Macro test of tamron 70-300mm

[clockdoc]

Hi all,
Using a borrowed Tamron 70-300mm lens in the macro mode, I shot this hermit crab, focusing manually on the antennae. ISO 1600 (container they were in was in deep shade), f/4.8, 1/1600 sec, 195mm focal length in macro mode on Nikon D80. This lens is an auto focus lens and functioned well in other scenes. However for this shot, I had to rely on manual focus. I would like to hear from anyone who has used the Tamron line of lenses in any focal length.
Image is straight out of the camera with no post processing or cropping.

[Jamesc359]

Nice crab Lee. Pardon the n00bness of my question, but why such a high ISO and shutter speed? Couldn't you have halved them (ISO 800 - 1/800 sec) or would that have caused some blur? The reason I ask is because there seems to be a little bit of noise.

[clockdoc]

Hi James. Good question. My first tests were all hand-held. Since it was late in the afternoon and much of the yard was in shadow, I kept increasing the ISO to get a reasonable shutter speed. When I looked at the testresults, I could see lots of camera shake. Then I decided to shoot a few more shots on a tripod. We had put the hermit crabs out in the covered shade and when I shot them the ISO was still on 1600. I'll try to do a few more tests on sunlight tomorrow at a more reasonable ISO. Thanks for asking.

[NaturesPixel]

iv'e not used this lens but its really no different from my sigma, they have similar flaws when it comes to the 200-300mm range i love the fact that it has a macro feature of 1:2 and i use it all the time when im in back yard

you will need to use this lens at 200-300mm range @ f8-f11 to get any sharpness

this shot is great better than what i can do hand held macro...

[PLouie]

NaturesPixel is right, it's about the same as the Sigma, which I also have. I remember having to shoot macro shots in that LONG focal length. It was pretty unconvenient with all that weight and concentration on holding the lens still. It was prone to camera shake. I finally got a dedicated macro lens, the Sigma EX 105mm with 1:1 magnification a few months ago and love it.

I still have great memories with the 70-300mm and will still use it for telephoto shots. I think it's a great lens for the price. If you're on a budget I'd recommend it.