
This item is no longer available.
Review Summary
2014-05-26T21:00:00
Great for wildlife. Tripod or monopod a must, as there is no image stabilization.
THOMAS F.
2014-03-03T19:00:00
although this lens is a little old and is being replaced, you can't beat the quality for the money. It is not an IS lens but because it's so light you can hand hold it with pretty good results.
nine b.
2013-07-15T21:00:00
I use the lens for wildlife images. The images are as crisp and clear (in my view) as my Canon lenses. Shooting with a 7D the 400mm Canon options weren't as useful beccause of restrictions on extenders. It is heavy to lug around at my advanced age. The new release of the Canon 400mm with extender built in was a bit steep for my purse. (11K)
Retired T.
2012-05-27T21:00:00
bought this used, they rated e- its excellent for my use.
Shawn M.
2012-03-11T21:00:00
I use the lens with a Canon T2i and carry it most everywhere I go. The lens works well whether shooting scenery or live animals (birds, including humming birds, various 4-legged creatures, butterflies, etc.). The lens can be used hand-held or on a tripod or monopod. It is heavy, so some practice is necessary to use it effectively hand-held.
jim
2012-01-29T19:00:00
I like this lens a lot. It does have a learning curve so be patient. Best advice, take lots of pictures to see what works best.
Aglaaluk
2011-09-24T21:00:00
Amazing, perfect for my collection.
Jeremiah H.
2011-01-11T19:00:00
At 500 mm, the reach is great. It's by far lighter than lenses at this focal length so it was easy to carry around but I found it still too heavy to shoot handheld for long periods. Just couldn't get a super sharp shot at 500mm in good light even with a support. Focus seems soft overall. Needs IS. Price is very reasonable for the focal length.
RHONDA R.
2010-03-21T21:00:00
Great lens overall, sturdy with tripod mount attached. I must admit it would be nice to have image stabilizing but I know that would increase the price drastically. A tripod is 100% a must and either a 2 second timer or remote is needed for triggering otherwise even the least bit of touching the camera vibrates the lens so much that any subject being photographed will be blurred to an unrecognizable blob.
Jeremiah
2009-03-25T21:00:00
I love the zoom. I even hand hold and photo wildlife. Color, Sharpness and Contrast have won competitions with this product.
lifeimage
2008-09-05T21:00:00
Wasn't real sure when I purchased this lens. After using it I'm pleased. Auto and Manual focus operations are quick and smooth. Lens lock has prevented creep. Only objection is that the lens is heavy. It may not be an $8000 canon lens but it works very well and I would recommend it to my friends.
treed
2008-08-27T21:00:00
This lens us uber-sharp, and seems really easy to hold, even on a super-light nikon d50. I was taking pictures inside, on a cloudy day, at 1/50th of a second, no image stabilizaion of course, and no flash, and I was still getting tack-sharp pictures. go figure! It focuses like a turtle, if a turtle could focus, and on my tacher's d50, it really drains the battery, but I attatched it to my canon 30d with the adorama adapter, and used the super smooth manual focus for super sharp images. My only complaint is that the zoom is backwards, but it's not as hard to get used to as everyone makes it sound. You're pretty much zoomed in or out all the way most of the time anyway, right?
Dols
2008-08-23T21:00:00
Lightweight. low cost, good quality
Gregory M.
2007-07-09T21:00:00
New options with reduced handling of equipment.
antrobus
2007-02-05T19:00:00
I have enjoyed shooting the expressions of small birds and animals that I just could not get with a shorter lens. I also have created some very nice landscape patterns, sunnsets and moonrises that make you feel you can just reach out and touch what your eyes can bearly see.
Scuba R.
2006-12-19T19:00:00
This is a lens that is a good catch. It has a neat sharp focus from start to end. It's easy to handle with neat weight. I really recomend it.
Lars D.
Extend coverage on pre-owned products after the retailer warranty ends and protect photo & video gear from accidental damage with Adorama Protect.
If we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it at no additional cost.
Coverage for pre-owned gear begins after the retailer warranty ends, plus accidental damage protection for photo/video gear that starts on day one.
Enjoy your gear without fear. We have you covered!
When regular use of your product over time results in mechanical or electrical failure.
We will never charge you a deductible after the purchase of a plan.
Our claims process is simple & easy and our customer service team is happy to help.
Adorama Protect powered by Extend is available for purchase to customers in the United States. Not available for International and U.S. territories purchases. Plans on pre-owned items do not cover pre-existing damages.
Browse our FAQ
10 Groups/ 13 Elements
12°-5°
5-32
98.4in. (2.5m)
1:5.0
86mm
8.9 x 3.7in. (227mm x 93mm)
43.6 oz. (1237gm)

The stock in trade of the wildlife photographer is the telephoto lens. Most animals are small and get spooked when humans are near.
This is a new zoom lens from Tamron that lets you bring your far away subjects up close while compressing the distance between the main subject and the background for professional-looking results. Even while covering up to a 500mm that enables you to take ultra telephoto shots of subjects further than the eye can see, its design is extremely lightweight and compact. When mounted on an APS-C size digital SLR camera, it provides a focal length equivalent to a 760mm for super ultra telephoto imaging.