010
Tamron's "60th Anniversary" lens model, the SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di VC USD (aka the A005) is a medium telephoto zoom lens designed to help you produce exceptional images on both full frame and cropped dSLR bodies. While originally being produced for Nikon models, the A005 is now available in an EF mount for use with Canon EOS dSLRs. There are also plans in the future to release a version of this lens for the Sony A-mount, however this unit will not offer the VC option since Sony uses an in-camera IS system.
The A005 is a well made lens that Tamron claims is comprised of high-grade materials that allow the unit to offer "best-in-class" resolution. That is a bold statement, which we hope to shed some light on in our review. Albeit, the A0005 does boast some appealing specifications, including the use of extra low dispersion (XLD) and low dispersion (LD) lenses, being their first model to incorporate a fast and quite ultrasonic AF motor (USD), vibration compensation (VC) system with up to a 4 stop gain, full-time MF, and their BBAR anti-reflective coating to combat both lens flare and ghosting.
For those who use a full-frame dSLR, the A005 will cover a nice medium telephoto range of 70-300mm. On an APS-C or "crop body" dSLR, this lens offers a much broader telephoto reach of approx. 109-465mm (in 35mm equivalence). Either range will appeal to a wide range of photogs, whether you're a nature or sports shooter, or anyone else who's looking for an affordable, yet powerful zoom lens option.
The A005 is currently available for Nikon and Canon lens mount systems with a suggested retail price of only $449.99 US.
A005 Specifications
* Length means the size from a head of the barrel to a flange of the mount.
** Full Length means the size from a head of the barrel to an end of the lens.
† Length and weight values given are for the Nikon mount. Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc., may be changed without prior notice.
†† The Sony mount does not include the VC image stabilization functionality, as the body of Sony digital SLR cameras include image stabilization functionality.
Quick Take |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Bottom Line |
| Tamron seems to have created a worthy competitor in the 70-300mm zoom
category, with excellent build quality, good optics, and several other
handy features to help you capture better handheld photos; like the USM
AF motor and VC stabilization. Read more in our full conclusion. |
Tamron's "60th Anniversary" lens model, the SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di VC USD (aka the A005) is a medium telephoto zoom lens designed to help you produce exceptional images on both full frame and cropped dSLR bodies. While originally being produced for Nikon models, the A005 is now available in an EF mount for use with Canon EOS dSLRs. There are also plans in the future to release a version of this lens for the Sony A-mount, however this unit will not offer the VC option since Sony uses an in-camera IS system. The A005 is a well made lens that Tamron claims is comprised of high-grade materials that allow the unit to offer "best-in-class" resolution. That is a bold statement, which we hope to shed some light on in our review. Albeit, the A0005 does boast some appealing specifications, including the use of extra low dispersion (XLD) and low dispersion (LD) lenses, being their first model to incorporate a fast and quite ultrasonic AF motor (USD), vibration compensation (VC) system with up to a 4 stop gain, full-time MF, and their BBAR anti-reflective coating to combat both lens flare and ghosting.
For those who use a full-frame dSLR, the A005 will cover a nice medium telephoto range of 70-300mm. On an APS-C or "crop body" dSLR, this lens offers a much broader telephoto reach of approx. 109-465mm (in 35mm equivalence). Either range will appeal to a wide range of photogs, whether you're a nature or sports shooter, or anyone else who's looking for an affordable, yet powerful zoom lens option.
The A005 is currently available for Nikon and Canon lens mount systems with a suggested retail price of only $449.99 US.
A005 Specifications
| Model | A005 |
| Focal Length | 70-300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F/4 - 5.6 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | 34° 21'-8° 15' |
| Lens Construction | 17 elements in 12 groups |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.5m (59.05 in) |
| Max. Magnification Ratio | 1:4 (at f = 300mm: MFD 1.5m) |
| Filter thread | 62mm |
| Length * | 142.7mm † (5.61 in) |
| Full Length ** | 151.1mm †(5.9 in) |
| Diameter | 81.5mm (3.21 in) |
| Weight | 765g * (26.98 oz) |
| Diaphragm Blade Number | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | F/32 - 45 |
| Standard Accessory | Flower-shaped lens hood |
| Compatible Mount | For Nikon, Canon, Sony†† |
* Length means the size from a head of the barrel to a flange of the mount.
** Full Length means the size from a head of the barrel to an end of the lens.
† Length and weight values given are for the Nikon mount. Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc., may be changed without prior notice.
†† The Sony mount does not include the VC image stabilization functionality, as the body of Sony digital SLR cameras include image stabilization functionality.
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| Tamron A005 70 mm-300 mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EF / EF-S 62 mm Attachment - 0.3x Magnification - 4.3x - Optical IS - USD Yes | |||
| Product | Price | Information | Seller Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 Seller: BUYDIG.com | $449 | Condition: New In Stock: Yes |  3056 reviews |
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