Tamron 70-300mm F4/5.6 DI LD Macro

[emma90]

i want a telephoto lens for capturing birds mainly and wildlife, also i notice this has a macro function i know a 1:1 would be better, but to get me started on the macro front is this a good choice?

 

[Rayn]

For the (insanely) low cost (with an equally low build quality), this particular lens is very good for beginners and for experimenting. It's not something I'd use for professional work, but if you want to practice on macro and a bit of zoom, you can't fault this.

 

[davidh6781]

I have the same lens and works a treat for what i use it for.

Build Quality i would say its well above the 18-55 IS kit lens.

At the 300 end it show CA but i only notice it in bright conditions.

Some examples, my flickr has large versions clickable





Macro setting

 

[emma90]

i could get the tamron for £110 or i could get a
Sony 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 A Telephoto Zoom for £149, not sure which would suit me best, id like a lens that will get me close up to birds in trees ect without them flying away if i come to close, and if i can id also like to throw some macro capability in there too. whats better?

 

[Rayn]

I'd get the Tamron, if I were you. It offers a lot of value for the RRP, and it's far from a bad lens.

 

[ATKay]

I've got one on my Sony A200 and it's a great lens for the price. As people have mentioned it's not the sharpest or the best. But like I said for the price it's brilliant, and the macro mode probably would make it more valuable than the Sony 75-300.
I've used it for wildlife and sports shots and it does well. A bit slow in low light, but any faster you're looking at lenses that cost £400+ or the old minolta lenses.

Alex