liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

So I have been shooting lots of birds this week as migration is almost over here in Jersey. While out shooting this past week my lens locked up three times ..and refused to focus. I had to turn the camera off to get it to work again. Yesterday I was at a Civil War Reenactment. The lens (or camera) would not focus as the parade of horses came by...I had to turn the camera off and then on to get the lens to focus. I had been told to clean the contacts on the camera..which I did..then told to use 9 points of focus..hmmm a horse is pretty big..I see no reason the lens would have a hard time finding a slow moving horse! Anyway I called Tamron today and they asked me to send in my camera and the lens..at the cost of $34 dollars shipping and insurance. Stay tuned and let me know if anyone is experiencing any problems with the Nikon version. I am concerned as I have only 10 days left in which to return lens to B&H...so decided to act quickly before my window closes. As a side note I have seen some focus problems reported on Canons but the rep for Tamron said no problems on Nikon versions..Well hello..its only been out two weeks.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I will reserve judgement until there's been ample time for others to come forward with problems.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sooo, how do you like the lens - other than the focus problem ??

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Nikon is more secretive about its codes. If anything Nikon may be worse.

Initial reviews on just about anything are not to be taken at face value.

When reviewing something new that I'm excited about, I tend to emphasize the good things and miss the negative. I don't think I'm unique in this respect.

Its just human nature to want a new item to be all that is expected and more. Too bad it doesn't always turn out.

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

My expectations are realistic in that I expect a lens to focus:-) Other issues such as poor lowlight autofocus etc can be worked around through knowledge of your equipment. Not much you can do when the lens/camera freezes up and you lose the shot. I am confident in Tamron to find a solution which is why I am not in a panic to return the lens to B&H as many might have done.

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

The lens is a real winner in my book. I love the reach and the image quality is quite good. It is a heavy lens but I carry it by holding onto the tripod collar. I have ordered a monopod for long shots where I may need some support.I also own a tripod and gimbal head for those occasions where I am staying in one place for extended time.

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

Which Nikon body are you using?

There have been a couple of reports over here from people having issue with AF focus speed and a comment made a week or so ago about lock up on a D7000 which contact cleaning seemed to fix.

Nic42 Loc: Cardiff, Wales

That doesn't sound too encouraging!!

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

Image quality is not bad - up to 500mm extension comparable with lenses like the popular Sigma 150-500. Testing an early lens on a Canon the quality above 500mm wide open dropped off but at F11 was quite sharp.

You can't expect prime quality from a zoom that covers the 150 to 600mm extension, whether the quality turns out to be what buyers want remains to be seen.

Fishnwish

9 focal points coupled with Autofocus-A on a moving animal will flutter and jump with any lens. By design the camera will always be hunting...
Were you using Autofocus-A?

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

I use single point in AF-C and never had much of a problem with other lenses. I agree at 600 this could be problematic but at 250mm shootng at big slow moving horse..in bright light..the lens should be able to focus correctly. I use a D7100

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

ALL lenses are sharp at f11 .....

Bado Loc: Louisiana

BH just notified me the lens is on the way. Almost 3 months wait.
Hoping they got bugs out , I assume that was why it took so long for Tameron to start shipping again. Well we shall see, Canon 1D4 did have some problems with earlier versions.
I'm leaving for Florida Thursday it would be nice to have it.

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

Not all lenses by a long way; some of the ones we have tested over the years were not sharp anywhere on their range!

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

Just got an update from Tamron today by phone.I have to say I am very impressed with this company. They have sent me a work order with everything that has been done. They have had two technicans working on the lens and will have it back to me on Friday. Kudos to Tamron. Not sure if they have found anything wrong but they assured me my warranty is good for 6 years..so we shall see.