Tamron AF 55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II LD Macro

Canon EF

Review

The Tamron AF 55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II LD Macro for Canon EF mount is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that offers a good balance of performance and affordability. This lens is particularly appealing to amateur photographers who are looking for a step up in focal length without breaking the bank. With a range of 55-200mm, it is well-suited for various photography styles, including portrait, wildlife, and landscape photography.

One of the standout features of the Tamron 55-200mm is its macro capability. With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.95m, it allows for impressive close-up shots that can capture fine details in your subjects. The LD (Low Dispersion) elements help reduce chromatic aberration, which is particularly useful in high-contrast scenes, ensuring that color fringing is minimal and images remain sharp. Additionally, the lens delivers a decent level of bokeh due to its 9-blade diaphragm, making it possible to achieve very pleasant background blur in portraits.

The build quality of the Tamron 55-200mm is decent, considering its price point. It features a plastic body which keeps the weight down to around 400g, making it easy to handle for extended periods. The lens also incorporates a petal-shaped lens hood, which can be quite useful in minimizing lens flare during outdoor shoots. However, it’s important to note that the lack of weather sealing is something to keep in mind if you're planning to shoot in challenging weather conditions.

In terms of autofocus performance, the lens is equipped with a standard motor that performs adequately in most situations, although it can struggle in low-light conditions or with fast-moving subjects. The manual focus override is a nice addition, allowing photographers a bit more control when perfecting their compositions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile zoom range (55-200mm)
• Macro capability with close focusing distance
• Good performance in minimizing chromatic aberration
• Lightweight and portable design
• Decent bokeh quality

Cons

• Build quality is primarily plastic and lacks weather sealing
• Autofocus can be slow in low light or with moving subjects
• Lacks image stabilization, which may lead to shaky shots at longer focal lengths

Verdict

Overall, the Tamron AF 55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II LD Macro is an excellent choice for budget-conscious photographers who desire a flexible telephoto option. While it has its limitations, particularly in autofocus performance and build quality, it still delivers solid image quality and versatility for both everyday shooting and more specialized macro photography. If you’re looking for an affordable way to expand your lens collection, this Tamron lens deserves a spot on your list.