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Tamron 18-400 for Nikon?
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Apr 22, 2018 13:18:33   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
ToBoldlyGo wrote:
Thank you. Is it a crop from a larger image? Cute photo :)


yes

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Apr 22, 2018 15:20:41   #
was_a_guru
 
I have the same kit lenses that you have. Recently bought the Tamron 18-400. I did a series of tests:
Camera on tripod.
Aimed at distant subject (with some letters/numbers on it), with Nikon 18-55
Took shots @ 18, 35, 50, changed lens to Nikon 70-300
Took shots @ 70, 100, 200, 300, changed lens to Tamron 18-400
Took shots @ 18, 35, 50, 70, 100, 200, 300 & 400
Printed all (Costco) 8" x 12"
Compared like focal length shots visually and with magnifying glass

Result:
Tamron is as good or better than Nikon up to 200mm, @300mm Nikon is marginally better but only noticeable with magnifying glass. Even the 400 shot looks good.

So, I'm very happy with the Tamron. It beats having to change lenses when shooting a variety of subjects.

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Apr 22, 2018 16:04:22   #
IDguy Loc: Idaho
 
marciamyers wrote:
Recently joined, have D3400, new to photography. Am not satisfied with the kit telephoto lens, 70-300mm, and am considering trading in both kit lenses....the above and the 18-55mm, as reviews both here and elsewhere, seem to indicate the Tamron would do a better job at both ends of the spectrum. Does anyone have a reason to NOT make the trade? Being new, and living on social security, I a) don’t want to jump ahead of myself, and b) can not afford to get it wrong.
My complaint with the kit telephoto relates to not being able to get close enough bird shots. The only drawback I know of trading is perhaps taking more time to focus. Thanks for any advice......one more thing.....does the Tamron actually do a good job with macro photography as well...
Sounds too good to be true, and when that happens it usually is not true, thus my skepticism.
Recently joined, have D3400, new to photography. ... (show quote)


Unfortunately the kits include the non-VR 70-300. You need VR if handholding at 300mm. I got a new grey market VR one for about $200.

The new Tamron 18-400 might better meet your needs. It has VR.

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Apr 22, 2018 16:06:11   #
IDguy Loc: Idaho
 
was_a_guru wrote:
I have the same kit lenses that you have. Recently bought the Tamron 18-400. I did a series of tests:
Camera on tripod.
Aimed at distant subject (with some letters/numbers on it), with Nikon 18-55
Took shots @ 18, 35, 50, changed lens to Nikon 70-300
Took shots @ 70, 100, 200, 300, changed lens to Tamron 18-400
Took shots @ 18, 35, 50, 70, 100, 200, 300 & 400
Printed all (Costco) 8" x 12"
Compared like focal length shots visually and with magnifying glass

Result:
Tamron is as good or better than Nikon up to 200mm, @300mm Nikon is marginally better but only noticeable with magnifying glass. Even the 400 shot looks good.

So, I'm very happy with the Tamron. It beats having to change lenses when shooting a variety of subjects.
I have the same kit lenses that you have. Recently... (show quote)


You’d likely be disappointed with the Nikon nonVR lens handheld at longer focal lengths.

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Apr 22, 2018 16:17:54   #
ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.
 
I disagree with "needing" VR. It can be useful, but good technique often gets me better results than turning on VR. Of course we are all different, and have different photography styles and preferences. What works for me may not for the next person. I just find it doesn't work that well for me.

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Apr 22, 2018 16:27:16   #
was_a_guru
 
My kit included the VR for both 18-55 & 70-300. It was the Nikon D7500 kit. Control is not on lens, but in Custom Menus - d9. Purchased from Costco.

But always turn it off when camera is on tripod.

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Apr 22, 2018 18:00:06   #
adamsg Loc: Chubbuck, ID
 
What a fine photograph. Congratulations! It certainly is a strong recommendation for this lens. I have wondered about this lens as I get deeper into wildlife photography. Thank you for posting this.

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Apr 22, 2018 18:16:06   #
ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.
 
rgrenaderphoto wrote:


Not in this video. You don't know which lens the majority of the photos are from, and he offers no comparison or impression.

