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Questions & Answers

MICHAEL L : I have heard this lens has issues focusing using live view is that true?  I am interested in it primarily for landscape photography and I almost always use live view to set my focus.  thank you.TERRY M : I shoot motorsports and it focuses slightly slower than the Sigma 70-200 it replaced. Sigma would not fix the auto focus stating the lens hsd reached its usable life. I think the real story is they have stopped supporting Pentax mounts. Too bad it was a great lens. If your shooting landscapes I wouldn't hesitate making the purchase.MICHAEL W : Since I rarely use Live view, I'll defer to Lonnie B's reply.Lonnie B : It does search a bit, but all lenses tend to do that in live view with my camera (Pentax K-1) Unless you are shooting sports or fast-moving wildlife I wouldn't worry too much about the autofocus. You will always be able to manually focus better in any other situation, especially landscape photography. It's a great lens, use it more than any other lens because it is super sharp.
Shopper : How much auto focus improvement over 55-300?ROGER P : I have not used the 55-300 so can't answer your question except to say that I have found 70-200 very accurate and am pleased with the results I get with in.ROBERT T : I do not use the 55-300mm lens. I have no problems photographing my 15 yr old grandson playing ice hockey in dim indoor arenas. It focuses very quickly using my Pentax K-30 and also works well on my older K-X. Am very pleased with the lens. It is acceptably sharp at f 2.8 and is tack sharp at f 3.5. Am very pleased with the lens. It's a true Winner. BobERIC W : Huge difference. I can focus so much faster and more accurately with the Tamron 70-200 plus a big increase in IQ. It is well worth the money I spent on it. Now I do have a hard time focusing in low light sometimes but I just did an impromptu test in my room and where the 55-300 would not lock focus the Tamron locked focus quickly. I have been in the studio and the Tamron would hunt a little bit but only on some shots, I say about 5%. I still use the 55-300 but for paid shoots the Tamron is always first in line!JEFFREY W : I have both the Tamron and the Pentax 55-300 DAL. The Tamron seems a bit quicker tha the 55-300 because it has a smaller range to focus through . Both lenses seem to hunt sometimes when the subject is at either end of the range and the lenses is at the other end if that makes any sense , Once you have aquired the subject the Tamron is a bit quicker . The PENTAX 55-300 is a great lighter walk around lens with surprising IQ for the cost . Tha Tamron has much better IQ when you hit the sweet spot . I had a calibration issue with my lens wide open at f2.8 and had to send it to Tamron for free service . When I got it back it was spot on and the service techs were very helpful , even called and gave me updates . Overall 2 very good lenses but very different uses.CHRIS C : This lens is a large improvement over the 55-300 in most areas, but AF will not be that big of an improvement. This lens does not have an AF motor so it is driven by the screw drive AF. So it will be a little loud, and keep in mind this thing is enormous. If your main concern is AF speed you should focus on the sigma 70-200, the sigma is the fastest option in this range for Pentax . For what it is worth I sold my Tamron and bought the DA* 50-135. The size and loudness were my reason for switching.
Shopper : Why Did You Choose This?Mark P : Good reviews & recommendations from other usersJody E : This is a replacement for the same lens. The previous one fell off my bed (about 3 feet) and all my pictures were white. I really liked the lens, so bought another one.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2020-02-23T08:39:07

Rated 4 out of 5

Nothing else can touch this in its price range

Tack sharp in the middle (100-150mm). AF a little slow, but that is expected with no internal focus motor on pentax mount. Still this my favorite zoom.

KRISTOPHER D.

2019-12-17T08:46:18

Rated 5 out of 5

Amazing Lens!

I can't say enough good things about this lens, it is my new favorite lens and I rarely take it off my camera. I prefer to shoot a panorama with this lens over using a wide-angle, it's that good. It has decent Auto Focus speed and is pretty accurate. No real distortions or aberrations at any focal length or aperture.

Lonnie B.

2019-05-29T15:56:35

Rated 4 out of 5

Good "must-have" lens

The 70-200mm f2.8 should be in most photographers' kits. This one is fairly good at an affordable price point.

Henry S.

2019-03-08T13:25:26

Rated 4 out of 5

Nice surprise

It is hefty. Sometimes a little slow to focus at longer ranges. Sharp pictures and works well with Pentax K-1. For the price a good buy.

