Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF
This Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens made for the Nikon SLR system incorporates a motor built into the lens itself, which gives it the capability to autofocus with all Nikon DSLR cameras (including the D40 and D40x). In addition, with the motor built into the lens, focusing will be quieter and more responsive.
The 70-300mm Di LD Macro is a quality compact ultra tele zoom lens which covers the 70mm to 300mm telephoto range, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at the tele end. It delivers ultimate handling ease and portability in the field due to its lightweight size and mechanical operation. Best suited for shooting outdoors to make full use of the real telephoto of 300mm as well as providing diversity in portraiture using the medium focal length ranges of 70mm to 135mm.
Di (Digitally Integrated Design) is a designation Tamron puts on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras.
- Di Design
- Digitally Integrated is a designation Tamron puts on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras. By employing "Internal Surface Coatings" and multiple-layer coating technology on ordinary elements, ghosting and flare due to reflections that occur when light enters through the front element and reflections caused by the imagers themselves are reduced to the absolute minimum.
- Macro Effect of 1:2 in Telephoto Zoom Range
- Flipping a macro switch in the focal length range of 180mm to 300mm allows entry into the macro range, for photography as close as 1.6' (95cm) from the subject. In the macro range, one can take advantage of the telephoto effect and a maximum magnification ratio up to 1:2. In addition, since the focal length in the macro range spans from 180mm to 300mm, zooming can also be used to adjust composition.
- LD Glass
- LD glass elements reduce various aberrations while minimizing the fall-off of light at the corners.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 - 5.6 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 34° - 8° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.92' (1.5 m) |
| Magnification | 0.5x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2 |
| Groups/Elements | 9/13 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.0 x 4.6" (7.62 x 11.68 cm) |
| Weight | 15.34 oz (435 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 90 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easily interchangeable (56)
- Consistent output (51)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (50)
- Lightweight (40)
- Durable (33)
Cons
- Slow focus (32)
- Heavy (11)
- Blurry focus (7)
- Poor in low light (7)
- Tough to attach (7)
Best Uses
- Wildlife photos (37)
- Sports/action (35)
- Macro photography (32)
- Landscape/scenery (29)
- General purpose (23)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (27), Casual photographer (23), Enthusiast (21), Semi-pro photographer (12), Casual user (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (26), Yes (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great addition for D40/X
I am an amateur photographer. I take photos of baseball games, wildlife, and flowers (because my mother and wife enjoy them). I bought this lens initially to add some additional length over ...Read complete review
I am an amateur photographer. I take photos of baseball games, wildlife, and flowers (because my mother and wife enjoy them). I bought this lens initially to add some additional length over my Nikkor 70-200mm AF-S VR lens for whalewatching. What I uncovered was a very solid performer for under $200 in this Tamron 70-300mm Di LD Macro Autofocus lens.
First off, as anyone with a Nikon D40 will tell you, finding lenses that fit this camera requires a lot of investigation if you do not purchase Nikkor lenses.
This Tamron lens was talked about on a popular Digital Photography board and I decided to try it. I was not disappointed.
First off, this lens does the obvious; it brings activity closer to you. It is fast enough to stop a fastball, long enough to bring plays at second base into the dugout, and the macro lets you zoom deep into the stem of any flower and even lets you see the fuzz on legs of a bee.
Now this lens is not perfect. The autofocuser seems slower than my 70-200mm Nikkon lens and it is off just enough to make me refocus three or more times on a subject before locking it in.
To compensate, I sometimes take the lens out of auto focus mode and into manual mode. This can hurt you when taking sports photography, especially if you forget that you switched the settings (I'm guilty of that).
The other thing that sometimes needs attention is the feel of the focal length ring. It sometimes feels like it is sticking or hard to turn. That might just be me, that might be the lens, or it may be a combination of the two. What I mean is that there are times when it feels like I need to hit it with a squirt of WD40.
This lens is heavy. It does not require seperate support however you need to beware of it if you are holding your camera and do not have it mounted on a tripod/monopod. For the uninitiated, when taking photos at 300mm (which is actually 450mm due to the Nikon's multiplier)any movement, no matter how still you think you are, can introduce blur into your photographs.
Tucking your elbows into your chest and exhaling while remaing still does not adequately quiet your body at times when you are taking shots at that length. Beware of it and learn techniques to help you and your photography when you are using this lens on your camera without a tripod.
With that said, I think it's a great lens for the price. It's a top addition for a D40 and if you get it, make sure to get the appropriate filter if for no other reason, than to protect the actual lens glass.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Too Light in weight.
I have an older Tamron 70-300 lens. Unfortunately the bushings are going up. I thought I'd replace it but the newer one is plastic and too slow to focus for my needs. I...Read complete review
I have an older Tamron 70-300 lens. Unfortunately the bushings are going up. I thought I'd replace it but the newer one is plastic and too slow to focus for my needs. I just loved my original so much that I wanted to get another to have on hand but the quality is not the same and I really didn't need it. I have a 28-300 VR that is faster and a great lens. All the other Tamron lenses I own are fantastic lenses.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 90 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
For the price you can't go wrong. Works great on my D7000!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Very dependable lens, quick focus, sharp images
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Very satisfied with the lens and buying from B&H is dependable and solid. Return customer for a reason.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
For the price, one of the best telephoto lenses around.
