Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD
Announced March 10, 2010
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD offers impressive image quality and effective vibration control at an accessible price point. That said, the lens struggles with sharpness at the 300mm focal length and can exhibit inconsistent autofocus accuracy in the field.
Weighted from 10 reviewer scores
Pros
- Strong overall image quality with well-controlled aberrations
- Highly effective vibration compensation for stable handheld shooting
- Excellent build quality and value for the price
- Fast, quiet, and responsive ultrasonic autofocus system
- Convenient features including full-time manual focus and a provided lens hood
Cons
- Reduced sharpness and increased chromatic aberration at 300mm
- Unattractive or unrefined bokeh quality
- Inconsistent focus accuracy and performance issues
- Susceptibility to flare and contrast loss in bright light
- Lack of weather sealing and limitations with teleconverters
- Launch price $449 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 70-300mm f/4-5.6
- Mount & coverage Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 95 cm (0.25x)
- Filter thread 62mm
- Autofocus motor USD
- Weight & size 765g · 82 x 150 mm (3.23 x 5.91 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 10 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The bottom line is that even a sharp lens does not deliver sharp subjects if not focused accurately. Focus accuracy issues were realized in the field - and they made evaluating VC difficult as I had to discern whether the cause of blurred shots was mis-focusing or camera shake.
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But overall, I've had a lovely time testing this Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD lens. It's just a pleasure to use, it's built so nicely, the vibration control works so well, and the pictures come out real good.
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This lens is a very good performer representing good value for money without compromising quality.
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Having lost ground to Sigma and Tamron 100-400mm lightweight telephoto zooms, the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD was the last man standing.
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The only disappointment with the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD is a lack of sharpness at the longest telephoto zoom setting, at anything outside an aperture range of f/8-16.
- CNET 8/10
The 70-300mm lens from Tamron offers a lot of zoom in a reasonably priced lens, delivering sharp images.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
A ‘premium-class’ update to Tamron’s budget-priced 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di lens.
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The Canon and Tamron 70-300 zooms are pretty much equal in terms of sharpness in the center of the image at all focal lengths from 70mm to 300mm. Both are very good for this class of lens.
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The Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD is a well-played chess move in my opinion, and the reason I say this is because of the fact that its performance to price ratio is unheard of at.
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I highly recommend this lens for anyone looking for a lens in the 70-300mm range that doesn't need an aperture of f/2.8.