JOHN T.

2017-05-19T05:36:32

Rated 3 out of 5

Sharp unless you want 200 at f2.8

Even wide open at 2.8 at 135 mm it's as sharp as just about anything out there. But at 200 mm there's weird haze and it's just not sharp. Have to stop down to 3.5 or 4 even for it to be sharp at 200 mm, which at that point why lug this around? It's too heavy to carry around for a 70-135 2.8 lens. The Minolta 135 2.8 and 70-210 F4 Beercan lens combo is cheaper and much lighter than carrying this thing around.

MARTIN P.

2017-05-09T10:46:12

Rated 5 out of 5

Love the lens

Purchased this lens to use with the Pentax K1. Coming from an APS-C format, this is a larger and heavier lens by comparison but comparable to others in the same class. However, I think handling is great and well balanced when using with the heavier FF K1. Focusing is surprisingly fast, accurate, fairly quiet with the K1. Images are sharp. Price is great against Pentax own 70-200. I'll be using this lens quite often and my only wish is that this lens would have been water-resistant like most Pentax lenses and bodies.

Cesar G.

2016-09-29T16:10:13

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lens....

Looks great using a Pentax K3 body.Good color contrast and sharp even at f2.8.

Ab R.

2016-09-09T19:51:48

Rated 4 out of 5

Older style...

This lens is great to do all the shooting I need, however, I purchased the old lens where as the newer one is faster and easier to focus.

VERN H.

2016-04-17T07:57:45

Rated 5 out of 5

Outstanding lens

One of the best lenses I own. It's very heavy, as can be expected, but it's fast and you can't beat the internal focusing and zoom motions.

RAYMOND P.

2016-02-21T15:24:18

Rated 4 out of 5

love it

It was time to get a fast zoom for my A65 and A57. I bought this lens mostly because the price was a little over half of what the latest 70-200 2.8's are going for. So far I'm very happy with it. I've taken some long exposure night shots that came out excellent as far as color, contrast, and sharpness are concerned. The only reason I haven't given it the fifth star is that I'm still getting used to the focus ring clutch system, with the camera in AF mode you slide the ring forward so the focus ring doesn't turn while the camera focuses and in MF slide the ring back to engage the focusing mechanism. Still getting used to that.

Bruce G.

2014-02-09T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lens For Wildlife

This lens is sharp with great bokah. I prefer to use it on manual focus.

RICHARD S.

2013-10-21T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great for the price

I took this lens out to the Renaissance Festival and it performed quite well. The wide 2.8 aperture makes for some great shots in low light while keeping the image sharp. The only con would be the slower auto-focus, however for anything but sports it is fantastic. Highly recommend.

SAMUEL C.

2013-09-03T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Fantastic Lens

I've had this lens for a few weeks now and have taken close to 1K shots with it in all sorts of settings. It has its downsides; its really fricking heavy, it does occasionally run through its whole focus range when it loses its target, the auto focus isn't super fast and it's kind of noisy. Those things being said, this is a fantastic lens that is worth every penny of its price. I can't recommend it highly enough.

ABRAM O.

2013-07-15T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

great addition to my camera family

I just got this lens and plan to use it for inside shooting- The f 2.8 at al lens extensions is terrific. Easy to switch back and forth from manual to auto. Not too heavy for what it is

Photo f.

2013-07-01T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Bought used, flawless

This lens was clearly treated well by its previous owner. It's cleaner than I expected from the rating. Adorama exceeded my expectations with this used lens. The lens itself is sharp and responsive, even though a bit heavy.

RYAN S.

2013-06-24T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Excellent lens.

I bought this lens to take pictures of my daughter's cheer competition. Competition season doesn't start until November, so I haven't had the chance to use it for that. It has taken beautiful pictures around the house and at the park. It is bigger and heavier than I expected, but this is my first zoom lens.

JASON P.

2013-05-06T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lens

This was an absolute great buy. The lens does exactly what it's suppose and is even very easy on manual focus. Getting some great action shots of the kids. Plus Adorama sent the lens within two days of ordering it.

JASON W.

