Review Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

Overview of the universal super zoom for full-frame FX cameras Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) A03 for Nikon

Review Tamron 28-200mm F3.8-5.6

Review Tamron 28-200mm F3.8-5.6

TTX Tamron 28-200mm F / 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

  • Focal length: 28-200mm
  • Diaphragm: F / 3.8-F / 5.6 and closes to F / 22 and to F / 36
  • Number of aperture blades: 7 pieces
  • Structure: 15 elements in 14 groups
  • MDF: 49cm, maximum magnification 1: 4
  • Front Filter Diameter: 62mm
  • The weight: about 350g
  • Bayonet mount: Nikon f
Tamron 28-200mm F3.8-5.6 view from different sides

Tamron 28-200mm F3.8-5.6 view from different sides

There are several lens modifications

  1. Tamron AF Aspherical 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 71D
  2. Tamron AF Aspherical 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 171D (MDF changed)
  3. TAMRON AF 28-200mm f / 3.8-5.6 Aspherical LD IF Macro (Model 471D)
  4. TAMRON 28-200mm f / 3.8-5.6 Super (571D model black)
  5. TAMRON 28-200mm f / 3.8-5.6 (Model 271D silver)
  6. TAMRON 28-200mm f / 3.8-5.6 Super II (371D model)
  7. TAMRON AF 28-200mm f / 3.8-5.6 Aspherical LD IF (Model 171D) 16 elements in 14 groups
  8. TAMRON 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)(Model A03 / A03S) 15 elements in 14 groups
  9. TAMRON 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)(Model A031)

All of these modifications are pretty hard to figure out.

Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) on Nikon D40

Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) on Nikon D40

This review presents exactly Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) Model A03 / A03S for NikonOne of the latest modification. Often, the name of the lens includes a prefix Di (stands for FX lens format). When choosing this lens, be careful, since Tamron produces lenses for different systems (cameras) Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony, etc., and there should be an inscription next to the lens name for which system (brand of camera) the lens is intended . In my case, this designation for Nikon. Most often, such a designation is not on the lens itself, but it is in the price lists of directories and on the box with the lens itself. Lenses from different systems differ, by and large, only with a bayonet mount (method of attachment to the camera).

Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) on Nikon D40

Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) at 200mm with hood on on Nikon D40

On my copy is the inscription Ammsembled in China, Tamron Japan, which does not really inspire confidence. But in fact, the lens is good enough. Unlike other Tamron 28-200 models, my copy has special XR elements that can reduce the size of the lens and improve image quality.

Photo by Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

Photo by Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

The main pro lens Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) Model A03 / A03S for Nikon

  1. Tamron 28-200mm - lens from full-frame cameras. It can be used seamlessly on all Nikon full-frame cameras - D3, D3s, D3x, D4, D700, D800, D800E, etc. True, the owners of such cameras are unlikely to use a very cheap Tamron 28-200mm.

    Photograph on Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

    Photograph on Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

  2. Focus on Tamron 28-200mmhas a number of features. Firstly, it is completely internal, which is what the IF (Internal focusing) designation says in the lens name. When focusing, the front element does not rotate and does not move out. This will allow you to easily use the lens with any light filters without any complications. Focusing is not fast. Personally, I am quite happy with the focusing speed. The disadvantage of autofocus is the fact that the focus ring itself rotates and you cannot hold the lens by it. And in order to switch the camera to manual focusing mode, you need to switch the mode on the camera itself, since there is no such switch on the lens. The focusing ring rotates only 45 degrees - this is a very small stroke, manual focusing is not very convenient, although it is quite possible.

    Macro Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

    Macro Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

  3. The lens has the ability to shoot macro with a 1: 4 magnification. That is, removing the bug, it will be projected by the lens onto the matrix in a ratio of 1 to 4. This macro requires at least 1 to 1. But still, small objects are very convenient to shoot.

    Macro Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

    Macro Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

  4. The zoom ratio is 7.14X. Super zoom is very convenient when hiking and in everyday use, but all super zooms have a small aperture. The lack of aperture is now compensated by image stabilizers, unfortunately, the old film Tamron 28-200mm does not have a stabilizer. Due to the large zoom, excess air is drawn in and out when zooming, thus creating a “vacuum cleaner” effect, which affects the air circulation inside the camera and dust. The zoom ring is slightly staggering, I have seen this on many Tamrons.

