GWZ Loc: Bloomington, IN

Greetings all,

I am a few months away from purchasing either a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, a Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD, or a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR for use on a Nikon D5300 and/or D7100, and would appreciate your input.

My specific focus (pun intended) of this post is the build quality and long term reliability of the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD.

I am interested in the Tamron because (1) reviews (both on UHH and other websites) indicate the image quality is as good as, if not slightly better, than the Nikon, and (2) it is significantly less expensive than the f2.8 Nikon.

Request - I would appreciate hearing about the build quality and long term reliability of the Tamron from anyone who has used this lens for a number of years and/or used it intensely (e.g., wedding photography) for a period of time,

I would also appreciate comments from those who have used both the Tamron and the Nikon lenses as well.

My next step is to rent the lenses and see how they feel on the camera.

Thanks in advance for your assistance. It is appreciated.

Gary

IBM

Tamron, makes some good lens ,but a couple years ago I read a write up on there wide angel , it rated excellent but some of the same copies of same lens tested didn't fair so we'll, it may have been some kind of fault in the production , but make sure you can bring it back
And exchange it ,at the least little sign of flare or any other thing you may notice in a picture

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

The Tamron lens is rated higher then others by DxO (https://www.dxomark.com/) and is much less expensive then the Nikon version. I have the tammy and love it. Go for it.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

If interested in the Tamron, wait a few weeks, their new "G2" version of that 70-200mm F2.8 lens is on its way!

GWZ Loc: Bloomington, IN

IBM, thanks for the input.

GWZ Loc: Bloomington, IN

Traveler, thanks for the input.

How long have you had it? How has it been used? Have you had any issues with it?

I don't anticipate using this lens professionally, but rather on an occasional basis for birding, etc....

Gary

GWZ Loc: Bloomington, IN

MT Shooter, thanks for the heads up. I was not planning on making a decision/purchase until sometime in March, so I will be on the lookout for the G2 version.

Gary

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

I've had it for over a year and do not use it professionally. I use it for some events, portraits, Grands and great grands pics, etc. I do not find it good for birding not enough reach. For birding I use 150-600.