Tamron AF 180mm f/3.5 SP Di LD [IF] macro (Nikon) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Images

Here're some quick'n dirty sample images taken with the D200 and RAW-converted via RSP 2006.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 180.0mm
Exposure Data: f/3.8 @ 1/10s
Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 180.0mm
Exposure Data: f/11.0 @ 0.33333334s
Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 180.0mm
Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/10s
Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 180.0mm
Exposure Data: f/11.0 @ 1/30s
Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 180.0mm
Exposure Data: f/11.0 @ 1/15s
Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 320
Focal Length 180.0mm
Exposure Data: f/11.0 @ 1/80s
Size 3898x2613

Verdict

The Tamron AF 180mm f/3.5 SP Di LD [IF] macro offers a near-flawless performance. Optically it doesn't leave anything to be desired - the resolution is very good to excellent from f/3.5 all the way down to f/16 and vignetting, CAs and distortions are non-issues in field conditions. The bokeh (out-of-focus blur), a primary aspect in macro photography, is very smooth and buttery.
The build quality of the Tamron is very good but there is one bug - the lens has no focus limiter and the rather slow AF combined with AF hunting can be a frequent and rather tiresome experience. Thanks to a focus clutch mechanism you can switch between AF and MF as easy as pushing/pulling the focus ring so if necessary you should give the AF a better hint by manual pre-focusing. Other than that it is a really impressive lens.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
   What does this mean ?

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