Tamron 70-300 won't focus

[sparkie1263]

I went out to take some pictures and I couldn't get my Tamron 70-300 to focus. It only focuses about a half inch. I am going to Florida next month and don't want to be without it. If I send it back to Tamron I won't get it back in time. Anyone have any suggestions as to what it could be.

Thanks
Frank

[DonSchap]

Mechanical problems of the nature you describe, Frank, sound like a mechanical obstruction has taken place INSIDE the lens, such as a screw backing out or a gear stripped. For goodness sake, do not force it, bang it or shake it. With optics, rarely does anything good come from doing that. I gave my 70-300 away a couple years ago, during the contest I offered. I could send you my 28-300

My personal suggestion would be to have it "evaluated" diagnostically, at one of the regional repair facilities. That will probably spell out the difficulty about as fast as you can, without having to submit the lens for complete repair.

In the meantime... you might rent or buy a new lens just to cover your shooting needs.

I still have my Tokina AT-X840 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF sitting idle, Frank. I can loan it to ya.



The shipping is on you. I think you will be impressed with its range. It does a true 400mm shot at all focal lengths (minimum focus distance {M.F.D.} is 8 feet). If I did not have the SONY 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM, it would be the one I'd turn to. Mounted on the a580, it'll look like a 600mm frame. Definitely some keen reach over the 300mm (which looks like a 450mm shot)

Just let me know and quick, so I can get it off to you for your trip.

[sparkie1263]

There is no local place to get it checked. I will have to send it back. Do I need to contact them first? If you can lend me the Tokina that would be great. I will be shooting birds down there and the extra reach. Just let me know what the shipping is and I will mail it to you.

Thanks
Frank

[DonSchap]

Hey, glad to help, Frank. Even though SONY can be a real bugger, this forum should have some beneficial aspects, I suppose.

I will have it out on Monday, directly. I'll be including a padded case for it, also.

Hope it works for you.

As far as the TAMRON return goes, get a hold of customer service from their website. USE THIS LINK

It may be as simple as downloading the address and sending it in.

[sparkie1263]

You save me again!! I will call them tomorrow. I dugout the box but couldn't find the receipt. I did register it online and found the reregistration number. Let me know what the shipping is and I will send you a check or I could Paypal it to you.

Thanks again
Frank

[DonSchap]

Frank,

your bacon is on the way. Be ready to receive it.

Good luck

[sparkie1263]

I will let you know when it arrives. How much was the shipping? I will get it right out to you.

Thanks again
Frank

[DonSchap]

an even $20

Thanks

[sparkie1263]

Want me to send a check or paypal?

Frank

[DonSchap]

Frank, a check is fine. Me and PayPal had a falling out, back in my Canon-days (2005-2006). I don't trust them anymore. It's strictly cash (money order) on ebay with me, now. If someone insists on PayPal... they're just out my bid.

I am anxious for you to try this lens out and hear your opinion. Personally, I feel that it is one of the best in its range, for the money and weight. Yes, I would have liked a tripod foot option, but what the heck.

Thanks