Sony 70-300 G SSM or Tamron 70-200 F2.8?

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Matt
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Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a good zoom lens next and I've been looking closely at these 2. I want to start doing more motorsport but I also take a lot of portraits. Everyone's saying that the optics on the Tammy are amazing but the focus speeds let it down, and the Sony is quick to focus but not as sharp. Are any of you able to give me some advice on what to go for? I've got a budget of about £600 so if you have any other ides please let me know.

Cheers,

Matt
 
I have the 70-300G and have always been happy with the sharpness of my copy, so probably not a worry there, to be honest.

I actually bought it of someone who was switching to the 70-400G as he was wanting more reach - and his primary area was motor-sport, so you may find the 70-200 does not have enough reach for what you want (NB: I don't shoot motor-sport, this is based on his stated reasons for changing)
 
Save up and get the Sony 70-200/2.8, it's an awesome lens for motorsport, really fast focusing and very sharp. Love mine to bits :D

I own the 70-300 SSM but haven't used it for motorsport. It doesn't focus as fast as the 70-200 and obviously is 'slower', being f/5.6 when extended. It's still nice and sharp though. Haven't tried the Tamron.

As for reach, at smaller circuits such as Castle Combe, 200 is fine (at Llandow 70 was too long on my A900 in some places in fact, but I was *very* close - helps if you have been clerk of the course of the event in previous years if you want good access ... ), at Silverstone from some of the stands it won't do so well, the place is huge and you are a long way back.
 
The problem with the tamron is it's slow focusing; which will be a problem for our needs, but is also a main drawback for any 70-200 2.8. The main draw of a 70-200 is the wide aperture and low light capabilities, but if it can't focus then there's is little advantage.

The 70-300G, while a lot slower, is sharp right down at it's widest aperture (in my experience) so I would suggest the faster focusing and extra reach may draw you to the 70-300G.

The only reason I would suggest the Tamron would be:
a) if using a monopod, the bracket on lens will help (70-300G has no such bracket)
b) if only shooting in day light
c) if you plan to pre-focus/manual focus (or if you're prepared for 15-20% of shots to be out of focus)
 
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onomatopoeia said:
Save up and get the Sony 70-200/2.8, it's an awesome lens for motorsport, really fast focusing and very sharp. Love mine to bits :D
Click to expand...

If you do have the option of spending that sort of cash, then you could also consider the 70-400G as it' s a similar price - not as 'fast' in aperture terms as the 70-200, but extremely versatile, and would certainly have the reach you would need at places where the 70-200 was too 'short'.

In the end any lens choice is a matter of figuring out which one is best for your combination of needs - and sometimes the answer is that you 'need' more than one :lol:
 
Thanks for you advice guys.

Can any of you provide some sample pics taken with the Sony's?

Matt.
 
Head over to Dyxum Lens Database, for each lens there is a set of sample images provided by members of the forum (you need to select a specific lens and there will be a link from the detail page).

This will show what the lenses are capable of (and some are very, very good!)
 
Faldrax said:
Head over to Dyxum Lens Database, for each lens there is a set of sample images provided by members of the forum (you need to select a specific lens and there will be a link from the detail page).

This will show what the lenses are capable of (and some are very, very good!)
Click to expand...

Some of the Tamron pictures are fantastic, so sharp and rich in colour! I'm going to have a hard think. Might call my local jessops and camera stores and see if they have either of these lenses.

Cheers,

Matt.
 
My FIL has the Sony lens and is very pleased with it.

He gets great shots with it, uses it regularly for motorsport and focus is plenty fast enough for him.
 
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