Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR DI LD Aspherical (IF) Macro

Like new in original package. INCLUDES Hoya 62.0s cir-polarizing lens, also in original package.

Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens.

Overview:

The Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is a versatile superzoom lens designed for digital SLR cameras. Here are the key points:

  1. Zoom Range:

    • This lens boasts an impressive 10.7x zoom range, covering focal lengths from 28mm to 300mm.
    • When mounted on an APS-C digital SLR, it provides a picture angle equivalent to a 43-465mm lens on a full-frame DSLR or a 35mm film SLR.
    • The flexibility of this zoom range makes it suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios, from landscapes to wildlife.
  2. Lens Construction:

    • The lens consists of 18 elements arranged in 13 groups.
    • It incorporates both XR (Extra Refractive Index) and LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements.
    • These glass elements contribute to image quality by minimizing chromatic aberrations and improving overall sharpness.
  3. Macro Capability:

    • While not a true macro lens, the Tamron AF28-300mm offers a maximum magnification of 1:3 at 300mm.
    • This means you can get reasonably close to your subjects for detailed shots, especially when shooting at the longer end of the zoom range.
  4. Compact Design:

    • Tamron engineered this lens for extreme compactness.
    • Despite its broad zoom range, it remains relatively lightweight and portable.
    • The lens measures approximately 84mm (3.3 inches) in length and weighs around 420g (0.93 lb).
  5. Internal Focusing (IF):

    • The lens features internal focusing, which means the lens barrel doesn't extend during focusing.
    • This contributes to faster autofocus performance and maintains a consistent overall length.
  6. Aperture Range:

    • The maximum aperture varies from F/3.5 at 28mm to F/6.3 at 300mm.
    • While not exceptionally fast, it's typical for a superzoom lens of this range.
  7. Compatibility:

    • The Tamron AF28-300mm is available in mounts for Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, and Sony/Minolta Alpha cameras.
    • It works on both full-frame and APS-C digital SLRs, as well as 35mm film SLRs.

Image Quality:

The combination of XR and LD glass elements contributes to good image quality throughout the zoom range. While it won't match the optical performance of prime lenses or more specialized zooms, it's a solid all-in-one solution for photographers who prioritize convenience and versatility.

Vibration Compensation (VC):

Interestingly, this lens was one of Tamron's first to include their proprietary Vibration Compensation (VC) system. VC helps stabilize images when shooting handheld, especially at longer focal lengths.

In summary, the Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is a travel-friendly lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths. It's suitable for enthusiasts who want a single lens for various shooting situations, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto shots of distant subjects.

New or Used: Used