Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR (Model A17NII)

I should start off by saying, I am a beginner photographer using a Nixon D3200. I've only used one other lens in my life, the one it came with, which is why I figured I better get a better one for distance shots. I'm not looking to be a professional, I really just enjoy the outdoors and want to be able to take pictures of birds & wildlife. I mostly bought this lens to use for photographing birds. I was really deterred by the price and nervous about the lack of image stabilization, being that I'm not very steady handed. I decided to give it a shot anyways. I am completely in awe. This lens perfectly fits my needs. I'm able to take pictures of birds in just about any lighting and weather, whether they are moving or not. The auto focus was a must for me and it works beautifully. It seems sturdy and durable and is very easy to use. I'm able to get beautiful close up shots of birds in nearby trees! Im not at all steady handed and all of my pictures have been without the use of a tripod, just by hand. Even if I'm fully focused in, I can still take good pictures without a tripod or propping my elbows on something, so that didn't turn out to be an issue for me at all. I've only had photographs with doubled tree branches in about 10 photos, out of about 200 since I got this lens. And really the photograph still came out really nice (it's actually below)- the branches were blurred in the background so you really couldn't even tell. Also, with about 3 out of about 200 pictures I have taken, I've seen a slight purple or green edge on the bird or tree branch. It's a rarity though. I'm really impressed. It's also much lighter than I expected it to be, so I'll be able to take it hiking no problem- and we go on long trails, hiking for up to 10 hours a day! I'm really impressed and I highly recommend this lens, especially for bird and wildlife enthusiasts. I do hope to one day get a lens that reaches further, but for now and with my current budget, this is perfect! You'll be able to get really good close up photos, some as close as even showing the details of their feathers, of birds in nearby trees. I can also get some pretty amazing long range photos with this as well. Totally worth it! The photos below were taken with this lens, with only minimal editing to the coloration and contrast of the photo. These birds were about 30-40 feet away in a nearby tree! They probably would have come out even better had I have used the hood that it comes with, but I keep forgetting to put it on.

Got this as a gift for my wife. It fits on her Nikon D3300. The package includes a Lens hood and 2 caps for each end of the lens. This is a great lens for a casual photographer who isn't looking to spend a lot of money to take good pictures. Overall the pictures taken are crisp and sharp. Zooming into 300 or using Marco usually requires a tripod or high ISO. We are by no means professionals, but we have noticed that the motor is louder than the stock lens that came with the camera and the auto-focus can be a little slow. We do typically do some post-processing on our photos with Lightroom which likely corrects some of the problems that comes with a lens in this price range. It would be easy to find more faults in this lens as others have pointed out, but at this price point you simply cant beat it.

If you've been searching for a telephoto lens, chances are you probably haven't come across many that are this cheap. I have an older Nikon camera (D40x) that was compatible with this lens and decided to give it a try. I am very new into photography and this was my first telephoto lens purchase, beforehand I'd just been using the stock Nikon 50mm lens that came with the camera body. This lens works fantastic for the price you pay. The image quality is outstanding and as much as people complain about the auto focus on this model, it works well enough. The downsides to this lens are that the auto-focus is a tad slow, but once you become familiar with the lens unless the photos you are taking require a quick auto-focus (example, birds in flight). My biggest issue with the lens is that it creates these purple/blue sheen or spot on some of the images. This can be extremely frustrating when you capture the perfect image but it is filled with this color. I'm not sure why it does this, since I am still so new into photography, but it can be managed in Photoshop quiet easily so in the end it doesn't necessarily impact your shots (some situations however, it can). Other than that, there are some soft spots that appear on some images which can be rather annoying. Overall, I think for the price you are paying this is an excellent lens. I've been using it for a few months now and find more joy using it than frustration.

When I decided to get a telephoto zoom for my Nikon D3100, I did extensive research into the available lenses. First I tried the Nikkor 55-200 VR. For a telephoto zoom, it is light and small but it felt incredibly cheap to me and the plastic mount was not confidence inspiring at all. When trying it in the camera store, it creaked and I got the impression that it would not be all that difficult to break the mount in field use. So I passed on that one. The Nikkor 55-300 was more than I wanted to spend. My semi-pro photographer friend told me that the 70-300 range is most useful so I decided to look at those. The Nikkor was way out of my price range, so I looked at Sigma and Tamron. I ended up going with the Tamron due to excellent reviews, its macro ability and a very low price. The Tamron is an excellent value for the price (I paid under $160 delivered). Build quality is surprisingly good (better than my kit Nikkor 18-55 or the Nikkor 55-200). Comes with a nice lens hood and front and rear caps. It autofocuses with the D3100 and it has a large manual focus ring that is easy to use. The Tamron is tack sharp at 70mm, even at f/4.0 (sharper than the kit lens at 55mm), making it an excellent portrait lens. On a tripod, I can get excellent results at all focal lengths as long as I remember to stop it down at the longer focal lengths. When I first took test shots with it, it was very soft at 300mm at f/5.6. However, I took some tack sharp images this morning at 300mm after I stopped it down to f/8.0, so now I am giving it a 5 star rating.

