[5to1]

Tamron 55-200mm f4.0-5.6 Di II LD Macro Lens - Best Price at Bristol Cameras

Would this be a good companion for the D90 as a beginners Macro lens?

[loz]

Well it isn't a true macro lens. It doesn't do 1:1 magnification
But it is cheap.

[5to1]

Originally Posted by loz

Well it isn't a true macro lens. It doesn't do 1:1 magnification
But it is cheap.

I've ordered the Nikon Kit, so will have the 18-105mm. Will probably get the Nikon 300mm or Sigma 500mm at some point aswell.

Wondering if this would make a good addition in the interim, considering the price.

[tps58]

I had one, bought back in 2006 and sold earlier this year (originally paid £79). Not bad at all for macro shots even if not true 1:1. Quality at the long end wasn't great with significant purple fringing wide open at 200mm. I wanted a better lens for wild life and replaced with a 70-300 VR costing 10x.

I think its a snip for that money. But you'll be wanting something better come the spring.

Cheers

T

[5to1]

Originally Posted by tps58

I had one, bought back in 2006 and sold earlier this year (originally paid £79). Not bad at all for macro shots even if not true 1:1. Quality at the long end wasn't great with significant purple fringing wide open at 200mm. I wanted a better lens for wild life and replaced with a 70-300 VR costing 10x.

I think its a snip for that money. But you'll be wanting something better come the spring.

Cheers

T

The 70-300mm VR or Sigma 150-500mm (will probably go with the Nikon, but want to try the Sigma before deciding) are on my list for later in the year. Just saw this offer and thought it may be worth a punt in the interim.

Think I'll pop into Jessops once the camera arrives and try it. Wonder if they'll price match should I decide to buy it

[tps58]

This what the Tamron can do (with a little Photoshop sharpening). Images I took in this session have been used on a choir magazine cover and cathedral posters.

T

[5to1]

Originally Posted by tps58

This what the Tamron can do (with a little Photoshop sharpening). Images I took in this session have been used on a choir magazine cover and cathedral posters.

T

Thanks for that. Migth be worth a punt untill I work up the courage to order one of the others. At £29 I guess it wont hurt as a spare anyway.

[Yandros]

It only does 1.35:1, so it's a long way short of a true macro lens (though it IS dirt cheap).

If you're looking for something really inexpensive I'd suggest a £70 Nikon 50mm f1.8 and a reversing ring. Even without the reversing ring, the 50mm is nice for things like flower portraits. It's VERY VERY sharp, and will leave a £50 Tamron zoom in the dust.

To be honest though, you should be thinking of the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro

Yeah, ok, it's £280, but hands up anyone here who regrets buying one (or equivalent?)

[5to1]

Hopefully my camera arrives tomorrow, so I think I'll have a play with the Kit Lens over XMAS.

If I want to expand my lens choice in the short term I may opt for the Tamron as purely a stop gap. Given the price I don't think I'd regret it, even if it only holds me over for a month or two.

Ultimately I think I will want a decent Macro and Telephoto lens, I really don't see the point in spending this much on the body and skimping on lenses. But for someone coming from compacts £600 on a camera is already alot .

The prospect of grabbing some bargains next year is also holding me back. Although I'll probably just buy irrespective before my next holiday, as if I'm getting use out of something I don't mind the cost so much.

BTW if anyone else is considering the D90 Kit the best deal I could find was Dixons. £714 - 5% (5XMAS code) - 5% Egg Card Cash Back = £644. I also paid about £10 ontop for express shipping.

MacWarehouse is cheaper at £665.52 - 5% Quidco = £632.24 (not sure about shipping cost. But they wouldn't have one until early Jan.

[loz]

Originally Posted by 5to1

Given the price I don't think I'd regret it, even if it only holds me over for a month or two.

Well let's face it, you could spend £29 down the pub at lunchtime tomorrow on a round of christmas drinks, so a 55-200mm lens for the same price can't be bad value