Tamron AF 200-400mm f/5.6 LD IF 75DN Review

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Introduction

A super telephoto zoom for the budget photographer. The 200-400 features a one-ring design, meaning you zoom with a push pull movement. Tamron released a successor to this lens in 2004, the 200-500mm DI, which is apparently more suited for digital photography. The coverage of the focal length of this lens, makes it suitable for sports photographers as well as wildlife photographers. Weighing 1260g this lens won`t break your back, hiking up a mountain.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 13 elements in 11 groups

Picture Angle: 12 - 6 (FF)

Filter Size: 77mm

Lens Hood: C3FH

Included accessories: Lens hood, Lens cap, Rear cap

Size and weight: 170mm x 85.4mm, 1260g.(7" x 3.36", 44.4 oz)

Diaphragm: 9 bladed

Price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.tamron.com

Positives

• Sharpness @ 200mm, even wide open.
• Second hand price, these babies sell quite cheap on ebay.
• Tripod mount, finally a tripod mount that works, Nikon are you listening?
• Lens hood

Drawbacks

• Focus speed.
• Soft @ 400mm f/5.6. By f/8 it gets sharp again.
• CA This lens shows quite a bit of chromatic aberrations @ 400mm.

Verdict

Although the performance on 400mm f/5.6 is not to good, this is still a good buy. The alternative you have to this lens is a 80-200 with a 2x converter. Which has better contrast and sharpness(for the AF-S), but the price difference is huge. I really like the zoom range on this lens, and the tripod mount actually works, meaning you can use a Pro (D)slr on it, and actually change cameras without removing the lens from the tripod. This is the budget photographers super tele zoom. And you get good value for your money.

Alternatives

Tamron SP AF 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF. From: $879.00 USD

Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 G-AFS ED-IF VR. From $4999.95 USD

A 80-200 with a 2x converter.

Sample Pictures