I bought this lens because I got a new camera which required an autofocus feature on the lens instead of the camera body and I got tired of all the zoom pictures I'd taken using manual focus coming out blurry. I am very happy with this lens. It focuses well and I don't really think it makes all that much noise, just a small "vrrrt" as the mechanism works. I think it gives very nice, crisp images and the macro setting works just fine. It may not be as close as some people would like for macro photography, but it isn't a "macro" lens specifically so I think it is a nice feature for a standard zoom lens. The one con I have with this is that sometimes it's hard to tell the lens what to zoom on. For example, if there's something in the background that you're trying to bring into focus, it might focus on something in the foreground first (I had a bit of that problem with the cattail picture I posted) and you have to move the camera around or play with the settings a little bit to get it just right. However, I've had that issue with other zoom lenses before, so I think that is more of a learning curve of zoom lenses in general than just this particular one. I am a more serious amateur photographer. I would like to be able to sell photos eventually, so I probably take them with a bit more care than other people, but I certainly don't have the budget for a super high end fancy lens. I think that for the price, this lens can't be beat if you are trying to up your game so to speak in the realm of digital photography.

Okay I have been in the photographic field for over 30 years...yeah yawn I have to say that so you know I didn't just walk in on this sorry. I just got this Tamron 70 - 300 lens for my Nikon D5000 basically because I cannot afford or justify the cost of a Nikkor lens. I used to sell these lens in the camera shop I worked at when I was 18 yrs old (yep I am getting on a bit) and then they were expensive lenses with good optics and I could never afford them, Sigma was the best I could do and I liked them. but this was such a deal at just under $160 for it. okay the optics are excellent, here is a good proof, very quick shot last night of the moon, my 55 - 200 Nikkor will not auto focus well on it, this Tamron spot on perfect. the clarity and clearness it amazing, and colors come through on humming birds as well as anything. In other words I thoroughly recommend this as a good solid addition to your camera setup.. The lens does weigh a bit more but it does have a wonderful 62mm diameter filter thread at the front which allows for far more light to work in there for quick picture taking. Okay the snag on this great deal is what??? hmmm no vibration reduction on it...oh is that all no biggie really. So I say go for it and enjoy. P.S. just one little teensy weensey whine about it is no case or pouch to put it in when you travel, I know its nothing really but was a bit surprised by that. So now off to order a filter to protect the lense and a backup lens cap always have those in case you lose it when traveling.

My photography products are selling well, so I recently decided to do a bit of upgrading. First I bought a new Nikon D5100 DSLR camera and then this lens. I was used to my Nikon/Nikkor lenses from my previous camera, a Nikon D40, but the largest of those is a 55-200mm, and I wanted a bit MORE. So I ordered this 70-300mm lens--after ruling out the comparable Nikkor lens as being too expensive. Based on its reviews, combined with its price AND its six year warranty, I figured I couldn't go wrong with the Tamron. So far I have not been disappointed. I've only had it for a week or so, but I've taken several hundred photos and am thrilled with the results. Most of my pics have been outside, but a few were inside, and the results have been uniformly good. I'm very pleased with the clarity of the photos, and really impressed with the super closeups of things like flowers and hummingbirds. On the [slightly] negative side, it's heavier than I'm used to! But that's to be expected and in no way diminishes my happiness with the lens. I appreciate that a lens hood came with it. Bottom line is that I'm very pleased with the lens and definitely feel good about recommending it to others. If you're looking for a great lens WITHOUT a corresponding big price, give this a try.

