Tamron 70-300mm?

I'm a new DSLR owner. I have the kit lens and a nifty fifty. Looking for a zoom lens. We're going to the Northern Cascades next year and I'm hoping to do some nature and landscape photography.

A camera store employee suggested a Tamron 70-300mm, priced at $449 with a $50 rebate if bought by Dec 31. She said that in many cases Tamron lens are better than Canon.

What do you think? I'm only an amateur, could I get something else decent enough for me for less? Or is this a good deal?

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&FLI=0&API=0&Le​nsComp=757

The Tamron has better IQ than the Canon 70-300, is less expensive, has better VC, focuses internally/doesn't have a rotating front element.

Probably the best value in consumer telephoto.

repete7 wrote in post #11505042
I'm a new DSLR owner. I have the kit lens and a nifty fifty. Looking for a zoom lens. We're going to the Northern Cascades next year and I'm hoping to do some nature and landscape photography.

A camera store employee suggested a Tamron 70-300mm, priced at $449 with a $50 rebate if bought by Dec 31. She said that in many cases Tamron lens are better than Canon.

What do you think? I'm only an amateur, could I get something else decent enough for me for less? Or is this a good deal?

You might want to consider the Tamron 18-270mm VC which is a good overall lens. 18mm to capture a lot of territory and 270 for some quite good close in shots. I use this lens on a Nikon D300. The 18-200mm non VC is also a good choice. I use this lens on a T2i. Finally the 70-300mm VC. My 1st impression: BIG LENS !! (size wise). It's no lightweight either. This one's mounted on the D300 also. If I had the funds I'd buy one for the T2i. The lens barrel has no slop in it even at full extension. VC performance is very good on both the 270 & 300mm lenses. This thing is sharp all the way out to 300. Overall build quaality is quite impressive. If you can live with 70mm at the short end the 70-300 VC is probably your best bet.

Sp1207 wrote in post #11505173
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&FLI=0&API=0&Le​nsComp=757

The Tamron has better IQ than the Canon 70-300, is less expensive, has better VC, focuses internally/doesn't have a rotating front element.

Probably the best value in consumer telephoto.

the canon looks to have better center sharpness at 300mm...the end that usually matters more...


but the tamron is a good deal...i'd say either it or the 55-250IS if you want to stay super cheap...

I was considering the tamron last week, and decided to go with the canon 55-250 because for me, it was almost 3x cheaper than the tamron. I don't regret it, its sharper than I thought it would be and now I have money for other stuff
I only plan on replacing the 55-250 if and when I need professional quality glass or it breaks (in which case I might just buy another 55-250).
Here's a few pics taken with the 55-250:

DreDaze wrote in post #11505385
the canon looks to have better center sharpness at 300mm...the end that usually matters more...

I noticed that as well, but it has better middle/edges throughout, and has better center from 70 until somewhere between 135 and 200. I think it's big selling point is on value (it's not like either lens is supersharp/contrasty).

Ok, so the 70-300 is probably not the best choice for me right now. Maybe when I have more experience (and cash).

Looks like the Canon 55-250 is more affordable. The Tamron 18-270 also looks interesting, like it could replace the kit lens and give me a decent zoom lens, but it is a little pricey.

I have some time to practice with what I have and have a better idea about what I'll want later. Just didn't want to miss out on the rebates Tamron has going on right now if that was going to be the best lens for me.

repete7 wrote in post #11505772
Ok, so the 70-300 is probably not the best choice for me right now. Maybe when I have more experience (and cash).

if you can afford it the tamron is certainly not a bad choice...having more experience won't matter for the 55-250IS, or tamron...you'll need a little bit for both to work well...but they are certainly both good lenses...the tamrons advantages are stated above by Sp1207

If you go for the 18-270, you'll be sacrificing quality, but you'll have the convenience of not having to change lenses. Just something to keep in mind

Thank you all for your advice. I went with the Tamron 18-270. Decided that I liked the idea of not having to change lens. One less thing to think about. Got it today and haven't had a lot of time to play with it, but did get this through the window.

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