Lens opinion
Jul 19, 2019 01:07:15 #
I appreciate what I learn here from you all, and have never posted a question of my own, until now. I have a Nikon d5300 and have various lenses but find myself mainly shooting with the 70-300mm (birds, etc) and cropping most all of my shots. I have opportunity to purchase a "Tamron auto focus 200-500mm f5.0-6.3 Di LD SP FEC (IF) lens for Nikon" for what I consider a very nice price at $250. I want a further reaching zoom lens but definitely don't have money to waste. In your opinion(s), is this lens a good buy (the seller says it's in good shape, nothing wrong with it) and do you think it will give satisfactory results? Thanks for the help.
Jul 19, 2019 01:53:50 #
Karen1955 wrote:
I appreciate what I learn here from you all, and h... (show quote)
Consider buying the lens with the proviso that the images are sharp through the 200-500 range.
Jul 19, 2019 02:26:54 #
Google the reviews for that lens ....study up before you consider ...the price seems low ... usually you get what you pay for .., especially glass ..
Jul 19, 2019 03:49:30 #
The only Tamron lenses I will own are Tamron SP lenses and the 200-500 you are looking to buy is an SP. $250 seems to be kind of low for that lens in good condition but not unreasonable if buying from a friend. It is an ok lens for the money, not as good as the SP 150-600 lenses but will definitely get the job done. If the glass is clean and the AF works, $250 is a good deal for a decent lens. Go for it, you will like it.
Jul 19, 2019 04:27:17 #
Pistnbroke
Loc: UK
Only downside is No VR....and I think its screw drive which will not work with your camera but check that out .
Also you have no fine focus adjust on your camera so the ultimate sharpness may no be available
Also you have no fine focus adjust on your camera so the ultimate sharpness may no be available
Jul 19, 2019 05:58:45 #
If you shoot over 1/1000 VR means nothing and actually may lessen sharpness.
Jul 19, 2019 06:44:42 #
Karen1955 wrote:
I appreciate what I learn here from you all, and h... (show quote)
It is sharp from 200-400 and just ok to 500mm, focuses slowly, has a very noisy focusing motor and no stabilization. It will be ok on a crop sensor. Whether or not it represents a waste of money is entirely up to you.
Jul 19, 2019 06:45:43 #
Jul 19, 2019 12:14:08 #
Karen1955 wrote:
I appreciate what I learn here from you all, and h... (show quote)
Generally a good enough lens, but that particular example may be great, or terrible, or anything in between. The price is very low. That suggests that there is something wrong with the lens. The seller would hardly say it was a piece of broken junk....even if it were. $700.00 to $900.00 would be a more reasonable price. I suspect that the seller knows that, or could figure it out soon. So....why ask so little for it....if it is in good condition? Are you really so very lucky....to find such a great bargain....or are you about to suckered by a con artist? Even a well used version, with some cosmetic damage, would probably cost at least $400.00. Personally, I would pass on it, and buy a better example from a more trusted source....B&H, Adorama, or such.
Jul 19, 2019 13:49:12 #
jackpinoh
Loc: Kettering, OH 45419
Karen1955 wrote:
I appreciate what I learn here from you all, and h... (show quote)
I don't think Tamron currently makes a 200-500mm f/5.0-6.3 lens. Be careful!
Jul 19, 2019 14:07:22 #
Pistnbroke
Loc: UK
Can you all read..... its no good commenting on this lens as its not compatible with the D5300
Jul 20, 2019 01:40:23 #
Pistnbroke wrote:
Can you all read..... its no good commenting on this lens as its not compatible with the D5300
It will work with manual focus. They were all manual focus at one time and we all survived those days.
Jul 20, 2019 02:28:57 #
Pistnbroke
Loc: UK
If its 500mm then the buyer wants it for wildlife then she wants some sort of focus tracking and autofocus or by the time she has focused the action has finished, D7100 up yes OK but not a D5000 series.
I have been the only one to tell her the auto focus wont work, I would say rather essential information.
Karen you can learn from us all but remember not all replies are created equal or have full or correct information. For Me I would not buy it.
If you look at the mount end of the lens you sill see that there is not a full row of connector pins..one is missing .That's a sign its screw drive. Then look on the metal mount and you will see a screwdriver slot ..that's what works the autofocus.
I have been the only one to tell her the auto focus wont work, I would say rather essential information.
Karen you can learn from us all but remember not all replies are created equal or have full or correct information. For Me I would not buy it.
If you look at the mount end of the lens you sill see that there is not a full row of connector pins..one is missing .That's a sign its screw drive. Then look on the metal mount and you will see a screwdriver slot ..that's what works the autofocus.
Jul 20, 2019 04:13:58 #
Pistnbroke
Loc: UK
You could look at a sigma 150-500 which is cheap and compatible. Remember of course that if you use a camera without fine focus adjust like yours you take pot luck as to if the lens will put the image pin sharp on the sensor. ( the FFA is to compensate for tolerances in manufacturing )
Jul 20, 2019 06:49:23 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Karen1955 wrote:
I appreciate what I learn here from you all, and h... (show quote)
That is a good price, but it also comes at a cost. The cost is mostly in image quality. You may find that your current 70-300 is sharper than the Tamron. Yes, you get greater reach, but pay on image quality.
I would suggest studying birds and learning how to get closer to them with your current optics.
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