Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro review

According provided by Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro lens (for Nikon cameras) huge thanks to the reader of Radozhiva - Ivan Vladimirovich.

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

The Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro is a simple telephoto lens for Nikon DX cropped cameras. Very often, such lenses are bought by camera owners who only have a kit lens of class 18-55 / 3.5-5.6. The inexpensive telephoto lens becomes the first add-on lens in the Young Photographer's kit.

Quantaray products are usually copies of lenses from other manufacturers. Most likely Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro (abbreviated - Quantaray 55-200mm F / 4-5.6) is a clone of the lens Tamron LD Di II AF 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro A15 with a slightly modified case design.

Quantaray 55-200mm F / 4-5.6 may act as a replacement for an obsolete native Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor ED 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G SWM.

A complete list of Nikon DX series lenses can be found here.

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Main technical characteristics of Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro

The name of the instance from the review (as it is written on the lens itself) Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro 000117
Basic properties
  • Di o (Ooptimized for DIgital) - the lens is designed / optimized to work on digital cameras with an APS-C sensor. This marking is present on the lens box, the lens itself is an analogue of cropped lenses Nikon DX
  • AF - automatic focusing by means of a camera motor, analog Nikon AF
  • LD - the optical scheme uses low-dispersion elements LD (Low Ddispersion)
  • MACRO - the possibility of shooting at close distances, but this inscription on the lens barrel is conditional
  • lack of an aperture control ring, analog Nikon G (including the transmission of the focus distance)
Front Filter Diameter 52 mm
Focal length 55-200 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 82.5-300 mm
Zoom ratio 3.64 x
Designed by for Nikon APS-C digital cameras
Number of aperture blades 9 straight petals
Tags The mark for attaching the lens, it also indicates the value of the focal length, which is applied for 55, 70, 85, 100, 135 and 200 mm. Hood attachment label.
Diaphragm 55 mm from F / 3.5 to F / 32. 200 mm from F / 5.6 to F / 45.
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 0.95 m over the entire range of focal lengths, the maximum magnification ratio is achieved by 200 mm and is 1: 3.5
The weight 300 g (approximately)
Optical design 13 elements in 9 groups. The circuit includes 1 low dispersion element... The presence of such an element is indicated on the case by the abbreviation 'LD' (Low Dispersion). It was not possible to get an image of the optical scheme of Quantaray, but most likely it copies the lens scheme Tamron LD Di II AF 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro A15. I assume that the same optical design is used by Sony DT 4-5.6 / 55-200 (SAL55200) lenses and Sony DT 4-5.6 / 55-200 SAM (SAL55200-2).
Lens hood bayonet, flap, model unknown
Manufacturer country China (Assembled in China)
Period Since about 2005, the time to stop production is unknown.
Price Out of stock.

Catalogs of modern Tamron lenses can be viewed:

It's funny to watch that dear Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor ED 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G SWM has in its optical design also 13 elements in 9 groups, and its optical design as two drops of water is similar to the design Tamron LD Di II AF 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro A15, Sony DT 4-5.6 / 55-200 (SAL55200),  Sony DT 4-5.6 / 55-200 SAM (SAL55200-2) and Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro and differs only in that the elements of low dispersion glass are in other places and Nikon has 1 lower dispersion element more.

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Quantaray 55-200 mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD while focusing on MDF

Assembly

The lens is assembled in China. As soon as you pick up the Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6, you immediately feel its plastic essence. Unfortunately, even the lens mount is made of plastic, however, the mount has some metal inserts (metal core), but the ears that attach the lens to the camera are entirely plastic. In the hands of Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 does not cause no trust, but it's hard to find fault with the build quality, I did not find any obvious flaws. Due to the fact that the lens body is made of plastic, its weight is only 300 grams. It’s very good that the lens turned out to be so small, its length is comparable to a whale lens Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR II AF-S DX Nikkor.

When changing the focal length, the front of the body frame (trunk) extends, while it does not rotate. The extendable part consists of one section. To the touch the trunk of the lens is quite durable. On the copy from the review, I did not notice the spontaneous protrusion of the trunk.

The zoom ring is rubberized, very wide and pleasant to use. The ring allows you to smoothly change the focal length. But focus ring not rubberized and very narrow.

When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens body like a pump - it draws in and pushes out air. This behavior of the rear lens is called 'vacuum cleaner effect', which can increase the amount of dust that accumulates in the camera.

There is a mark on the case for quick installation of the hood. Unfortunately, the lens came to my review without a native lens hood; instead, I used a lens hood from a Canon lens. In theory, the native lens hood is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. According to the drawings from the network it is seenthat the hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the focus ring is completely lost. When changing the focal length, the lens hood should move with the trunk of the lens.

Of course, such a simple lens does not have any dust or moisture protection.

