Nikon user seeks lens comparison with Tamron

[adventurelass]

Hi experts,
I'm a long time Nikon user and have a great D70 which I'm using currently. I have a Sigma 17-35mm lens and a number of AF and non AF fixed lenses and zoom lenses.
I want to buy some very compatible lenses and wonder if anyone can make a comparison between the new Tamron 18-200 lens and the Nikon 28-200 lens.

Also, does anyone have experience with the Tamron 200-500 telephoto zoom?
Thanks, Adventurelass426

[speaklightly]

Adventurelass-

I have only seem two sets of sample photos from that lens, and In my judgement it lacked contrast and sharpness. Based on that evaluation, I opted to go with the Tokina 24-200mm and I have been very happy with the Tokina.

Sarah Joyce

[adventurelass]

Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your response. Were you talking about the Nikon lens, or the Tamron not being clear and sharp enough?
Thanks, Melissa

[D70FAN]

Hi experts,
I'm a long time Nikon user and have a great D70 which I'm using currently. I have a Sigma 17-35mm lens and a number of AF and non AF fixed lenses and zoom lenses.
I want to buy some very compatible lenses and wonder if anyone can make a comparison between the new Tamron 18-200 lens and the Nikon 28-200 lens.

Also, does anyone have experience with the Tamron 200-500 telephoto zoom?
Thanks, Adventurelass426

Sorry no experience with the Nikon 28-200. Be aware that both Tamron and Sigma are introducing an 18-200 f3.5-6.3. Tamrons is out and the Sigma is due in mid April. As with all consumer grade long zooms, some people like the Tamron and some not so much. The Sigma 18-200 first reviews will have to wait, but from experience with the 18-125 DC, it should work fine as a day-to-day shooter, once you learn the quirks.

Here is a review on the Tamron 200-500:

http://www.photo.net/equipment/tamron/200_500_Di/

[GlennD]

I saw your previous posts on the Tokina 24-200 and was looking for a utility "walk about" lens to use when traveling. I ordered one and have been doing some testing. Considering the scope of the lens, image quality is surprisingly good. I'm very impressed with the lack of CA when compared with the results I've seen with the Tamron 18-200.

One test I thought interesting was a comparison to my Tamron 28-75 Di. This lens is supposted to be razor sharp and I sent mine to Tamron to be sure it was calibrated correctly and giving optium performance. With both lenses set at 50mm, ISO100 and f/6.3 the Tokina 24-200 was noticeably sharper. I called Tamron and asked if they could explain the test results and they asked me to forward the photos, which I did.

They have not answered.......yet!

Glenn

Adventurelass-

I have only seem two sets of sample photos from that lens, and In my judgement it lacked contrast and sharpness. Based on that evaluation, I opted to go with the Tokina 24-200mm and I have been very happy with the Tokina.

Sarah Joyce

[speaklightly]

Glenn-

Yes, that Tokina 24-200mm lens has proven to be a great lens for the price. I selected that Tokina lens based on the Photo Zone Lens Test Guide.

Sarah Joyce

[Bullitt]

Hi...

Just a few questions:

1. Is there a big difference between 18mm and 24mm on the low end of these lenses?

2. How do the handheld shots turn out at 200mm without a tripod or an Image Stabilizing mode?

3. Where is the best place to purchase lenses such as the Tamrom 18-200mm and the Tokina 24-200mm?

[speaklightly]

Bullitt-

I purchased the Tokina 24-200mm from B&H.The hand held shots at 200mm have been quite resonable, providing care is taken with grip and steadiness. When I know that I will be facing low shutterspeeds, naturally I reach for the tripod or mini pod.

Sarah Joyce

[speaklightly]

Bullitt-

For the wide angle shots, I prefer to change to the Nikkor 12-24mm.

Sarah Joyce

[D70FAN]

Hi...

Just a few questions:

1. Is there a big difference between 18mm and 24mm on the low end of these lenses?

2. How do the handheld shots turn out at 200mm without a tripod or an Image Stabilizing mode?

3. Where is the best place to purchase lenses such as the Tamrom 18-200mm and the Tokina 24-200mm?

1. Yes. There is a big difference when shooting indoors, or in a close environment like a city or forest.

2. Fine, as long as you have enough light to achieve a shutter speed of around 1/200 sec or faster. With real steady hands you might be able to get away with 1 or 2 stops less. Beyond that it's mono or tri -pod time.

3. The Tamron (and Sigma) 18-200 should start showing up in stores shortly. Unfortunately the Tamron is available from B&H, but only in Canon mount only so far. The Sigma will be available in about 2 weeks. Figure by the end of April you should be able to try either or both.

Tokina is a little harder to track down, and maybe Sarah has a clue to who has them as she has one.

Sarah... you're on.