I gifted myself a Nikon D90 this past Christmas and also bought 2 lens in addition to the kit 20-105mm lens. One lens was a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and the second extra lens was the Tamron 70-300mm lens. I got it from Amazon for about $165. The main reason that I got it was because I really didn't know anything about the different zoom lens, but I wanted one and this one was really cheap. To my very pleasant surprise, I have loved this lens. It really seems very sharp to me. I'm not an expert in photography, far from it. It is light, it focuses fast enough for me, and certainly accurate enough. AND, it only cost $165!! I am still searching for the "best" zoom lens for me and have tried several: Sigmas, Tokina, and Nikon. So far, this little and inexpensive Tamron has been ideal for me. And I love having the macro capability. Unless you really are going to be shooting close up big stuff, the lens is a good walking around lens. Take it to the zoo; it's perfect. Because it was so inexpensive (notice I didn't say--cheap), I don't mind taking it out in bad/rainy weather. Sure I try and keep it dry, along with the Nikon D90 body, but if something happens to it, I am only out $165. Not some $1600 for a fancy Nikon zoom, that won't have the macro feature. Right now, it works for me. I DO want something longer; at least 400mm, if not 500, but now, it's great.

Nachdem ich mit meinen bisherigen drei originalen Nikon Objektiven (18mm-55mm VR, 40mm VR Makro, 60mm Makro) recht zufrieden bin wollte ich mir für den von mir selten benötigten großen Telebereich nun noch ein weiteres Objektiv für meine D-5100 zulegen. Ich dachte zunächst an das 55mm-200mm Nikkor oder an das 55mm-300mm Nikkor. Zufällig bin ich über das Tamron Objektiv gestoßen, und da ich oft Makroaufnahmen von Pflanzen und Insekten mache, dachte ich mir warum nicht die Pseudo-Makrofunktion (1:2) mitnehmen und trotzdem einen schönen großen Telebereich abdecken. 1. Qualität/Haptik des Objektivs: Made in China steht drauf - aber schwere, sehr solide wirkende Ausführung. Gummierung gut griffig, Gewicht hoch. Kein klappern, guter Sitz an der Kamera. Insgesamt sehr guter Eindruck. 2. Handhabung: Das Objektiv ist schwer und in ausgefahrenem Zustand sehr lang. Die Kamera wird am Gurt daher Kopflastig und das Objektiv hängt nach unten. Die Schalter für Makro und AF/MF gehen sehr schön knackig und nichts klemmt. Die Schärfeneinstellung und der Zoom Verstell-Ring sind etwas schwergängig aber noch im Rahmen. 3. erste Eindrücke beim Probefotografieren: Man muss sich im Klaren sein, dass das Objektiv nicht Vibrationshemmend unterstützt wird (VR) und bei maximaler Vergrößerung eine effektive Brennweite von 450mm anliegt. Das ist natürlich bei normalem Wetter mit ISO 100 nicht vernünftig zu machen. Ich habe bei meinen ersten Aufnahmen (bei schlechtem Wetter) daher den ISO Wert auf 400 angehoben und die Bilder mit aufgelegtem Arm oder Ellenbogen bei mind. 1/250 Sekunde geschossen. Der Autofokus hat bei normalen Entfernungen (ab ca. 20m) oder weiter entfernt schnell und gut scharf gestellt. Im Makrobereich ist er aber relativ langsam und auch das Geräusch ist relativ laut, aber nicht unangenehm. Die Scharfstellung im Makrobereich ist bei 300mm schon etwas schwierig, sofern man sich nicht aufstützen kann oder das Objekt sich bewegt (Gras im Wind etc.) Mit Stativ oder bei ruhigem Wetter kein Problem. Die Bilder sind durchweg scharf und die Farben sind gut und harmonisch. Einzig der Schärfentiefenbereich ist durch die erforderliche kurze Verschlusszeit nicht groß. Hier ist man bei Makroaufnahmen auf gute äußere Bedingungen angewiesen. 4. Preis Leistung: Das das Objektiv im Vergleich zum mehr als doppelt so teuren Nikon Objektiv in manchen Bereichen schwächer ist liegt auf der Hand. Andererseits hat man für 120,- EUR hier ein Objektiv, dass gute Bilder sowohl im leichten Telebereich (70mm), als auch im mittleren Telebereich (bis ca.180mm) und noch befriedigende Bilder bis 300mm liefert. Dazu gibt es gratis ein Pseudo-Makro mit 1:2, welches es erlaubt durch Zuschneiden schöne große Nahaufnahmen zu machen, sofern das Wetter und die übrige Ausrüstung (Stativ, Blitz) geeignet sind. Wenn ich die Bilder mit meinem von der Schärfe her besten Objektiv (60mm Nikkor 1:2,8) mit Blende 32 gemacht vergleiche, ist da dann natürlich schon ein deutlicher Unterschied zu sehen. Aber so ein Makro kostet eben auch allein ohne Telefunktionen schon das 5 fache. 5. Gesamtbewertung: Für mich sehr empfehlenswert für alle, die ein geringes Budget zur Verfügung haben und mit einem zusätzlichen Objektiv auch mal im Zoo oder in der Natur bei schönem Wetter ein paar sehenswerte Bilder heimbringen wollen. Für anspruchsvollere Amateure würde ich eher ein stabilisiertes Nikkor empfehlen, welches auch für etwa den doppelten Preis zu bekommen ist (allerdings aus Plastik). Für ernsthafte Fotografen oder Profis kommt ein Objektiv in dieser Preisklasse wohl eh nicht in Frage. Daher 5 Sterne. Ein Tipp: Mein erster Eindruck war, dass die Bildqualität im mittleren Bereich etwas besser war als im ganz ausgefahrenen Zustand. Vielmals reichen vielleicht auch 200mm oder 250mm und eine geringfügige nachträgliche Vergrößerung aus.