    Photo by Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

    Photo by Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

  5. The lens has a 28mm lens retainer, so that the “trunk” does not come out when it is not needed. But the "trunk" under its own weight does not go out anyway, because it is just a useless button on the lens.

    Photo by Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

    Photo by Tamron 28-200mm F 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

  6. The lens is non-G type, with aperture control ring. To control the aperture from the camera (automatically, as with all modern Nikon lenses), you need to move the aperture ring to F / 22 and attach the lens to the camera. If this is not done, the camera will display an “ERR” error. There is a detent on the aperture ring that locks the aperture ring at F / 22. The aperture principle is the same for all Nikon autofocus lenses, such as Nikon 50mm F1.8D. The aperture ring allows the lens to be used with old film cameras.

    Photo on Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.6

    Photo on Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.6

  7. Aperture the lens is very small. Even at the wide end at 28mm focal length, Tamron has not standard F3.5, but F3.8, which is 1.2 times darker. In fact, there is no photographic lens with a high zoom ratio and high aperture. You have to pay for everything. At 200mm focal length, the maximum aperture value is F5.6, funny, but already with 135mm aperture equals F / 5.6.

    Photo on Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.6

    Photo on Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.6

  8. When used on Nikon APS-C cameras, the effective focal length of the lens will correspond to 42-300mm. In this case, the wide viewing angle on the lens is greatly lost. Since the universal zoom should be truly universal, for APS-C (DX) cameras I recommend 18-200mm zoom, which with 18mm can provide a fairly wide viewing angle.

    Photo on Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.6

    Photo on Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.6

  9. The front filter has 62mm in diameter. When using protective filter Marumi 62mm UV HAZE I did not notice a deterioration in sharpness at the edges of the frame and vignetting.

    Photograph on Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.6

    Photograph on Tamron 28-200mm 3.8-5.6

  10. The lens comes with a hood. The hood can be worn backwards on the lens, allowing you to carry it with you at all times. With the hood on, access to manual focus is lost, and zooming becomes not very convenient. With the hood on in the normal position, you can cover the lens with the lens cap. The hood is simple, plastic, in the shape of a "tulip". The hood doesn't help much when shooting.

It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:

Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.

You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.


Photo by Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

Photo by Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

Image quality:

I can only judge the image quality on a cropped matrix. In general, the lens showed good image quality. The lens is sharp even at open apertures. When the aperture is closed down to F / 6.3-F / 11.0, it becomes very sharp even at 28mm and 200mm. True, in the range of 135-200mm, it is advisable to close the aperture to F / 8.0. Color reproduction is normal. Vignetting on a cropped camera is less than a third of the foot in the corners. The distortion is very small at both 28mm and 200mm. The lens gives good contrast. HA not strong. I was surprised at the image quality at such a modest price.

Photograph on Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

Photograph on Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

Sample Photos

All sample photos in this review are made on Nikon D200 и Tamron 28-200mm F / 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) without treatment (auto RAW levels), reduced size, imprinted data from EXIFso that there is an understanding about the capabilities of the lens.

And examples of macro photos:

Alternatives

I will only consider the “native” super-zoom alternatives. Nikon has an old Nikon 28-200mm f / 3.5-5.6D IF AF Zoom-Nikkor with the same basic parameters. If you are looking for a similar option for a full frame (for an FX camera), then the best option would be the Nikon Super Zoom 28-300mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR. If you need a lens for a DX camera (for crop), then it is better to look to the side Tamron AF 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 (IF) Aspherical LD ​​XR DiII Macro A14 or native Nikon 18-200mm f / 3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor.

Size comparisons. Tamrons are very compact

Size comparisons. Tamrons are very compact

Personal impressions

I have long stopped being afraid of lenses from third-party manufacturers. Very often, Tamron shows interesting specimens of lenses. It would not be bad if in Tamron 28-200mm there was an image stabilizer, since on the long end (at 200mm) and aperture F5.6, taking off from the hands, you need to raise the ISO. In the instructions for the lens, it is recommended to use a film with ISO 400 to avoid a sharp image when hand shake. A good option for a studio where aperture often not important. Tamron 28-200 captivates with its compactness and lightness. For example, the same full-frame Nikon 28-200mm f / 3.5-5.6D IF AF Zoom-Nikkor weighs 520g, while the Tamron 28-200 is only 350g. The lens is perfect for travel, nature photography, even portraiture. Macro shooting is not very good, since it gives a maximum magnification of only 1 to 4. For cropped APS-C cameras, the width of the angle will not always be enough, therefore, it is better to take other lenses, such as 18-105mm, 18-135mm, 18-200mm ... But considering the cost of the lens - a very good option.

