I love my [url="http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Tokina-AT-X-340-AF-II-100-300-F4_lens181.html"]Tokina 100-300/4.0 AT-X[/url] but I usually find it too heavy when going abroad, so much that I typically leave it in the hotel (if I take it with me at all). It only justified itself when going on safaris, but in more regular trips I want to take something lighter with me. I've considered two options and would appreciate to get some feedback:
- Sell the Tokina and buy a [url="http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/detail.asp?IDLens=595"]Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP[/url] ($450). This lens has very good reviews and I can do without the f/4.0 at the long end. It doesn't have VC on A-mount (I'm using A77), but my camera takes care of stabilization so no worries. The fast USM AF is a significant advantage for BIF that my Tokina doesn't provide. The biggest attraction is of course saving almost a kilo without compromising on optical quality (or at least so I hope).
- Keep the Tokina and add a [url="http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Tamron-AF-70-300-F4-5.6-Di-LD-Macro_lens283.html"]Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD[/url] ($200). This version is not as good as the SP model, but it's cheaper, 330 gram lighter, has 1:2 macro and its performance is not bad at all, especially after correcting CA (I use RAW and manually process every picture). I can keep the Tokina for BIF and safaris and take the Di LD with me when traveling light. AF won't be fast though.
Sigma's track records when it comes to compatibility with new bodies keeps me away from their otherwise tempting 70-300 OS, and Sony's poor value for money keeps me away from their undoubtedly excellent 70-300G. Both brands cheaper models are not worth mentioning IMHO.
Any insight welcome.
Thanks!
- Sell the Tokina and buy a [url="http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/detail.asp?IDLens=595"]Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP[/url] ($450). This lens has very good reviews and I can do without the f/4.0 at the long end. It doesn't have VC on A-mount (I'm using A77), but my camera takes care of stabilization so no worries. The fast USM AF is a significant advantage for BIF that my Tokina doesn't provide. The biggest attraction is of course saving almost a kilo without compromising on optical quality (or at least so I hope).
- Keep the Tokina and add a [url="http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/Tamron-AF-70-300-F4-5.6-Di-LD-Macro_lens283.html"]Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD[/url] ($200). This version is not as good as the SP model, but it's cheaper, 330 gram lighter, has 1:2 macro and its performance is not bad at all, especially after correcting CA (I use RAW and manually process every picture). I can keep the Tokina for BIF and safaris and take the Di LD with me when traveling light. AF won't be fast though.
Sigma's track records when it comes to compatibility with new bodies keeps me away from their otherwise tempting 70-300 OS, and Sony's poor value for money keeps me away from their undoubtedly excellent 70-300G. Both brands cheaper models are not worth mentioning IMHO.
Any insight welcome.
Thanks!