Craig Wolf Photography: Tamron 200-500mm Lens Review

For years the longest lens I owned was a 300mm. Those were the days of slide film. I shot Velvia at ISO50. Then I went digital. The very first digital Rebel. (The camera, not me.) Of course on a 1.6 DSLR that 300mm becomes the equivalent of a 480mm. Wow! I was amazed at the reach. So when I went back to a full frame Canon 1Ds Mark II I had to have a 500. I just couldn't give up the extra versatility. After weighing in the options (pun intended) I opted for Tamron's SP AF200-500MM F/5-6.3 Di LD (IF). I'm primarily a landscape photographer (who often hikes) and the light weight is greatly appreciated.

I've found the lens to be sharp and contrasty. The zoom allowed me to grab this wildflower shot from the edge of a cliff. Another step and I'd be a goner. I'm also able to extract the sweet spot of a sunrise or get in close for wildlife shots.

The 6.3f isn't a problem in this digital age, you can just up the ISO a little. The filter size is 86mm. I bought the recommended coarse thread. Tamron provides a detachable filter holder so you rotate the polarizer without reaching into the lens hood. Now it's not going to beat the Canon 500L, but since I don't have my very own Sherpa, the lightweight allows me to take it everywhere. This lens won't break the bank either. Pound for pound it's one of the best lenses out there.