Test results for the second of two Tamron zooms up today (leaving the Tamron 70-300 link in the "new" category still though, since it only preceded the 28-300 by a couple of days):
Finally, two new lens tests posted, and hopefully more to come soon. (Test tech Jim has a number of lenses tested, I just need to get the results written up and posted.)
The Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di AF is a long-ratio "vacation zoom", designed to cover a wide enough range of focal lengths that you can just leave it on the camera, great for times when you don't want to lug along a whole kit of lenses. In the digital era, its main limitation is that its wide end is more like a short normal lens than a true wide angle on sub-frame cameras. Still, it might have some utility for situations where you'll mostly shoot from normal to short tele, with an occasional need for a long tele lens. Check our test results to see if this lens is for you...
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 AF is a bargain-priced tele zoom, typical of the first lens many amateurs buy after acquiring an SLR. While it won't compete with thousand-dollar premium glass, it stacks up well against the low end of most manufacturer's lines, and we found it to be surprisingly smooth-operating for a bargain optic, offering good value for well under $200.
As noted, we should be getting a number of additional lenses posted over the next couple of weeks, includingg several different 50mms, a nice Canon tele zoom, and more besides. Stay tuned! - Dave E.
Two more lens tests posted to SLRgear.com!