2013-02-11T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

grest value

I use this for wildlife and some macro and will be using it for sports mainly football and softball. its a fantastic value for the money. only problem I have is its weight but it is manageable if you hold it properly. it zooms internally so this is a huge plus for me also and makes it a lot easier to use.

nitehntr

2013-01-16T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great lens for the $

I use this lens primarily for shooting sports, mainly basketball, wrestling, and soccer. I wasn't in a position to spend $500+ on the other similar lenses and after shooting a few events I am happy I didn't.

JASON C.

2012-12-27T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I love this lens

I was expecting to use this lens rarely (I figured it has way too much reach for landscape stuff), but--to my surprise--I used this lens more than any other in Yellowstone. I loved shoot at f/2.8 for the bokeh, and shooting at f/5.6 to f/8 for fantastic sharpness.

Tony D.

2012-12-12T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great Lens

Low Light condition is my main purpose for this lens and so far it is not letting me down. Already used in concerts and fashion shows where in flash is not permitted and great pictures came out using this lens. Used this lens with my Sony Alpha 57 & 33 and both of them were great.

Leomar

2012-11-20T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great lens but with some caveats.

Aperture blades will sometimes stick open when lens gets warmed by the sun. Dismounting the lens and moving the aperture lever on the back of the lens will un-stick them. Lens works OK when at normal temperature.

jimH

2012-01-29T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Fast Glass...easy on the Pocket

I use this lens mostly for low light indoor shots were no flash or only fill bounce flash is allowed and for outdoor wild life. This lense might not be the fastest out there as far as focus speed but on my Sony a55 it is fast enough. Just a little soft but not a lot at f/2.8 w/o fill flash but with....super sharp....but as the apeture stops down of course. Used on the A55 there are so many more options for shots that just are not possible with other DSLR even ones that cost $1000s. For example....multishot night time handheld....works great!!! Multi shot high ISO....not possible on a regular DSLR....if you haven't got one of these....and are looking for a really good Hybrid camera....one to get. Back to the lens....It is quite big and does have some weight to it but I shot for 3 hours yesterday hand held and it wasn't an issue. Colors are superb and Bokeh is wonderful....This is a great option for someone who needs this type of lens but doesn't have the cash to flash for a manufactures lense.

JAMES L.

2012-01-22T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

My primary lens

This is my go-to lens for shooting small-school sports under marginal lighting conditions.

RIK F.

2012-01-01T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

My Alpha 700 loves it

This is a great lens! For the price it is a superb lens! I've had mine for years, used it on an Alpha a700. Those two are made for each other. It is a tad heavy, but it is a f2.8 zoom telephoto. That is to be expected. It is slow to focus in very low light if it doesn't have a sharp/contrasty object to focus on. The close focus (Macro function) is absolutely superb!

Luxpower05

2011-12-18T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Best 70-200 out there currently

Of all the 70-200s out there, the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 is probably the best in value out of all of them. Sharpness comparable to the Canon 70-200 F2.8 V2, lighter and cheaper than every other 70-200, and with more pleasing bokeh than every other 70-200 as well. Weaknesses include noisy AF on the Pentax cameras, but it's still quick to focus and accurate. In fact, it's only noisy when it has to find focus in a long range - small focus adjustments are near silent. The plastic body may be a turn-off to some, but the lens itself has a nice weighty feel without being too heavy (half the weight of the Sigma). This lens is sharp wide open (and as a 2.8 lens, it clearly needs to be operated wide open for true appreciation). Color rendition is on the cooler side, and contrast is lower than the Pentax/Canon equivalents, but that is easily fixed in post. At ~$700, it is a complete bargain to it's OEM equivalents, and a much better deal than the Sigma.

Jin

2011-11-13T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Wedding Lifesaver.

Bought for use at weddings where flash isn't allowed during ceremony. Performs beautifully. Clients are very happy with the results. A little heavy for handholding long periods, but well worth the investment.

GLEN E.

2011-03-12T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great beginner pro style lens

I bought my copy used and has a bit of a problem focusing. The only time the focus hunts is when there is not enough contrast between the subjects. I use this lens on my Sony a700 and the focusing is snappy when there is plenty on light and contrast. The image quality is amazing when the focus locks on. I think the lens is well balanced on the a700. The Tamron 70-200 f2.8 is a great deal at the price point.

CHRISTOPHER S.

2011-01-16T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great for indoor sports

Have been shooting high school basketball and wrestling with excellent results so far. A good match w/Sony a900.

