Lens review

Tamron AF 55-200 mm f/4-5.6 Di II LD Macro

11. Summary

Pros:

• good resolution in the frame centre, especially at 55 mm,
• practically no distortion at 55 mm,
• negligible astigmatism
• imperceptible vignetting on stopping down the aperture by one stop,
• good f/4.0 fastness, kept up to 135 mm focal length,
• autofocus, which, although without an ultrasonic-type motor, is quite accurate,
• affordable price,

Cons:

• noticeable chromatic aberration, especially at 200 mm,
• visible coma,
• susceptibility to inner flares at all focal lengths,
• slow and noisy autofocus,

Listing the advantages and disadvantages of the Tamron 55-200 mm was a difficult task – practically in all categories it had close to average results. You would be hard-pressed to choose one serious slip-up but, on the other hand, in no category we saw a truly exceptional performance. It is simply a solid but not outstandingly good lens; with the price tag of about 170 $ it is a very good recommendation for the purchase, however.

Sample shots:

Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 200 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/125 s, ISO 100 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 1.7 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 100 mm, f/4.0, exp. 1/1000 s, ISO 400 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.7 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 200 mm, f/9.0, exp. 1/500 s, ISO 200 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.7 MB
Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 55 mm, f/4.0, exp. 1/80 s, ISO 400 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 3.1 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 55 mm, f/4.0, exp. 1/40 s, ISO 100 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.3 MB	Camera: Canon 20D Parameters: 128 mm, f/4.0, exp. 1/30 s, ISO 100 File: JPG, 3504x2336 pix, 2.2 MB