Photo by Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

Photo by Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

Catalog of modern Tamron lenses can look at this link.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.


Conclusions

Tamron 28-200mm F / 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF) Is a good all-round lens for a full frame. It is worth paying attention to the compactness and low price. The downside is the lack of a built-in autofocus motor for Nikon cameras, and not all copies are equally good, so it's worth testing the lens before buying.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Arkady Shapoval

 

 

Comments: 42, on the topic: Review of Tamron 28-200mm 1: 3.8-5.6 Macro AF Aspherical XR (IF)

  • Marcus

    An excellent report, and most importantly everything to the point - I use it myself and the soul cannot get enough of it. Thanks to the author

  • Alexey

    I also have Tamron 28-200. But a little over the years. And the model is a little different. I don't remember the specification now. The picture is not a fountain, frankly, but maybe this is my specimen. I can give a poyuzat if there is a desire, and you will write. Maybe this is not a lens, and the hands are not from there))) :)
    066 332 80 22

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Thanks for the suggestion. As soon as I am free, I will contact you

  • Alexey

    ps: Canon system, but I don't think this is a problem for you.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      no problem)

  • Vyacheslav

    Hello. I would like your advice or opinion. I am a beginner lover. In the summer I acquired a rare lens, quantaray 70-210 4-5.6 (aka sigma), which is quite old, but in excellent condition and the old nikkor 28-80 3.3-5.6 staff. Then I decided to take the 28-200 universal solution. First I took quantaray 28-200 3.5-5.6. But he lost the first two at all focal points on the open aperture. I washed it very much, 70-210 compared to it is just mega-sharp, I even thought maybe this is a lens malfunction. I sold it. I bought Tamron 28-200 3,8-5,6 271D. Also soap in comparison with 70-210, but much less. Nevertheless, the difference is clear. Now there is an opportunity to take A03 as you have in the review. It will be interesting whether it will be better than 271D or is it a diagnosis and in any case he will lose 70-210? In a word, does it make sense to change the flea? (pun intended however)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If you are not satisfied with the quality of the images, then you definitely need to look for the best option. Whether the new copy will be better - I cannot say.

  • Vyacheslav

    Thanks for the answer. What interests me is not the quality of the images — this is a subjective thing, but the purely technical side — soap on an open diaphragm. Do you have a shot from this 3,8mm lens at a distance of about 200m? Well, or let any distance, I would like to compare.

  • Vyacheslav

    error of course 5,6

  • prime

    Hello! I apologize in advance for the question is off topic. Have you ever used a TAMRON 1: 2,5 28mm JAPAN Lens. Unfortunately, I haven’t found any intelligible information. Help with advice. Is it worth it to take a crop matrix? I'm going to buy a wide-angle, for taking pictures of the city and landscapes. Thank you!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Not used. On crop it is a very weak wide-angle.

  • prime

    Thank you!

  • Oleg

    Good evening. Tell me, is this lens suitable for Nikon D3100? But if not, what kind of lenses do Tampron companies fit?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The lens is suitable, but it won’t work normally, look for something similar on the Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)

      • SergeyF

        It would not be a bad review of this Tamron lens, for crop)

  • Vyacheslav

    Your mistake is not the last modification. The latter is A031.
    And actually it’s not difficult to figure out about various modifications.
    The first was 71D, then 171D, and so on. The former had 2,1 meter MDF (71D and 171D), but these were the first hyperzums in the early 90s. The 271D already had 0,49m MDF, but not at all focal lengths, so the scale still had a 2,1m inscription, in the following lenses it was possible to make 0,49m MDF at all focal lengths. These are the main differences. The following ones had various improvements, but they were all bulky with a 72mm filter size. A03 - the first compact hypersom with a 62mm filter.
    Actually, here is the story of the entire Tamron hyperzoom line http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/lineup/b008/history/

  • Victor

    Good evening. You recommended the Tamron AF 18-200mm F / 3,5-6,3 XR Di II LD Asp above. (IF) Macro for Nikon. Do you have an “opinion” about this lens as universal for the 3200. It is clear that the aperture ratio, etc. There is an external flash YN465 as a cure for lack of lighting. I shoot a video, but I also needed a photo. It is planned to shoot “not cool” weddings, anniversaries and for myself. The fix is ​​understandably needed, but sometimes (the rooms are sometimes very cramped) it is not very convenient. What are your recommendations? Is it worth taking it? Nikonosky is 2 times more expensive, does it mean that it is just as much better?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Recommended 18-200, since 28-200 for crop without a wide enough angle. But the 18-200 Tamron has a 200mm aperture of 6.3, and a native aperture of 5.6. Nikon's crop normally work only with 5.6 and below.

