Nikon 70-300 or Tamron 70-300?

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riverside

Senior Member
After reading endless reviews, comparisons and forum opinions (not here, I looked) I still can't decide between the two. I don't require the reach that much but would like it available. Everything I read, other than the nearly religious basis of some Canon/Nikon brand forum advocates, puts them on an equal performance basis. Pricing is identical for a new Tamron (with a $100 rebate good through 6-30-13) and refurbished Nikon. The Tamron does have a six year warranty versus the Nikon refurb warranty. I'm not concerned with resale values.

I know there are a bunch of Nikon 70-300 users here, is anyone using the Tamron 70-300 on a D7000? All comments greatly appreciated.
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
This is a tough call, some sites give the Tamron a slight edge over the Nikon (as with the 70-200 2.8 also). I've been looking at a few different Tamrons lately and I'm impressed with their newer models. I had the Nikon for a while and liked it, although it did hunt a lot. I would go with new over previously owned and with my past experience I'd try the Tamron.
 
R

riverside

Senior Member
Rick M said:
This is a tough call, some sites give the Tamron a slight edge over the Nikon (as with the 70-200 2.8 also). I've been looking at a few different Tamrons lately and I'm impressed with their newer models. I had the Nikon for a while and liked it, although it did hunt a lot. I would go with new over previously owned and with my past experience I'd try the Tamron.
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One very nice feature about this forum is the open-mindedness regarding discussion of 3rd party products. The "Ya gotta get a xxxx because its a xxxx " rant becomes tiring.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
riverside said:
One very nice feature about this forum is the open-mindedness regarding discussion of 3rd party products. The "Ya gotta get a xxxx because its a xxxx " rant becomes tiring.
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Dear gawd in Heaven so VERY much this. Blind adherence/brand loyalty is just... GAH!
Best for everyone I just don't even started.
 
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Somersetscott

Senior Member
I have the Tamron 70-300, I managed to pick it up on an awesome offer before our most prolific photography outlet went into administration in the UK.

I have to say I am very pleased with it!!
Sharp, light, compact for the reach. No lens creep or anything like that.

Does feel a bit plastic-ie but not too cheap, looks nice.

The Tamron has a macro switch on it (functional at 180mm and above or something like that) - gives that extra use for me. I wouldn't say i'm hell bent on macro nor is it equal or better than a dedicated macro - but it is certainly handy to have! perfer to be over equipt than get caught with my pants down.

It also fits in my camera bag, unlike my Sigma 170-500mm.

If you'd like some examples please let me know and I'll post a few tomorrow - I've left my portable HDD at home.
 
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vindex1963

Senior Member
riverside said:
One very nice feature about this forum is the open-mindedness regarding discussion of 3rd party products. The "Ya gotta get a xxxx because its a xxxx " rant becomes tiring.
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I couldn't agree more!!!!
So to the point of the thread. I owned both at the same time. I still have the Tamron. My copy of the Nikon was soft at 300mm and the VC is just better than VR.
 
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Somersetscott

Senior Member
Examples - Note Two flowers were with the macro switch enabled.
F2.jpgDSC_3891.jpgDSC_3919.jpgDSC_4282.jpgF1.jpg
 
R

riverside

Senior Member
Somersetscott - Could we be discussing two different lens? You mentioned the macro switch which I think refers to the early Tamron 70-300 Di telemacro while I just purchased a 70-300 Di VC USD SP AF which followed the telemacro?
 
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Somersetscott

Senior Member
Sorry RockyNH, this was taken at a safari park - I wish we did have them over here!

River side - Ah ok, apologies I was not aware of another/newer version - if there is a new generation of this lense I should expect it to be better than its predecessing (mine). :)
 
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ajaykd

New member
I recently bought Nikon D3200 with 18-105 lens. I want to purchase 55-300 lens to cover more range. I have come across three lenses which are
1. Nikkor AF-S 55-300mm VR f/4-5.6 DX-Nikon DX
2. Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC Di USD Telephoto Lens
3. Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm VR f/4-5.6-Nikon FX &&&& DX

I am not sure which one to buy. Can somebody help in understanding the products. Between option 1 and 3, both looks similar to me except one is 55-300 and other is 70-300 mm. But 70-300mm is costlier than 55-300, I am not sure why. Please help in deciding me the lens.
 
RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
ajaykd said:
I recently bought Nikon D3200 with 18-105 lens. I want to purchase 55-300 lens to cover more range. I have come across three lenses which are
1. Nikkor AF-S 55-300mm VR f/4-5.6 DX-Nikon DX
2. Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC Di USD Telephoto Lens
3. Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm VR f/4-5.6-Nikon FX &&&& DX

I am not sure which one to buy. Can somebody help in understanding the products. Between option 1 and 3, both looks similar to me except one is 55-300 and other is 70-300 mm. But 70-300mm is costlier than 55-300, I am not sure why. Please help in deciding me the lens.
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I cannot speak to the Tamron. The two Nikons, the 70 - 300 is considered to be a little better build quality and image quality. I looked at both when I was searching and bought a 55-300 Refurb (from Adorama) for very short money. I was not finding used or refurb in the 70-300.

I have no complaints on my 55-300 and am more than satisfied with the photo's I get as are many others. I think the 70 also focus's a little faster but I have no regrets. Again, that is me...

Pat in NH
 
Marilynne

Marilynne

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
RockyNH said:
I cannot speak to the Tamron. The two Nikons, the 70 - 300 is considered to be a little better build quality and image quality. I looked at both when I was searching and bought a 55-300 Refurb (from Adorama) for very short money. I was not finding used or refurb in the 70-300.

I have no complaints on my 55-300 and am more than satisfied with the photo's I get as are many others. I think the 70 also focus's a little faster but I have no regrets. Again, that is me...

Pat in NH
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Roy1961 said:
i also have the 55-300 Nikkor, same as Pat, no regrets, on my camera most of the time
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Mine's on my camera all the time. I think I've taken it off maybe less than 20 times.
 
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