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Maximum lens length Quantaray 55-200 mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD (200 mm and focus on MDF)

Focusing

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.

Personally, I think it's crazy to release cropped lenses for Nikon cameras without a focus motor, since these lenses will not automatically focus on a very large number of Nikon DX cameras.

Focus Speed ​​- Medium. Focus time from infinity to MDF and back on camera Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro is about 2 seconds. Focus speed does not cause discomfort during real shooting. I have no complaints about focusing using the Quantaray 55-200mm F / 4-5.6 and cameras Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro и Nikon D700.

I want to note that the focusing speed with 'Nikon AF' type lenses is slightly dependent on the particular camera. More details in the section 'About the focusing speed of Nikon cameras with non-motorized lenses'.

There is no focus mode switch on the lens, the transition to manual focus and vice versa is carried out using the switch on the camera, which is located near the camera mount.

During focus the front lens rotates and travels forward with the lens trunk. The use of specialized filters will be difficult. The focus ring rotates 90 degrees. Using the focus ring causes pain and hatred! Manually easier to focus by directly rotating the trunk of the lens, rather than the focus ring. Although, on Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical  the focusing ring is even more inconvenient - during focusing, the ring does not remain in place, but moves forward, as it is aligned with the trunk.

During auto focus, the focus ring rotates and must not be touched.

The minimum focusing distance is only 0.95 meters, while you can shoot Macro with 1: 3.5 magnificationwhich is pretty good for a lens of this class. The 'Macro' lettering in the lens name is likely to serve as some kind of enticing 'duck' for buying this lens. The Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 does not have any marks for focusing distance, depth of field and other things.

During auto focus, the lens and camera make a lot of noise... The Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 has a 'Focus Breathing' effect - changing the angle of view when focusing. When changing the focal length, focusing is lost.

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Diaphragm

The lens aperture consists of 9 petalswhich is very, very good for a budget telephoto lens. The petals are not rounded, and, on the strongly covered diaphragms, the edges of the hexagon are slightly noticeable on the formed hole. The aperture range is from F / 4-5.6 to F / 32-F / 45.

There are marks with a focal length on the zoom ring, the following is a list with the minimum numbers F available for these marks:

  • 55 mm - F / 4.0
  • 70 mm - F / 4.2
  • 85 mm - F / 4.2
  • 100 mm - F / 4.2
  • 135 mm - F / 4.5
  • 200 mm - F / 5.6

Like all modern lenses, the Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 does not have an aperture ring.

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Compatibility

Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 designed for use on Nikon DX cameras with motor focusing (full list here). Of course, it will work on Nikon DX cameras that do not have a focus motor, and you only have to focus manually. The analogue of Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 for full-frame Nikon FX cameras is Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1: 4-5.6G.

The margin of performance of the Quantaray 55-200mm F / 4-5.6 is very large. When used on Nikon FX full-format cameras with an image area of ​​'FX format (36x24)', you can easily do without vignetting. Various situations are described below:

  • At 55 mm, vignetting is weak at any focusing distance and at any aperture value. The maximum vignetting at this focal length is obtained when focusing on the MDF and the aperture F / 32. Minimal vignetting is obtained when focusing on infinity and F / 32, in fact, there is no vignetting at all on these settings.
  •  At 200 mm, vignetting is very weak at any focusing distance and at any aperture value. Vignetting decreases when the diaphragm closes. On covered diaphragms, vignetting disappears.
  • At intermediate values ​​from 55 to 200 mm, when focusing on infinity, vignetting is very weak and decreases when the aperture is closed. When focusing on MDF, vignetting is very strong and increases when the aperture is closed.

Pictures in the gallery above were shot on Nikon D700 in full-format mode with the image area 'FX format (36x24)'. Please note that in this mode, not only vignetting is enhanced, but also the number of chromatic aberrations increases and the sharpness at the edges and corners of the image decreases.

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Image quality

In terms of image quality, the lens of stars from the sky is not enough, but keeps at a good level. Pleased with not the worst sharpness on open apertures and good sharpness on covered. Sharpness drops slightly from the center to the edges of the image. The lens behaves well in backlight, a similar lens Tamron LD Di II AF 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro A15 uses 'Internal Surface Coatings' - coating of internal surfaces, which is designed to rid the picture of unnecessary flares, most likely Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 uses the same coating.

On open apertures, the Quantaray 55-200mm F / 4-5.6 has weak vignetting, which disappears if the aperture is slightly closed. Probably the weakest side is chromatic aberration 200 mm focal length.

I believe that this Quantaray 55-200mm F / 4-5.6 is optically no worse than the old man Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor ED 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G SWM, and maybe better.

