70-300mm : new Tamron or classic Nikon?

[skinn68]

Hi everybody...having decided to improve my lenses "collection" (which currently consists of exactly ONE 18-105 which came in bundle with my D90 bought few weeks ago...), I am now trying to find out if I should consider more the new Tamron SP70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD or the classic (and reliable, as far as I know) Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 MM F/4,5-5,6G IF-ED. For the first one I have only found a couple of reviews, one very good (http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Ta...i-VC-USD-14690) and the other even more (but it comes from a Tamron-related site : http://www.tamronlensreview.com/tamron70300vcreview), praising the Tamron lenses as "MUCH better" than Nikon's own 70-300. So, has anyone had the chance to try both and compare? Thanks in advance

[amk1977]

Since the Tamron SP 70-300 VC has only just been launched, you'll probably find very few people have used it and it might take a while for the independant reviews to trickle through, which compare the two lenses.

My initial reaction would be in favour of the Nikkor, as its tried and tested and the images quality is excellent. The problem I have found with Tamron is that although their optical prowess is generally very good, the mechanics of their lenses are not up to par.

I have the Tamron SP90 which is very slow to focus in comparison to other lenses that I own. I find that the autofocus can be a bit hit and miss, as well as hunting in relatively ok light. However, having said all that, the Tamron has a new "Ultra Sonic Drive" motor, which may have overcome this area that Tamron lenses generally lack in.

Personally, I'd wait a while for independant reviews to make a better decision. If you can't wait, then I'd go with the Nikkor 70-300VR, as then you are pretty much guaranteed a decent bit of kit.

[OldBoy]

I haven't use the Nikon 70-300mm VR but from all the comments I've seen it's a cracking lens which is ultra sharp at 300mm. I've met a Pro who uses it all the time.

[skinn68]

Thank you guys...as I'm heading for Scotland in just a few days, I guess I'll go for the Nikon, which is surely a good one from waht you wrote and what I've read in reviews...

[Stormsong]

I'm from the other camera brand camp, but would suggest original equipment rather than another manufacturer, but depends on what you can afford. The reason for original stuff is if you want to resell it at a later date, its value does not plummet as much as lenses made by third-party manufacturers.

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by Stormsong

I'm from the other camera brand camp, but would suggest original equipment rather than another manufacturer, but depends on what you can afford. The reason for original stuff is if you want to resell it at a later date, its value does not plummet as much as lenses made by third-party manufacturers.

That's not always true, as Sigma make some cracking lenses like the Bigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 and that certainly hold its price.

[Quickpic66]

i'm no expert but I have that nikkor 70-300 lens and love it.

heres a couple of pics I took with it last month
http://www.photoradar.com/files/imag...er-head-on.jpg
http://www.photoradar.com/files/imag...ado-taking.jpg

I use a D50 body set to sports mode and the only post was to crop the pics. They are not perfect but i dont get out much and jets move pretty fast :0) At least the Euro Fighter had the decency to sit on the runway and wait for me