A few shots from today

[DonSchap]

Don, if you go with this lens SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO then you still need a wide angle lens. What would you get for for the true wide angle?

The TAMRON SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD was precisely designed for that reason. It works on a 35mm-film, a Full Frame Digital and a APS-C sensored camera.

A Konica-Minolta 17-35mm f/2.8-4 D lens is the very same thing, in K-M clothing.

Is the 28-75 a true 1:1 macro? Will it replace the Tamron 90 mm.?

No & No

The 28-75 is a pseudo-macro, by definition. It can get as close as six-inches from an object and deliver a 1:3 magnification, without using a MACRO slip switch.

Your 70-300mm f/4-5.6's minimum focus distance is 5 ft, until you throw the Macro switch ... which then limits it to 180-300mm and the closest distance of about 2 1/2 feet. Obviously, 6-inches is a far cry from 2 1/2 feet. It's also a shaper lens with a much wider aperture ... and light is alright!

The 90mm Di is a true 1:1 MACRO ... which it was designed to be. You usually have to put an extender on a 50mm f/2.5 to get it to 1:1 "Lifesize." The 90mm is already there.

[sparkie1263]

So you need a four lenses to cover yourself. Then your super telephoto for good measure. I better start selling some of my images. Anybody need a wedding shot. My son is getting married in May, I may have to be his photographer for some extra cash.LOL
Thanks
Frank

[dr4gon]

I want to start selling my images too! haha..... I can't wait to get upclose with the 90mm!

So Don, maybe you've already covered this, but what's your lineup for the flagship?

I know there's the tamron 200-500, 90mm/2.8, 50/1.4, 28/2.8, 17-35/2.8-4, 28-300/3.5-6.3, and what else?

[sparkie1263]

With a line up like that you will need a suitcase with wheels. Not to mention you will have to sell more than your images.LOL
Frank

[dr4gon]

yeah Don's lineup is so impressive, not to mention on a camera that isn't even out yet!

[DonSchap]

Well, you forgot the 28-75mm f/2.8, which is vital to everything. It's the "walk-around."

The one I am waiting for ... for just sheer speed and efficiency, indoors, is the SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD MACRO. It should be available soon ... but they are certainly dragging it out. Even though my A700 in my gear list shows the SONY 70-200mm f/2.8 G SSM hanging off of it, I had that lens only two days before I discovered a major problem. I wound up losing money on what I thought I would have saved, buying when I did. It went back for a refund. I may own one, someday, but not this year ... or probably the next. I'm betting on TAMRON, this time. They still have been the best in response to any service issue I have had with a lens. As a customer, that support means a lot to me. I figure it should to everyone.

[oric1]

Sparkie / Don, I read from other forum that the auto focus for the Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 Di LD is slow. Is it slower or faster than the Sony DT55-200mm f/4-5.6 kit lens? Thanks.

[DonSchap]

The 70-300 CLASS is known for its rather "tardy" focal performance. For $150, you do not get SSM performance. That's why the SONY 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM (<- click here) costs $700-800. Sure, you want rocket time-to-focus speed ... you need to whip out that wallet equally fast.

It's out there ... and you will pay for the performance.

One other item to consider is that the 55-200 only works on the APS-C sensor (a100, a200, a300, a350, a700). The 70-300 works on 35mm-film, Full frame (a900) and the APS-C sensor (a100, a200, a300, a350, a700) cameras and offers a MACRO capability.

For $150 ... I'd say that is pretty versatile.

What's in your bag?

[oric1]

Thanks Don. BTW, do you have anything to share regarding this Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] Macro (Model A20) lens? Can it be mounted on the Alpha? How about the performance in term of picture quality like color & sharpness?

[dr4gon]

I'd love that lens lol..... oh well.

and oh, I had no idea my lens was for a FF camera, that's good news!

Also the G lens is just far superior in terms of glass quality. It's much sharper throughout. The Tamron tends to get pretty soft on the higher range (300mm).

It can be, but that lens isn't that great, the 18-250mm Di-II is a much better option.