Tamron 200 - 500

[Murray Smith]

Can anyone tell me what the new and used prices are for this lens.

Has anyone used it with a teleconverter ??

Which T/C would be best.

Thanks

Murray Smith

[ccplim]

Sree is currently using this lens. He might be able to give you some details on that :)

[Sree]

Hi Murray,

I have a Tamron 200-500 which I bought from another user. I believe a new one is around S$1600. As it is only recently available in Singapore, it will be hard to find it in the resale market. I got mine as the original owner had moved from Nikon to Canon.

I almost never use a TC with the Tamron. However I have tried it successfully with the Kenko Pro 1.4x. I am currently using a D2X and with the TC attached AF is really slow at 500mm. If there is insufficient contrast, it can't even focus. (Without the TC AF is OK) I haven't got a Nikon TC-14EII but I'd expect sharper pictures with that compared to the Kenko, provided it fits. I have both the Nikon TC-17EII and TC-20EII. Both will not fit on the Tamron.

A shot with the Kenko TC (D2X) can be seen at the following thread http://www.avianwatchasia.org/forums/showthread.php?t=258 It was taken with the lens resting on my car window, no tripod. It was a rather quickish shot.

Also I have posted some pictures taken with this lens (D70, no TC attached) several weeks ago at the following URL http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=115831

I hope this helps. Do let me know if you have further questions.

[Murray Smith]

Sree,

Thanks for the information. I have been watching your photos with the Tamron over the past couple of weeks trying to sort out which way to go, the Tamron 200 - 500 or the Bigma. The critics in the USA have given the Tamron some very good reviews and I have been impressed with your
photos too.

Regards

Murray Smith

[Sree]

Murray, they are both equally good in my opinion. However I like the colours from the Tamron better. Advantage of the Sigma is that it has HSM and thus will focus faster than the Tamron but I feel the Tamron is less bulky. Its definitely more versatile and lighter than my 300/F4 + TC-17EII combo. But I must tell you that in extreme bright light the Tamron does show a bit of CA.

One Saturday morning several months ago I spent about 4 hours testing out the 80-400/VR, 300/F4 and the Sigma 50-500 at my local photo shop. I took each of the lens out and took test shots all around the outside of Lucky Plaza .. mainly sunbirds, sparrows and mynas. In the end I walked out with the Nikon 300/F4 which is one sharp lens (and cheaper than the 300/F2.8) with very nice bokeh. But still the lust for a longer lens remained.

Hey, maybe when you are in SIN you can try out my Tamron lens and make me an offer I can't refuse :D Who knows?

[Murray Smith]

Sree,

too bad, I need a Canon mount.

Too many compromises to make if you can't afford just to go and buy the prime lens.

I'm interested that you buy gear in Lucky Plaza, I thought that was a difficult place to get a good price. Maybe you have some inside contacts that help ??

Regards

Murray Smith

[Sree]

Too bad you won't be able to try out my lens to get a feel for it when you come to Singapore. However I've been told that the Canon mount is easier to but/get compared to the Nikon one.

Here are some more shots using the 200-500 taken last Saturday. http://www.avianwatchasia.org/forums/showthread.php?t=340

Yeah by and large Lucky Plaza has a well-deserved notorious reputation. I only purchase my equipment from just one shop there (and nowhere else in Lucky Plaza) ...Lord's Camera #01-79 (TEL : 62354605). Very competitive pricing and helpful/decent service comparable to Cathay Photo, in my opinion. I deal with James (he knows me as Sree the lecturer), you can call him when you get into town.