RIK F.

2010-07-26T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

best lens on my line up

this is a great lens, never doubted this lens, especially for an alpha mount...

jerome

Tamron 70-200mm Specifications

General

General

Jump to...
  • Brand

    Tamron

  • MPN

    AF001P700

  • Lens Series

    Tamron Di

  • Color

    Black

  • Lens Type

    Macro

  • Lens Mount

    Pentax K

  • Format Compatibility

    Full Frame

  • Focus Type

    Auto Focus

  • Focusing Technology

    N/A

  • Closest Focus Distance

    37.4" / 95cm

  • Distance Information

    N/A

  • Built-In Motor

    N/A

  • Focal Length

    70-200mm

  • Angle Of View

    Full Format 34-12 deg. / APS-C 22-7 deg.

  • 35mm Equivalent Focal Length

    Not Applicable

  • Coverage

    N/A

  • Minimum Aperture

    f/32

  • Maximum Aperture

    f/2.8

  • Maximum Magnification

    0.32x

  • Lens Coating

    N/A

  • Aspherical Elements

    N/A

  • ED Glass Elements

    N/A

  • Filter Size

    77mm

Construction

Jump to...
  • Lens Elements / Groups

    18 Elements /13 Groups

  • Diaphragm Blades

    9

  • Dimensions

    7.6 in (194.3mm)*app x

  • Weight

    40.6oz / 1150g

Features

Jump to...
  • Image Stabilization Type

    None

  • Tripod Collar

    Yes

  • Waterproof / Water Resistant

    N/A

  • Dust Resistant

    N/A

  • UPC Code

    725211017035

About Tamron 70-200mm

FEATURED REVIEWS

Great Buy

By RiZaCorp

For the price, this lens can't be beat. It is great for indoor sports photography because of it's constant f 2.8 Only thing is to make sure you get far enough away from the action because of the zoom starts at 70mm. If your right on the sideline you cannot get the whole player in easily. You should position yourself with the action coming towards you anyway for the best results. I'm still learning and cannot wait to use the lens to it's fullest potential. Great buy!

GREAT LENS,GREAT PRICE

By TERRY P.

For the money this is no-doubt one of the best bargains out there.I've owned an 80-200 2.8 nikkor AF-S & canon 70-200 2.8 L in some ways this lens compares favorably even against even those two.A couple being its close focusing ability [ better than advertised 1:2.85 ] and its internal coating supresses flare better than the others.The Tamron's build is not as robust as the others mentioned but it is still very well made.I recently purchased a Sony A900 and had no lenses for that mount,after ...

View full Review

While overall dimensions are confined to the absolute minimum, the new SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO zoom lens is packed with features that allow stress-free photography: a versatile MFD of just 37.4" over the entire zoom range; best-in-class maximum macro magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at f=200mm; and an advantageous internal focusing (IF) system.

The new tele-zoom lens covers a desirable focal length range of 70mm medium telephoto to 200mm telephoto when mounted on full-size format SLR cameras and a focal length range from 109mm to 310mm* ultra telephoto when mounted on a DSLR camera with an APS-C sized imager.

(*Tamron uses an approx. of 1.55x)Compatible with Pentax DSLR cameras.

Tamron 70-200mm Features

  • Dual Format (full size and APS-C size)
  • Ultra Telephoto Capability to 310mm* with f/2.8 aperture
    (*on an APS-C DSLR, Tamron uses 1.55X as an average)
  • Remarkably Lightweight
  • Best MFD on the market (37.4")
  • Best Macro Magnification Ratio (1:3.1 ) in Class
  • AF/MF Switchover Mechanism for Enhanced Functionality
  • Removable Lightweight Tripod Holder
  • Flower-shaped Lens Hood and Case Included
  • 77mm Filter size
  • Tamron Six-Year Warranty

Key Features

  • Dual Format (full size and APS-C size)
  • Minimum Focus Distnace (37.4")
  • AF/MF Switchover Mechanism for Enhanced Functionality
  • Removable Lightweight Tripod Holder
  • Flower-shaped Lens Hood and Case Included
  • Tamron Six-Year Warranty

What's in the box:

  • 77mm Snap On Lens Cap
  • Rear Lens Cap
  • Lens Hood
  • Case
  • Tripod Collar
  • 6 Year USA Warranty