Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD is a versatile zoom lens designed for Nikon F (DX) mounts, offering photographers a broad focal length range suited for various shooting scenarios, from wildlife to portraits. This lens combines a compact and lightweight design with advanced features, making it appealing for both amateur and professional photographers.

Build and Design

The build quality of the Tamron SP 70-300mm is quite impressive for its price range. The exterior feels robust, and the high-quality plastic construction contributes to its light weight. Measuring just under 5.5 inches in length, this lens is portable, which is particularly beneficial for outdoor shoots. Furthermore, it includes a moisture-resistant construction, allowing for some level of protection against outdoor elements, although it should not be considered fully weather-sealed.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Tamron SP 70-300mm delivers sharp images across its zoom range. The lens uses advanced optics, including LD (Low Dispersion) glass, which helps reduce chromatic aberrations and enhance clarity. Generally, sharpness is commendable in the center of the frame, though there is a noticeable drop in sharpness at the extreme edges, especially when shooting wide open at 300mm.

One standout feature of this lens is its Vibration Compensation (VC) technology, which significantly aids in reducing camera shake, making it easier to capture sharp images at slower shutter speeds. This is particularly useful when shooting in low light conditions or at the longer focal lengths.

Autofocus System

The lens features a fast and relatively quiet autofocus system powered by a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor. It efficiently locks onto subjects, which is a great benefit for capturing moving objects. However, in low light conditions, the autofocus can be slower and occasionally struggle to find the right focus, requiring a manual override at times.

Compatibility and Use Cases

Being compatible with Nikon F (DX) mounts means this lens can be used effectively with a variety of Nikon DSLR cameras. It's particularly well-suited for nature and wildlife photography due to its extended reach with the 300mm focal length. Additionally, the ability to shoot at f/4-5.6 allows photographers to experiment with shallow depth of field for portraiture.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design, suitable for long hours of use.
• Impressive optical performance with good sharpness, particularly in the center.
• Vibration Compensation (VC) feature helps in low light situations.
• Fast and quiet autofocus with USD technology.

Cons

• Reduced sharpness at the edges when shooting wide open at longer focal lengths.
• Autofocus can struggle in low light conditions.
• Lacks full weather sealing which may limit use in harsh environments.

Verdict

The Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD lens for Nikon F (DX) mounts is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a versatile and portable zoom lens. With its combination of decent optics, effective stabilization technology, and user-friendly design, it can easily handle a variety of photography styles. While there are some shortcomings, particularly in edge sharpness and autofocus performance in challenging lighting, its advantages outweigh these limitations, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to expand their lens collection on a budget.