Cet objectif est vraiment intéressant. Je dirais bien excellent, mais comme son nom l'indique, il ne dispose pas de motorisation USM (rapide et silencieuse pour faire court) ni d'une ouverture exceptionnelle, ni de stabilisation optique. D'ailleurs, à 300mm, même avec une stabilisation, le flou de bouger doit vite apparaître !! Mais pas de surprise, j'ai acheté cet objectif en sachant tout cela. Parlons plutôt de ses points forts. 70-300mm, une plage de focale assez polyvalente. Pour vous donner une petite idée de la chose, à 300mm je shoot une cathédrale située à 1100m de chez moi et celle ci déborde de l'image (avec un capteur aps-c). F/4-5.6, c'est mieux que les équivalents Nikon qui offrent f/4.5-5.6 pour un prix 3 à 5 fois supérieur. Vient ensuite le mode macro qui réduit la distance minimale de mise au point à 90 ou 95cm (petit trou de mémoire pardon), très appréciable pour cadrer serré ou pour faire de la macro (logique ^^). Bref, pour un prix plus que correct, notamment pour un simple amateur, ce véritablement un bel outil, une ou deux petite lacune, mais aussi quelques avantages, donc si votre budget ne vous permet pas de vous diriger vers un objectif à motorisation USM/SWM/etc, c'est un excellent compromis.

Tras varias pruebas, sobre todo en modo Macro, no hay que mencionar la evidencia de que por el precio de este objetivo no se le puede pedir una gran calidad de imagen. Produce algunas aberraciones cromáticas y la falta de estabilizador te fuerza a utilizarlo en condiciones de mucha luz y subiendo el ISO. El enfoque es un poquito lento, no vale para fotografía de reacción. Ahora bien, con unas correctas velocidades de obturación se consiguen muy buenos resultados. En mi caso aprovecho la fotografía para la pintura de detalle y he de decir que la lectura del modo Macro, a escala 1:2, da bastante detalle. Obviamente no es un macro propiamente dicho, pero si consigues buenos resultados. La aplicación de macro es activable a partir de 180mm hasta 300mm y disminuye la distancia de enfoque mínimo de 1,5 metros a 0.95 m, lo cual te acerca enormemente al motivo. Como objetivo profesional no lo recomiendo, pero como objetivo de trote, por llevar a la vez un tele y un macro junto tu objetivo principal... es de lo mejor que hay por ese precio. Y tamron da 5 años de garantía, que con la obsolescencia programada que nos hacen ahora los fabricantes, ya es ser generoso y garante de ser de una construcción sólida.

Pros: 1. Cheap than other lenses in same segment 2. worth its price 3. Nice image quality than other (I also tested sigma 70-300 of my friend and found this lens have good image quality) 4. It will compress background so well, that you won't believe that its aperture is 5.6f. And it gives bloody awesome portraits 5. Macro mode works well (180-300mm), not like actual micro lenses but better than normal Cons: 1. Too much chromatic aberration, which is disappointing. 2. Long distance images have low contras issue but, it is expected when you are using telephoto lens 3. You will surely miss "VR (Vibration reduction)" when shooting long distance object, But again you have to pay 20k more for that 4. Lens find it difficult to "auto-focus" on small object when compared to 18-55 kit lens. Plus auto focusing on 300mm is too much battery consuming 5. Some time it looks like clarity is compromised in low light. But I think I shouldn’t talk about clarity as I’m using D5100 :) But if you are tight on budget this is a best lens. Go with it you will never regret. Note: I have tried it with Nikon D5100 and Nikon D7000

I have been searching for a 70-300 lens that will be compatible with my old Nikon camera (AF-S). This lens is great, and no difference from the Nikor branded lenses. And as a bonus, it was a super quick delivery - something unexpected considering I live in rural Victoria.