Travis Butler
Well-Known Member
So when I was in Detroit last week, I took the chance to swing by a local photo shop in Dearborn. Didn't find any of the fancier vintage lenses I was looking for, but they did have a Tamron 70-210 58A in the $5 bargain bin; it's remarkably small/light for a 70-210, so I thought I'd give it a try for use on the fp.
The first test shots had some surprisingly good images, despite what appears to be coating damage in the center of the front element:
20250604-SDIM6988 by Travis Butler, on Flickr
Sigma fp, Tamron 70-210 (58A)
See the fabric texture on the artificial flowers!
20250604-SDIM7006 by Travis Butler, on Flickr
Or the bug crawling on the real flower! (The antennae are clearly visible at 100%, which ain't too shabby.)
20250604-SDIM7001 by Travis Butler, on Flickr
Bokeh is decent but not spectacular; I like its big brother the Tamron 80-210 (103A) better there.
20250604-SDIM6994 by Travis Butler, on Flickr
Contrast is often low but is easily boosted.
On the whole, I'm pleased with the first outing. Not my top zoom in this range - I still prefer either the 103A or the Kiron 80-200/4.5 Macro for IQ - but for the size/weight and especially the price, I'm happy and will probably be using it more.
The first test shots had some surprisingly good images, despite what appears to be coating damage in the center of the front element:
20250604-SDIM6988 by Travis Butler, on Flickr
Sigma fp, Tamron 70-210 (58A)
See the fabric texture on the artificial flowers!
20250604-SDIM7006 by Travis Butler, on Flickr
Or the bug crawling on the real flower! (The antennae are clearly visible at 100%, which ain't too shabby.)
20250604-SDIM7001 by Travis Butler, on Flickr
Bokeh is decent but not spectacular; I like its big brother the Tamron 80-210 (103A) better there.
20250604-SDIM6994 by Travis Butler, on Flickr
Contrast is often low but is easily boosted.
On the whole, I'm pleased with the first outing. Not my top zoom in this range - I still prefer either the 103A or the Kiron 80-200/4.5 Macro for IQ - but for the size/weight and especially the price, I'm happy and will probably be using it more.