Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="PapaST" data-source="post: 243471" data-attributes="member: 8330">I just got my copy of the Tamron 70-200mm VC.  I've been going round and round deciding on this lens and Nikon's 2.8 VRII version.  I decided to try the Tammy because of price and because of the way Nikon handled the D600 fiasco.  Honestly in the time it took me to receive the lens from B&H I already had buyer's remorse and had talked myself into playing with it for a day or two and then exchange it for the Nikon version.  Pulling it out of the box I was little bummed (but knew beforehand) that it didn't have a case or bag.  I can order one no problem, I guess they're just cutting cost where ever they can.  The box was not damaged BUT the lens cap was jammed to where part of the outer circumference was actually jammed inside the lens threading.  I was able to pry it free by hand but again a little disconcerting.  No damage to cap or lens.  Obviously QC missed that.  The collar is well made, not as nice as the Nikon version but serviceable none the less.  I like collars to act as a carry handle when the camera is inverted.  This collar does not have enough space between it and the lens to accommodate a hand for carry.  I've only been able to play with it in a half lit room (poor lighting) so I tested the focus speeds.  With poor lighting it hunted around a bit but I don't think it was the len's fault.  With adequate light it snaps right into focus... I mean literally snaps.  It was so fast and quiet, I had to pull back and look to see if it actually moved. The focus breathing at 200mm seemed a bit worse than what I saw on Matt Granger's review but could just be me.  For VC, I did 3 handheld shots at 400ISO and 1/13'.  IMO two were sharp looking at 100% and one had the obvious handshake blur.  I compared images taken with my 85mm 1.8G (I consider my sharpest lens) and this lens.  Again poor lighting had me shooting at 3200 and 6400ISO so I'm not confident in the tests but I can say that it was hard for me to discern between the two.  IMO that's a plus for the Tamron.  I plan to take it out in good lighting tomorrow to run it through its paces.  I have to say, what I've seen so far I'm impressed with this lens.  I like the build quality, focus speeds and IQ so far seem to be right up my alley.  The lens did have some play when mounted, not as bad as my Sigma 150-500 but definitely worse than a Nikon lens).  I was ready to give up on this lens before I even got it.  Now that I have it in my hands I do believe this one will be a keeper.  I'll know more after tomorrow.</blockquote>

Verification