If only all so would ...

The Tamron 70-300 mm is one of the best lenses that can be had with an ambitious focal length coverage of 70-300mm. Granted, I did not expect this lens not big optical performance, however, it was able to test against a Canon 55-200mm USM and Canon 75-300mm.

At first surprised the extremely good processing of Tamron: yes, it's all plastic (the Bajonetanschluss is however made of metal!), But, focus and zoom rings are very stable and flush out fine rubber cover - against both feel Canon lenses as thin rattling plastic jars at (the 55-200 does not even has a zoom ring for twice the price). The autofocus is quiet and fast in both Canon.

In the optical power now at least the Canon 55-200 at large aperture (f5.6) superior to the Tamron in focus, with the aperture value of this advantage, however, is quickly gone. The 75-300 is slightly inferior to the Tamron from the outset. The Tamron delivers in all focal lengths very handsome and fully usable images up to full 300 mm. Even color and contrast are the Canon par. Only more color fringing from 200 mm are the Tamron visible, but that's what the software can remove something later. In addition, the Tamron has a (pseudo-) macro function: from 180 mm to 300 mm can be the Zoom "unlock" and approach up to 95 cm to the object, resulting in an effective magnification of at least 1: 2 lead. The macro function is now quite usable, thanks to 1 meter distance is even the camera lightning still reasonably usable.

Overall it can be said that the Tamron makes equally good or better than much more expensive Canon lenses pictures, still contributes significantly better and more stable processing. (Not to mention that the Tamron also has a matching lens hood here that must be bought in expensive Canon) Of course, one must not expect miracles, but for the money, the power is simply enormous. The only other alternative in this price range is the Sigma 70-300, according to various reviews on the internet but this is also inferior, but the Tamron slightly more expensive.

All in all, receives the entry here a very cheap and very useful to telephoto zoom lens that for little money brings the power of more than twice or three times as expensive lenses. Even the macro mode is not just a gimmick but reasonably usable, equipment and accessories do the rest - in the field of entry level lenses earned this one in comparison with the competition full 5 stars for both price, amenities, functionality as well as the optical results. (Who wants to noticeably more optical and mechanical quality, the same should go up to the Canon 70-200mm 4.0 L.)

Addendum of 10/05/2010: My original review is now several years old - the Tamron but still commercially. Visually, it is still recommended so as the day of my review. I want here but point out that the Tamron 70-300 now apparently delivers with plastic instead of metal bayonet. The optical power does not affect this and the lens becomes even easier. Especially beautiful this step, however, is still not. In my opinion, this change justifies however no devaluation of the continued good optical performance.