Lens review

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

4. Image resolution

The image resolution in the frame centre is at a very good level in the 55-130 mm range and at least good at 200 mm. In all these ranges the Tamron surpasses significantly its competitor, the Canon EF 55-200 mm, and has the results similar or a bit higher than the Nikkor 55-200 mm. It would be difficult to carp about anything here, although purists could complain about the image quality at 200 mm wide open.

The Tamron’s image degradation with the increase of the focal length can also be clearly seen in JPEG files. The picture below, showing a test chart crop taken by f/8 and at three different focal lengths is also a proof of it.

At the frame edge, the Tamron loses its dominant position in resolution. Here, at 55 mm, it can still win with e.g. the Canon, but in the 130-200 mm range it keeps a level very similar to other lenses.