Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta SLR

Because of the increasing number of D-SLRs with full-frame sensors, Tamron is upgrading several of their multi-platform lenses to the Digitally Integrated standard. The most recent model, the 70-200mm f/2.8 Di, is optimized for D-SLRs regardless of the sensor size but also provides outstanding...

Overall, this is the sort of lens that you are likely either to love or hate. It lacks image stabilisation and its AF system is less sophisticated than its peers' but it has a distinctive, friendly feel.

The SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro is certainly a very creditable effort by Tamron to produce a high quality, yet affordable fast telephoto zoom. Indeed if we look solely at the studio optical tests, it is a resounding success, as the technical quality of the images this lens can produce is...

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  Excellent optical quality, Very good macro capability, Relatively lightweight for its class, but still generally solid build, Low price

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  Slow and noisy autofocus motor, Somewhat clunky manual focus switchover mechanism, Tendency towards slight misfocusing (at least in Canon mount)

The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di Macro Lens delivers sharp images from a great focal length range and a wide/fast aperture in an economical package . The autofocus system is the clear downside to this lens.

Optical expert Gary Wolstenholme gets to grips with Tamron's high speed telezoom. This Tamron costs around £620, which is a very competitive price for a constant F/2.8 telezoom such as this.

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  Good build quality, Excellent resolution between 70mm and 135mm, Good value for money, Supplied lens case is an excellent design

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  Falloff in resolution at 200mm, Torque reaction during focusing may be disturbing at first

Price is obviously the major consideration when considering a lens in this category, and with exceptional results for image quality, it's not just about the money when considering the Tamron 70-200mm Æ’/2.8.

The Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di LD [IF] macro showed a very good performance during our APS-C format tests and it is only slightly worse in the full format scope. The center performance is very good at f/2.8 and excellent at medium aperture settings.

The Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 SP LD Di [IF] macro (*gasp*) is a very capable lens when used on an APS-C DSLR. It provides a very harmonious performance throughout the zoom range. The center quality is generally very high followed by very good borders.

A telephoto zoom lens with a fast constant F/2.8 aperture that is under half the price of manufacturer's equivalent lenses. Can it hold its own? Here we'll take a look.

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  Good build quality, Excellent resolution between 70mm and 135mm, Good value for money, Supplied lens case is an excellent design

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  Falloff in resolution at 200mm, Torque reaction during focusing may be disturbing at first

Tamron SP AF70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro lens - is it love or hate? The What Digital Camera Tamron 70-200mm gives it a thorough test...

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  Comfortable handling.

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  Noisy AF with no manual tuning.

If you are looking for a fast zoom lens, this lens fits the bill. A little heavy, however, very well made, fast focus, sharp images. I am very happy with this lens

Very nice well made lens that brings the subject so much closer and clearer. Attached to the camera like all of the other lenses and comes with a removable tripod mount, hood, and protective bag.

No VR and no weathersealing but very high optical performance at a price you can't withstand. Tested with a D700, D5100 and D600. .

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  Sharp (!) and low weight

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  AF is on the slower side

Used on a Pentax K20D. A very good lens ,razor sharp and Fast. No real hunting issues with the AF.

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  razor sharp

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  heavy

I have had this lens for about half a year and it is already loose at every seam. Granted it did take a beating, I used the lens for mostly ski photography and landscapes so it did go through a lot in my backpack.