Used it on nature, landscape, and closeup shots of hummingbirds.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Use for product close-ups, works great. Not a Nikon but a pretty good lens for the price
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Macro FeatureTelephoto
Cons
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
The macro feature is great for getting right up close. I even got a great portrait picture using it on my 3 year old nephew. The autofocus is right on and the telephoto is wonderful for bringing everything up close. I took a picture of a building about 10 miles away and you can see the people in the building clear as a bell. Highly recommend this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
very easy to use
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I bought this lens to replace my 55-200 Nikon kit lens. It is light weight and has sharp focus though a little slow o the up-take. The macro end of lens works very well and exhibits very good clarity. I personally use this lens for sports, wild life and portraits. All around a good lens for the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Good price value
Cons
- noisy AutoFocus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I recently purchased this lens and am very satisfied with it. It's great for various situations where telephoto is needed. I brought it on vacation with me and was able to get some really great shots of wildlife, because I was able to keep my distance. The photos maintain a high quality with the zoom. The only drawback for me is in the macro mode you can't get very close to your subject. You can still take great close ups but you have to be a good distance away from what youre shooting. Because it is a combo lens, however, I was not expecting the macro to be as good as a solely macro lens. As a student I can't afford to purchase both, so I think the price is well worth it. Also the auto focus is a little noisy, but it doesn't really bother me. Overall a great lens, I definitely recommend it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Great, Great lens for the price. The only thing I didn't really like was that when I just got it, I had trouble steadying the shots, since there weren't any image stabilization, but I got used to it and became used to it, so should you! Overall, great telephoto lens for the price.. ITS DIRT CHEAP! You won't be dissatisfied! Also, the lens is more on the heavier side, so it may be front heavy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I have used Tamron lenes for over 20 years, and have no former complaints about any of the lenses, HOWEVER, with regards to this 70-300mm, the lens is extremely heavy and not fast (even for landscapes), I expressed my dislike for the lens to a Tamron customer service Rep., who claimed that my blurred images were due my tripod. With all "due respect" the lens is too heavy NOT to be used in conjuction with a tripod, and too slow. The lens also creeps a bit, and the "Ultra Sonic Drive" is anything but what it's name suggest. I've had this lens for 6 months and what a waste of money I feel it is, I should have just bought a Nikon lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Macro option
- Range
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- People In high lighting
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I just got this for my birthday and i was really really excited! I was hoping for a nikon lens but i thought this would be fine. i started using it and the first thing i noticed was the autofocus is EXTREMELY slow! It was very frustrating because it took me 5+ seconds to take a picture of something that should be really quick. Just to let you know, the autofocus barely even works in low lighting. I also noticed that there was no VR, which didn't mean anything to me, but then i started taking pictures and noticed that the photos were blurry, especially without a flash. Also, at 300mm the pictures are very soft, and they are nearly impossible for me to take without a tripod. The lens also sometimes gets stuck when i put it at 300. One thing I do like is the DOF! The pictures also look very sharp; after the autofocus is done focusing. But really, the depth of field makes the photos POP. I still haven't been able to play with the lens completely, though; this is just my first impression/input after a few pictures taken. I HOPE THIS HELPS!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
This is a good enthusiast entry level long lens. At 300mm, images are soft and not crisp. Autofocus is a bit slow and tends to hunt a bit. Lens hood goes on securely. If its going to be used for bird photos don't expect ultra sharp images. For birds it helps to pre-focus the lens where the bird is expected to land. For macros you must use a tripod in order to get acceptable images. In all it's pretty good for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
We are very happy with our purchase. The lens has the focus motor in it making it a great addition to the basic lens purchased with our Nikon D3000. It takes excellent pictures and gives us the additional zoom capability we were looking for. We use the lens for personal photography including our child and nature images. So far we are really happy with the lens.[...] We will definitely go to B&H when we are ready to purchase additional items for our camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
This lens is quite good for what it is. It is a macro and decent variable aperture zoom for under [$]. The results are fairly sharp if you have decent lighting or a tripod, but without stabilization your results won't always be keepers. It has good color reproduction and is well made with no lens creep. It is very slow to focus in low light and still relatively slow in good light, but this can always be overcome if you use your manual focus. The macro mode is very nice as it gets you very close to your subject for those very very fine details or insect shots. All in all this is a great budget lens especially if you are broke after switching full frame and need a new telephoto lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- None yet
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
I've been researching different lenses for my Nikon D40 for some time and this was the best lens with a super price. I received as a gift. So far I think its great buy. Photos look awesome.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Once again B & H proves they are the only store for Cameras and equipment. This lens is everything it's cracked up to be and more. Yes the auto-zoom may not be as fast as a Nikon lens, but it is $500.00 less. If you are looking for a reasonably priced lens to acomplish those long shots, this is the lens. I shopped around and found that this lens was well worth the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
This lens has served me well. I shoot close up photos of dissections, and use artificial lighting. In good lighting, this lens is phenomenal. The only quibble is that the macro only works at 180mm and up. Also, to close the lens after use, you need to change to manual focus, then turn the ring to infinity, then unlock the macro setting, then move ring to 70 mm (and then remember to reset to auto focus!).
But if on a budget, you can't beat this lens! Very happy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Don't know what everyone was complaining about. This lens does everything I expect it to do. It isn't as slow and the noise isn't any different than any other at this price level. I would certainly reccomend this lens to a friend.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF:
Great lens for the price, happy with it
Displaying reviews 1-20
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- Price: $13.79
What's in the Box
- 62mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Rear Lens Cap for Nikon AF
- Lens Hood
- 6-Year Warranty
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