This is a new zoom lens from Tamron that lets you bring your far away subjects up close while compressing the distance between the main subject and the background for professional-looking results. Even while covering up to a 500mm that enables you to take ultra telephoto shots of subjects further than the eye can see, its design is extremely lightweight and compact. When mounted on an APS-C size digital SLR camera, it provides a focal length equivalent to a 760mm for super ultra telephoto imaging. Specifications: Model: A08 Lens Construction: 10/13 Angle of View: 12deg.-5deg. Minimum Subject Distance: 1:5.0 Diaphragm Blade Number: 9 Minimum Aperture: F/32 Minimum Focus: 2.5m (98.4 )(Entire zoom range) Macro Mag. Ratio: 1:5.0 Filter Diameter: mm-diameter86 Weight: 1237g (43.6 oz.) Diameter x Length: mm-diameter3.7 x 8.9 in. mm-diameter93.5 x 227.0mm) Accessory: Lens Hood, Detachable Filter Effect Control Mount: Minolta
Bring your faraway subjects up close while enjoying professional-looking results with the Tamron 200-500mm f/5.0-6.3 telephoto zoom lens. In addition to zooming in for a more intimate look when shooting wildlife or sporting events, the lens compresses the distance between the main subject and the background. As a result, the subject stands out in a crowded landscape--a must if you want your shot to look crisp and larger than life. In addition, the lens is extremely lightweight and compact despite its long telephoto zoom. When mounted on an APS-C size digital SLR camera, the lens provides a focal length equivalent to 760mm for super telephoto imaging. Other features include a minimum focusing distance of 98.4 inches throughout the entire zoom range, an angle of view of 12 to 5 degrees, and an 86mm filter diameter. All Tamron lenses carry a six-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 200-500mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5-6.3
• Minimum aperture: f/32
• Lens construction: 13 elements in 10 groups
• Angle of view: 12 to 5 degrees
• Number of diaphragm blades: 9
• Minimum focusing distance: 98.4 inches
• Macro magnification ratio: 1:5.0
• Filter diameter: 86mm
• Corresponding AF mounts: Sony, Konica/Minolta
• Accessories: Lens hood, detachable filter effect control
• Dimensions: 3.7 inches in diameter and 8.9 inches long
• Weight: 43.6 ounces
• Warranty: 6 years

Technical Details

-200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD (IF) Tamron telephoto zoom lens
-Effective focal length
-200-500mm with 35mm film or full-frame digital cameras
-310-760mm with APS-C sensor cameras
-Compatible with Sony digital and Konica/Minolta digital and film SLR cameras with autofocus
See more technical details

 "Very good; amazing for the price." 2010-04-27
By realgeek (USA)
This lens rounds out my collection. I have an ultrawide zoom, portrait zoom, medium zoom, and now this long zoom. I thought long and hard about my options -- especially the Sony Reflex 500mm and the Sigma offerings, 50-500 and 150-500. In the end, this one had the best balance of the main factors I considered: price, size/weight, image quality, and flexibility. Its price is extremely reasonable, the size and weight are remarkable given the physical need for 500mm, and the zoom range offers the perfect compromise.

But there are a few things you have to consider: it is big and heavy compared to a typical lens. It is difficult, but by no means impossible, to use handheld. (You'll want to consider tripod use.) In addition, this is not exactly a fast lens, so you'll want to have a lot of light. And the image quality, while good, is not at a professional level. But what can you expect? To get a lens that does more you'll have to spend A LOT more money! The same is true for the build: it's not professional or weather-sealed, but it is what I would consider good for a typical lens.

Some people complain about the autofocus speed. I don't find it to be a problem. It's not super-fast, but it's faster than I expected given the complaints I've heard. I would say it's average for any zoom lens.

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this to others -- provided they know what they are getting into. If you don't really know too much about photography, you should consider another lens, with a shorter zoom, first.


 "Tamron AF 200-500mm on Sony DSLR-A900 With Aperture" 2010-04-14
By T. Latham (Aurora, IL)
I found the lens very light and easy to use in the field for Nature photography, especially birding. I'm getting excellent pictures although the auto-focus feature tends to search a little longer and with pin point focus it tends not to be so precise in those tight bird shots with many leaves. My Sony Mirror lens does a much better job when it comes to that type of focusing. Don't let the size fool you, it did me. I thought I could hand hold the camera while taking pictures and found out I could and they were very focused. I rated lower because of the speed of focus. I've used it for over a week now and found it to be rugged in the field. Other lenses I've used by other manufacturers haven't held up so well in that wildlife environment.


 "Great lens for photographing wildlife" 2009-01-16
By Gadfly (El Paso, Texas United States)
I ordered my lens for over night delivery because I was going on a trip. To my horror I discovered that I ordered it in the wrong mount! When I checked my order with Amazon it stated that my order was being prepared for shipment and could not be canceled or changed. So I clicked that "phone me" button and sure enough Amazon called in less than a minute. The lady could not change my order but she did cancel it.
I ordered the lens with the proper mount and received it the next day.
Excellent build quality.
Comes in a quality case that is well padded.
Fast focus and SHARP!
With Sony's built in image stabilizer I am able to get sharp pictures even at 500mm hand held.
Can't ask for much more than that!


 "Tamron 200-500mm lens" 2007-12-17
By dbuk2 (Destin)
I have had this lens for a few months.
The lens is great for birding and other nature shots.
I have been very pleased with this lens.
To get a better lens means spending quite a bit more cash.
It is light and I use a shoulder rig in a canoe for a lot of my work.
On the downside it takes complete sunshine to get good, sharp shots.
The color and the contrast are a little weak , but can be easily "fixed " in photoshop.
For the money this lens is a no brainer.
Just look at the pics. !
Now for an L lens !!!


 "This is a great lens" 2007-09-04
By William Holms (Kansas)
I have now used this lens in several different places including the Zoo. While it is a little hard to lug around, it produces very sharp images at all ranges. If I had my wishes it would be a little faster. I now must purchase a better tripod system to go with the lens.


Read more Tamron AF 200-500mm f/5.0-6.3 Di LD SP FEC (IF) Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras

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