Lens review

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

3. Build quality

The Tamron 55-200 mm is a small and quite handy lens. Its length in the folded position at 55 mm reaches 83 mm. Although there are many plastic elements, it makes a very solid impression. The pictures below show the comparison between its dimensions and those of the Nikkor 55-200 mm, the Sigma 55-200 mm and the kit Canon EF-S 18-55 mm. The last photo in the series shows the bayonet mount side, which combines plastic and metal elements as well.

The optical design of the lens consists of 13 elements in 9 groups. The LD symbol on the housing indicates that at least one of the elements was made of low-dispersion glass which is supposed to minimize potential chromatic and spherical aberrations. The producers designed the construction of the lens is such a way that the Tamron, contrary to its competitors, keeps the f/4.0 aperture up to 135 mm focal length and the f/4.5 aperture – up to 160 mm!

The buyer gets a lens hood included in box.