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What the Press Say . . . Tamron SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di Lens

Photographers keen on ultra-powerful zooms might want to check out this super-telephoto from Tamron, designed to fill the frame with distant subjects.
HIGHLY RATED

  • Handling ****
  • Features ****
  • Performance ****
  • Value for money ****
  • OVERALL ****

Handling is good on this optic, with its wide, grippy zoom ring and smooth focusing action, at least in manual mode. .....
This lens delivers strong results at 200mm, and they're not far behind at 500mm, although there is a fall-off at f/22 and f/32. But how often are you going to be using f/32 at extreme telephoto.
VERDICT: With the possible exception of fast action and willdife this lens will meet all your telephoto needs.
HANDLING 20/25
FEATURES 22/25
PERFORMANCE 23/25
VALUE FOR MONEY 20/25
FINAL SCORE 85/100
PROS: Lightweight, good optical performance.

VERDICT: Light and compact enought o carry, solid performance except, possibly, for top end wildlife or fast action. A handy addition to your camera bag.
SCORE: 86/100
WHAT'S GOOD: Lightweight and compact, easy to use., performance.
Which Digital Camera Long Zoom Lenses - Big Lens Test

The new Tamron is a true workhorse, capable of high and consistent image quality in - for its specification - a manageable and lightweight unit. It may not give the razor-edge, brilliant images of the most expensive long teles, but it fulfils most of the demands of critical workers in the wildlife, sports - paparazzi even - specialisms for which it is intented. And the street price of around £700 may encourage some newcomers to take an interest and have a go.

  • SPECIFICATION 26/30
  • BUILD 18/20
  • HANDLING 17/20
  • PERFORMANCE 27/30
  • AP RATING 88%

This would be a very handy lens for feeding station work, or at a seabird colony where the ability to frame species at different focal lengths would save having to take a variety of lenses.
Overall, this is a very good value lens for those on a tight budget, or especially those who are just starting bird photography.