First impression of my new Tamron SP Di 180mm f3.5 macro

[atulsc]

This afternoon I bought this lens from a local seller for CA$600 in like new condition
and tried it for an hour and already loving it.
I've looked at all the photos admiring them at least 10 times already.

These photos are straight out of the camera..









More samples can be found at
Picasa Web Albums - AC - Tamron 180mm ...

1. Something that has filled a big gap in my kit, amazingly sharp.
A lens that'll make you love it instantly.
2. Big, Strong and "Heavy", with the hood on it looks like a bazooka.
3. Like every other review says, gives a lot of space to work with macro.
4. For people like me who have never worked with a lens that has a tripod collar,
it'll take some practice before getting a comfortable gripping position.
5. No built in AF motor so won't auto focus on D40/X,D60,D3000 etc but the manual
focusing is very smooth.
6. Still have no clue what the FEC ring does.
7. Scale on the lens gives fair idea of the magnification and focusing distance.
8. Apart from macro works like a good Telephoto and Portrait lens but definitely
NOT an all rounder, it knows its department well.
9. No Vibration Reduction so tripod is a must for extra sharp photos, you'll be
very tired of carrying all the weight very soon otherwise.
10. Has an aperture ring too if required.

Can't compare it with any other lens as this is my first dedicated macro.

Note: I still need to find out why but there is something to note about this lens. Even though the lens aperture is rated at f3.5 i could bring it down only up to F5.6 in A,S and M modes, but while i was in P mode with center weighted metering i could see it read f3.5 once.I'm not sure if it has something to do with compatibility with D60 or its a defect.

***** More samples added in the replies ****

[idb]

Hey, great shots, especially the flowers on your Picasa page. Looks like you found a pretty good deal. Sorry don't have a clue about why it won't open up to f/3.5 except as you suggested - a fault or it's something between the lens and the camera.

Ian

[muralikrishna]

Second shot is fantastic ... ... i too plan to buy good lens soon , presently using kit lens

[Fred flyfisher]

Nice job AC, I imagine you're really going to enjoy that lens.

[atulsc]

Some more samples

[atulsc]

Originally Posted by idb

Hey, great shots, especially the flowers on your Picasa page. Looks like you found a pretty good deal. Sorry don't have a clue about why it won't open up to f/3.5 except as you suggested - a fault or it's something between the lens and the camera.

Ian

Thanks Ian. Thanks for taking time out.

Originally Posted by muralikrishna

Second shot is fantastic ... ... i too plan to buy good lens soon , presently using kit lens

Thanks Murali, best of luck to you to get a good lens soon.

Originally Posted by Fred flyfisher

Nice job AC, I imagine you're really going to enjoy that lens.

Oh yes Fred, just need to find good subject and good time, I would love it.

[jofrost]

Great set there with your new lens . I too recently got a dedicated "macro" lens and looking forward to lots of fun with it !

Good to see your enjoying your new toy

TFS,
-John