[boren]

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!

[Guest]

The Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD is truly a great bargain but be prepared to see sometimes massive CA at the long end.

[Brightcolours]

hmm, never have seen good results from the LD. Its CA is bad (and not all RAW converters correct CA well), and it has no great contrast either. I would go for the USD one. Does it have that USD on A-mount, at least?

[Rover]

It does: http://kurtmunger.com/tamron_70_300mm_f_4_5_6id290.html

[boren]

[quote name='Sammy' timestamp='1333653149' post='17335']

The Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD is truly a great bargain but be prepared to see sometimes massive CA at the long end.[/quote]



I'm shooting RAW, so this should be fine.



[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1333657446' post='17336']

hmm, never have seen good results from the LD. Its CA is bad (and not all RAW converters correct CA well), and it has no great contrast either. I would go for the USD one. Does it have that USD on A-mount, at least?[/quote]



Don't confuse the old LD with the newer Di LD version. The latter is not a great lens, but stopped down to f/8.0 it's not that different than the SP version (or at least that's what the tests lead me to believe).



The USD motor of the SP is faster than the screw-driven Di LD, but I'm not convinced it's worth paying so much more for. I wish it had a focus limiter. That would have made the decision easier.



[quote name='Rover' timestamp='1333688238' post='17340']

It does: http://kurtmunger.com/tamron_70_300mm_f_4_5_6id290.html[/quote]



Thanks for the link. Nice review.

[Rover]

Kurt Munger's site is the place to go for Sony Alpha and NEX lens reviews. Pity that it's no longer relevant for me as I'm not using any gear of that stable anymore. Pretty fun to read, still.