Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO

Canon EF

Review

The Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that offers a fast maximum aperture and macro capability, making it an attractive option for Canon EF mount users who need quality performance for portraits, sports, or nature photography. This lens competes well with the offerings from Canon and other brands, providing solid performance without the premium price tag.

Build Quality and Design

The lens boasts a robust and solid build, featuring a moisture-resistant design that allows for some shooting in challenging conditions. The weight, at approximately 1.5 kg, gives it a professional feel in hand, while the rubberized grip provides comfort during prolonged use. The lens also comes with a detachable tripod collar, which is a thoughtful addition for those who shoot with a tripod.

Optical Performance

One of the standout features of the Tamron SP AF 70-200mm is its impressive optical performance. The lens incorporates LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and improve image clarity. The f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range provides excellent low-light capabilities and beautifully blurred backgrounds, making it highly suitable for portrait photography. At both the 70mm and 200mm ends, the lens produces sharp images with nice contrast.

However, there are some minor soft spots at the extreme ends of the zoom range when shot wide open, especially at 200mm. Users typically find f/4 produces sharper images, so if critical sharpness is required, stopping down a bit is recommended.

Autofocus Performance

Autofocus performance is generally fast and accurate, making it suitable for tracking moving subjects, although it can be a bit noisy compared to some of its competitors. The lens features a focus distance range of up to 1 meter for macro shooting, which is a delightful bonus for those wanting to get up close to their subjects.

Compatibility and Use Cases

Being a Canon EF mount lens, it's well-suited for a variety of Canon DSLR cameras. This lens is perfect for those needing versatility, whether shooting sports outdoors or capturing portraits indoors with minimal light. However, it does not support Canon's latest mirrorless systems directly unless using an adapter.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture for low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
• Solid build quality with weather-sealing.
• Good optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration.
• Versatile focal length for various types of photography, including portraits and sports.
• Close focusing capabilities for macro photography.

Cons

• Some softness at 200mm wide open, requiring stopping down for optimal sharpness.
• Autofocus can be a bit noisy.
• Heavy lens which may be cumbersome during extended handheld use.
• Compatibility issues with Canon's mirrorless systems without an adaptor.

Verdict

The Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO is an impressive telephoto lens offering excellent value for Canon EF mount users. Its robust build, versatile focal length, and large aperture make it an appealing option for photographers requiring performance in a variety of shooting situations. While it does have some drawbacks related to sharpness at the maximum aperture and autofocus noise, these minor issues can often be mitigated by stopping down the aperture and using the right techniques. Ultimately, this lens is a worthy contender for anyone looking to enhance their photography portfolio without breaking the bank.