This is the old Tamron 28-200 review, see the update of this lens below:
*UPDATE* This lens has been replaced by the better Tamron 28-300mm (for all Mounts) and Tamron 28-300mm VC (for Nikon and Canon only).
I bought the Canon mount
This old lens suddenly becomes popular again due to the rise of full frame DSLR cameras. I’ve used one for my Canon EOS Rebel 2000 film camera and loved it dearly.
At the beginning of the Digital SLR revolution, most of the cameras available are cropped sensor and thus the focal length becomes a bit awkward (42-300mm full frame equivalent). Consequently, I don’t use this lens much on a cropped sensor DSLR.
However, I bought my 5D Mark II, a full frame Digital SLR, and my old love bloomed again.
This lens is on my 5D Mark II most of the time. I love it because it’s light, sharp and convenient. Not to mention it’s also very inexpensive.
I’d recommend you give this lens a try, especially if you are using a full frame camera.
If you are using a cropped sensor camera, look at the Tamron 18-270 review or if you’re on a budget, look at the Tamron 18-200 review.
Both will give you a more versatile range although they’re both less sharp than the 28-200mm.
Go on and see the complete Tamron 28-200 review below.
Specs • Performance • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Tamron 28-200 Review – Specs
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Official Name:
Tamron AF28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical (IF) Macro
Focal Length Markings:
28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 100mm, 135mm and 200mm
Features:
AF – Autofocus. Allows the lens to focus automatically on your subject.
XR – Extra Refractive Index Glass to make the lens shorter and more compact.
Di – Specially made for Digital Sensor. You can use this lens with a full frame camera or cropped sensor camera.
Aspherical – To minimize the lens’ aberration and distortion.
IF – Internal Focusing. Lens will not change dimension during autofocus. Front element will not rotate, so you can use a polarizing filter with no problems.
Macro – Stupid marketing term to confuse you. This is not a real 1:1 macro lens and I wouldn’t recommend using it for macro photography. The term “Macro” here means this lens can focus closer to the subject, but not 1:1 (the image size in the sensor is equal to the subject’s actual size).
Full Technical Specs (from Tamron’s website):
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 14 / 15 |
| Angle of View | 75°23′-12°21′ |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 19.3in.(0.49m) (entire zoom range) |
| Filter Thread | 62mm |
| Weight | 354g (12.5oz) |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | ø2.8 x 3.0in. (ø71.0 x 75.2mm) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 1:4 (at f=200mm MFD 0.49m) |
| Available for | Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony |
Optical Performance
Back to: Menu • Introduction
*Note* Test was performed using BOTH cropped sensor and full frame DSLR.
Tamron 28-200 Review – Sharpness
Center sharpness is excellent, even at the widest aperture. Border sharpness is also excellent, except on 28mm at f/3.8 and 200mm at f/5.6.
To get the sharpest result, shoot at f/5.6 on the 28-70mm range and at f/8 on the 70-200mm range. If you are using a full frame DSLR, shoot at f/8 for maximum sharpness.
Distortion
Barrel distortion is visible at 28mm, but it’s not an issue on the other focal length. See my grid distortion test below for this Tamron 28-200 review.
Vignetting
Vignetting is only visible on 28mm at f/3.8 and 200mm at f/5.6. On the other focal length it’s less visible. To eliminate vignetting, shoot at the optimal aperture: f/5.6 on 28-70mm and f/8 on 70-200mm for a cropped sensor DSLR. To achieve the same result with a full frame DSLR, always use f/8. See my vignetting test below (for cropped sensor).
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is also well controlled at this lens, except on 28mm f/3.8 and 200mm at f/5.6. To counter this, stop down to f/5.6 or shoot RAW and correct in post processing.
Tamron 28-200mm Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
Plastic. Made in Japan.
Zoom Ring
Zoom ring is good and responsive.
Focusing
Autofocus is quite good for general use (under normal lighting condition). The autofocus is not silent but the noise is still acceptable.
However, for low light use, the lens tends to hunt a bit. Switch to manual focus when you’re shooting in low light.
Note to Nikon users: The lens has no internal autofocus motor and relies on the camera’s slotted drive screw. This means that you won’t be able to autofocus using camera without slotted drive screw such as Nikon Nikon D40
Compatibility
The Di designation means you can use this lens for BOTH cropped sensor or full frame sensor DSLR. The lens performs well on both cameras.
Conclusions
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Drawbacks
- Build quality could be better
- Focus hunting in low light situation
- Chromatic aberration on 28mm at f/3.8. Stop down to f/5.6 or shoot RAW to counter.
Positives
- Compact and low light.
- Excellent optical quality for a super zoom lens.
- Value for money.
- A great all in one solution for travel or everyday use.
Good For
All in one lens solution for full frame camera. If you are using a cropped sensor, you’ll have to live with the not-so-wide zoom range, but you’ll get great image quality.
Not So Good For
Professional photography who needs fast aperture and strong build quality. Also, not so good for photography in extreme weather.
What Others Are Saying…
by “Bionic Dog”
I am using this on a Canon 5D Mk2, believe it or not, and it is great so far. Some barrel distortion that really shows in building shots, etc, but there is good software that can correct that easily…
Click here to read the full review
by “Atom”
The lense met my expectations. If anybody thinks it is a macro lense, it is not. Execept that deceptive tactic on the features, it is a wonderful lense. I have taken 1000s of shots. Best on a tripod and out doors…
Click here to read the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the Tamron 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 Di from Amazon (best price online):
If Amazon doesn’t have it in stock, try B&H Photo (Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony).
Be sure to check out the related lens review below as well.
Hope you’ve enjoyed my Tamron 28-200 review and can make the right buying decision.
This is the old Tamron 28-200 review, see the update of this lens below:
*UPDATE* This lens has been replaced by the better Tamron 28-300mm…
This is the old Tamron 28-200 review, see the update of this lens below:
*UPDATE* This lens has been replaced by the better Tamron 28-300mm…
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
Tags: tamron 28-200, tamron 28-200 review, tamron 28-200mm
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