APS-C sized imageLenses that create APS-C sized image are designed for digital only. They cannot be used on cameras that have image sensor larger than the APS-C format. These lenses are not suitable for film cameras either. No Ultrasonic AFLenses with ultrasonic focusing mechanism tend to be quiter and faster than traditionally focusing lenses. One or more Low Dispersion lens element is usedLow Dispersion lens elements help to reduce chromatic aberration. Not stabilizedImage stabilization helps to reduce blur caused by hand shake, especially at high focal length or in low light situations. Image stabilization can give 1 to 3 stop advantage over none stabilized lens, based on the reciprocal rule. No Internal FocusingInternally focusing lenses don't change their size while setting focus. No drop-in filter supportDrop-in filters are used in those lenses where either the front lens is too large, or the field of view doesn't permit the use of traditional filters at the front of the lens. Usually bright tele and ultra-wide angle lenses support this filter type. |
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The new telephoto zoom from Tamron, designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras, is ideal for anyone who wants to capture truly dynamic telephoto images. It goes far beyond the capabilities of the standard zoom that comes with a digital SLR camera. Ideal for photos of family fun, sport events, scenery, and portraiture, the lens naturally creates a out-of-focus background that emphasizes the main subject of your photo.
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| Available mount(s) | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony / Minolta A |
| Application(s) | Portrait, Closeup, Landscape, Wildlife |
| Category(s) | Tele zoom |
| Multiplier | 1.5× |
| Stabilizer | no |
| Focal length | 55 - 200 mm (3.6× zoom) |
| Lens construction | 13 elements in 9 groups |
| Angle of view |
35mm: N/A digital: 28.47-7.32° |
| Number of blades | 9 |
| Maximum aperture | wide: f/4 tele: f/5.6 |
| Minimum aperture | wide: f/32 tele: N/A |
| Minimum focusing distance | 95 cm |
| Magnification | 0.29× |
| Filter size | 52 mm |
| Size | ∅ 71.6 × 83 mm |
| Weight | 300 g |
| Notes |
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| AF speed | N/A |
| AF sound | |
| Internal focusing | no |
| Internal zoom | N/A |
| Fix front lens | N/A |
| Mount type | N/A |
| Weather sealed | N/A |
| Drop in filter | no |
| Ultrasonic AF | no |
| APS-C sized circle | yes |
| Low dispersion lens element | yes |
| Hard case | N/A |
| Soft case | N/A |
| Lens hood |
DA15 (included) printable lens hood |
| Tripod adapter | N/A |
Nov 20, 2005
I took the Tamron AF 55-200mm out for a test drive along with my (new to me) Cannon digital rebel (300D). I went for a few hours into the wine country of Northern California. The Tamron is a perfect companion if you already have the standard Canon EF-S 18-55 mm lens. The Tamron is 55 to 200mm, so it takes over where the cannon leaves off.
Also, you get better lens performance compared to a lens that "tries to do it all" by going from super wide to long telephoto. Outdoors the camera was able to focus the Tamron quickly and reliably. I am very pleased with the lens.
I'm also pleased because this lens is designed specifically for digital cameras. (Digital cameras are different from film cameras in several respects). For example, a digital camera uses what amounts to a big chip to gather light, the surface of the chip is far more reflective than film. This means bright light can hit the chip and some of it bounce back into the lens. If the rear-end of the lense does not have good coatings, you can get re-reflections *back* to the chip. The light rays hitting the chip also need to be parallel NOT in a "cone". These are the types of design elements Tamron has paid attention to when designing this lens.
HOWEVER, you cannot use this lens with a film camera, or you will get dark fading (vignetting) around the edges of the photo.
Also, this lens is designed specifically for cameras with a CMOS or CCD chip no larger than 15.5 to 23.2mm (perfect for the Canon 300D) To see how big your chip is, refer to the specifications in your owners manual.
Jan 1, 2009
I originally bought this lens in order to have a zoom along with my 18-55mm kit lens for my Rebel Xti. Overall the build quality of this lens is very nice. It comes with a lens hood which is great because Canon usually charges you around $30 extra dollars for a lens hood. The only bad thing about this lens is the autofocus speed. I have often tried to use this lens for sports photography and have really been disappointed. It often takes a while for the lens to focus on hat you want it to. In low light the autofocus is completely unusable. Sometimes at the last second the camera will focus on something else and all I get are some blurry action shots with the background in focus and the event completely blurry. Overall I would recommend this lens for a person that wants to increase their lens capabilities to a mid-range zoom and whose budget is somewhat lower. If you're really looking for a lens more suited for sports photography you're not going to find anything at such a low price. But the price you pay an the quality you get is impressive. This was my first experience with Tamron and I will continue to buy their products in the future.
Jul 10, 2007
I like this lens and it is a very good lens for the price, light weight and precise. Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
Sep 8, 2007
I am just a debutant photo amateur but I was looking for a not pricy telephoto zoom mainly for portraits and bumped into this option. Basically all critiques are good, nice image quality, good color rendering the only downside is the slow and noisy AF. It is a real good deal for a beginner on a budget.
Nov 7, 2009
I own a Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP, and I've had it for 3 1/2 years. I thought it's time to get a 2nd lens, since I have a 300mm lens for my 35mm Rebel, but not for my Digital Rebel.
I figured I'd give this one a chance, due to the price and features. I think this slightly smaller lens is a better choice, for me, because of the smaller size. And, unlike a 35mm camera, it's a lot easier to crop digital pictures.
I am pleased with the lens. I believe the picture quality is exactly what I expected or better. I do think it's a little slow when it's far out of focus, but it's quick enough when it's just a little out of focus. I don't plan on using the lens everyday, but for the money and features, it's worth it.