You can download RAW source files at this link (35 files in '.RAF' and '.NEF' format with D700. 460 MB). All photos are on-camera JPEG. All photos in the gallery above were shot on Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro (part using protective filter UV 52mm FILTER, the filter is cheap and bad, filmed for backlit tests).

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

My experience

The Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 is the simplest autofocus telephoto lens I've ever used. The most minimal set of functions and capabilities was left to work in it. If we forget about the absence of a stabilizer, a focusing motor, a normal focusing ring, a focusing scale, internal focusing and flimsy plastic of the body, then the Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 is quite a good lens and pleasantly surprises with not the worst picture.

The Quantaray 55-200mm f / 4-5.6 may be the first add-on lens to the 18-55 / 3.5-5.6 and will help you taste some of the delights of a telephoto lens.

I have a Quantaray 55-200mm F / 4-5.6 left a mixed impression.

Quantaray 55-200 mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G SWM IF

Dimensions Quantaray 55-200 mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G SWM IF

All original Nikon DX telephoto lenses

  1. Nikon DX AF S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED SWMarel 2005
  2. Nikon DX AF S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED VR IF SWMMarch 2007
  3. Nikon DX AF S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6GII ED VRIIJanuary 2015
  4. Nikon DX AF S Nikkor 55-300mm 1:4.5-5.6G ED VR SWM HRIAugust 2010
  5. Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-6.3G EDAugust 2016
  6. Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-6.3G ED VRAugust 2016

A list of absolutely all lenses of the Nikon DX series, as well as a lot of useful information on lenses and cameras Nikon will find here.

Quantaray 55-200mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD

Quantaray 55-200 mm F4-5.6 Macro AF LD (200 mm and focus to infinity)

On sale Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro is not new. I recommend using a modern original model for use Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6GII ED VR II, prices for which you can see hereor in the price block located below:
All prices Nikon 55-200mm f / 4-5.6G ED VR II AF-S DX Nikkor

The catalog of modern Tamron telephoto lenses can be viewed here.

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

Results

The Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro (for Nikon cameras) is the most simplistic telephoto zoom lens for Nikon DX cameras. I would only recommend it to those people who do not have the funds for any other similar lens. In general, it is light, small, with good image quality and low cost.

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

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Comments: 11, on the topic: Quantaray AF LD 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 Macro review

  • Alexey

    the photos are excellent, despite all the disadvantages of the lens .. but I suspect that this is solely the merit of Arkady, who is able to produce a “Shot” even on an absolutely dark plastic zoom of Chinese origin :)

  • Serge36ru

    Here, here! Pictures are better than from the 535 token, from the previous review. You probably are kidding Arkady :)

    • Lynx

      not better, but just brighter and more diverse in plot.

    • Vladimir

      Better, Worse!

  • Alexey

    “Very often such lenses are bought by camera owners who only have a kit lens of class 18-55 / 3.5-5.6.”
    To the point :) I have the first, after the whale, I bought a similar Tamron for Canon. The main criterion was the price :) But even such a cheap lens surprised me with the quality of the pictures, the difference with the whale was noticeable from the first frames.

    • Alexey

      yes, price is the main criterion .. when there is no money and you want to take pictures, you will do it on anything, even on the phone .. I started by shooting a620 kenon on a soap dish and was indescribable delight, I could not afford more then. .and then, such a lens and even in conjunction with pro5 would be just fantastic ..

  • Pastor

    Heap decides! Although they say that “only top-end optics are needed for fudge” I was convinced myself, and here I am convinced once again that a good carcass is no less important than a good lens and that penetration, even with a very mediocre glass, gives excellent quality. True, what upset me in it at first was the lack of sharpness after modern multipixel cropping. But intra-chamber sharpness or sharp in the editor corrected the shortcomings. The lens is quite interesting for a beginner, and for playing around, and for conditions when there is a chance to be left without a camera. It's a pity to take a decent zoom on an extreme hike, but such a miracle of technology is quite possible. The price on the second-hand market of his brother Tamronovsky is about 3 thousand, that is, at the price of a whale, you can take a quite lively telephoto.

  • anonym

    And the picture is quite thoroughbred for such a cheap dark zoom! Thanks for the review, very helpful.

  • Alexander

    I use this one (Tamron for Canon). In defense of this darkness: the maximum aperture is 4,0 to 135 mm (at its price); autofocus will not miss (with a clear lack of lighting, it may not be adjusted at all, but if I grab it to the point); the picture is decent (the whale is no match); even the background blurs well. Specific bitch, everything was decided by the price!

  • Demon

    Good afternoon. I reviewed all the tamrons, it seems that they cannot find a decent budget two-hundred with a stub for the cropped Nikon. And the 300s is a different opera ...

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Tamron simply does not have such models with a stabilizer. Take a look at Sigma 50-200OS. But in general, the native 55-200 VR is quite suitable.

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