      • Victor

        Thanks! So it's worth taking a closer look at the fixes (possibly the USSR era). From what you read, I realized that with the "dandelion" on the manuals you can have exposure and TTL metering for an external flash. The only thing is focus with your hands. I would also like to know if it is possible to use a dandelion (one on the adapter) for several lenses. Or do you need to re-program it for each lens? After your recommendation, I began to lean towards this priority of replenishing the lens park: for aperture - 35 / 1,8 Nikonovsky, then a Soviet portrait lens (in the range of 85-135), for a wide range of KITovy 18-55. What is your opinion on the choice and recommendation?

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Yes, many can use the same dandelion. You can not reprogram it. A good choice, with 35tkoy and 85-135 completely agree, you can use 18-70 old as a station wagon.

          • Victor

            Thank you!

  • Novel

    Arkady,
    Thanks for your reviews!

  • Oleg

    Hello Arkady, A big request is for you to review the Tamron AF 70-300 1: 4-5,6 lens.
    I got this model on occasion. I practically did not find any information. The lens was made in Japan for the USA.
    I have a Nikon D3100. What settings do I need to make autofocus work.
    Thank you in advance.

    • Nikolayka

      Most likely, the autofocus drive system is designed for a screwdriver, which Nikon does not have in budget SLRs.

  • Oleg

    I'm talking about Tamron again :))) Here is his photo ...http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAMRON-ZOOM-LENS-AF-70-300-1-4-5-6-Minolta-AF-/120909783005

  • Anatoly

    Is it possible to mount a Tamron AF 3100-18mm F / 200-3.5 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Nikon F on a Nikon D6.3? Will it work at full

  • Vladmir

    bought tamron 28-105 f2.8 http://aflenses.ru/id/2599 here it is, soaping on nikon d80. what is the problem?

  • Victoria

    Is it suitable for reporting?

    • Gregory

      I think it's dark

  • Novel

    I have such a lens, but at Kanon, a lens loves light very much. in low light squeezing good shots is difficult, but on the street in normal daylight the picture pleases with sharpness and color reproduction. cover the hole by 1 stop and enjoy the frames)))

  • Egor

    “My copy has the inscription Ammsembled in China, Tamron Japan, which is not very credible.” here the word “Ammsembled” is not quite correct.

  • Gregory

    So far, satisfied. It's a bit dark. ISO 1600 has to be set

  • Igor Bodrov

    SW Arkadiy. I ask you to clarify how much the picture of this instance of the tamron differs from the Nikon counterpart. It is the quality of the picture. THX.

  • Trueash

    Not sure if the information on this lens is still relevant, but let it be. I will share my experience.
    In short, it is very likely that not all specimens are created equal. If you want to buy one, test it carefully. VERY carefully and for a long time, in different modes. Because mine turned out to be completely unpredictable. That is, it is understandable, dark, lathers at the far end, you need to cover the diaphragm - everything is standard here. But sometimes he gave good pictures even in imperfect conditions - in the forest in the evening, for example, and sometimes he washed mercilessly even on a bright day. Also, it looks like 24MP is a bit too much for it. I checked it on other cameras - at 16 megapixels it behaves better, but just as unpredictable.
    Maybe I was so “lucky” with the copy, but nevertheless. Caveat emptor.
    Now I think what to do with it. Give it to the craftsmen to insert some other lens block? Try to adjust somewhere? Converted into a mug? : D

  • Yaroslav

    Good day! May I see you, Arkady. So, as on the D40, a lens with an aperture of 3.8 works. I adjust the Sigma 75-200 f/3.8 on the Nikon D50 and, having stuck with it, the camera shows a steady reduction in FEE in all modes of the M mode, and in the M mode it steadily shows F1. I think that’s why the camera doesn’t understand the f/3.8 aperture (by setting F22 on the lens). Have you ever solved this problem?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      More likely, the usual incompatibility with a third-party manufacturer. I've seen this more than once. And this is not a problem 3.8

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