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Apr 22, 2018 21:58:09   #
IDguy Loc: Idaho
 
was_a_guru wrote:
My kit included the VR for both 18-55 & 70-300. It was the Nikon D7500 kit. Control is not on lens, but in Custom Menus - d9. Purchased from Costco.

But always turn it off when camera is on tripod.


The lens manual tells you not to.

The D3400 and 5600 kits have non VR of the 70-300 and VR for the 18-55. Go figure.

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Apr 23, 2018 08:04:29   #
sv3noKin51E
 
We have an older, pre-owned Tamron 18-300mm we snagged from B&H for $120. Have been happy with the versatility compared to the Nikon lenses, it's a solid, fantastic performer on the D7200 for any occasion, and has that exta edge that the Nikon 50-300 VR, or the 70-300mm AF-P don't. We keep an eye on the shops for a used one so we can have the extra 100mm to reach out farther. We snagged a new 18-200mm VCII with a factory discount Amazon deducted; It's fast, silent and instant but alas, isn't that 400mm. The refurbished 18-55mm (VR II w/lock) is great for indoors, it's extremely light and unobtrusive, and we keep it handy, near the trusty old Nikon street-sweeper (24-120mm) and 28-80m. The 18-55mm doesn't fetch very much these days, currently the market's awash with them. Tamron is our favorite lens next to Nikon. Some day that 400mm will sale (pun intended) our way. Nice feedback and photo examples gents. sv

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Apr 23, 2018 13:47:38   #
gpl1
 
No autofocus problem with the CP. haven’t tried with the nd8. I’ll check that out soon. Can always manual focus and then attach the nd.

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Apr 23, 2018 15:38:53   #
adamsg Loc: Chubbuck, ID
 
IDguy wrote:
The lens manual tells you not to.

The D3400 and 5600 kits have non VR of the 70-300 and VR for the 18-55. Go figure.


Perhaps it was the store that dictated what lenses I got with my D3100. The 18-55 AND the 70-300 both have VR. But considering there was a $200 package discount, I rather feel it was Nikon's choice as to what the 70-300's features were. I am very happy with what I purchased, but looking for an additional, body, likely a D7200. Maybe, if $$$ allows, a longer tele lens for more wildlife work.

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Apr 23, 2018 21:55:08   #
sv3noKin51E
 
Nikon still does that? (shocking-not). We picked up our D3100 with the 35mm VR lens and filters at a local pawn shop fpr $175. The lens still sells pre-owned in excellent grade for more than that.

The D3100 works well, and with all lenses and always makes a great spare. We briefly considering trading but none of the shops will offer more than $75 for the body in new condition. You won't regret the D7200. We picked up ours refurbished with less than 3,000 on the count for a relative song at Adorama in the original box with papers; not a dust mote nor mark to see and is a great mate for our D7000. Still use the D300, not as modern but has the same menu layut, many features of the D7000 and the same great tank body. The D700 series with 2 cards and spiffy features tends to quickly spoil one. sv

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Apr 24, 2018 00:43:34   #
IDguy Loc: Idaho
 
adamsg wrote:
Perhaps it was the store that dictated what lenses I got with my D3100. The 18-55 AND the 70-300 both have VR. But considering there was a $200 package discount, I rather feel it was Nikon's choice as to what the 70-300's features were. I am very happy with what I purchased, but looking for an additional, body, likely a D7200. Maybe, if $$$ allows, a longer tele lens for more wildlife work.


You were fortunate to get the VR version of the 70-300. That isn’t the standard Nikon package. I suspect your store put the more rational package together.

You typed D3100, but perhaps you meant D3400? I didn’t think the AF-P lenses compatible with D3100.

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Apr 24, 2018 15:24:13   #
adamsg Loc: Chubbuck, ID
 
IDguy wrote:
You were fortunate to get the VR version of the 70-300. That isn’t the standard Nikon package. I suspect your store put the more rational package together.

You typed D3100, but perhaps you meant D3400? I didn’t think the AF-P lenses compatible with D3100.

I am not sure where you heard that AF-P lenses weren't compatible with a D3100. Mine most assuredly is compatible and the lens has given me some extremely fine shots.

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