Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens
The Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di ultra telephoto zoom lens lets you bring your far away subjects up close while compressing the distance between the main subject and the background for professional-looking results. Even though it covers a range of up to 500mm, its design is relatively lightweight and compact. When mounted on an APS-C size digital SLR camera, it provides a focal length equivalent of 760mm for super ultra telephoto imaging.
The optical design of this lens enables you to get as close 8.2' (2.5 m) from your main subject at any focal length, and provides a maximum magnification ratio 1:5 at the 500mm end, allowing for dynamic and impressive pictures of small objects.
This lens sports the detachable Filter Effect Control ring. This allows a filter to be rotated to the desired position with the hood still attached, enabling you to simultaneously perform minute adjustments to a polarizer filter. You can confirm the Polarizing effect through the viewfinder, all while using the hood to prevent harmful light from entering the lens. Di (Digitally Integrated Design) is a designation Tamron puts on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras. This lens does not have a built-in motor.
Note! AF not supported by D40 and D60, D3000 cameras.
- LD Glass
- Two LD glass elements reduce various aberrations while minimizing the fall-off of light at the corners
- Internal Focus
- The lens neither extends nor contracts physically when focusing; all moving elements are contained within the lens barrel
- Di Design
- Digitally Integrated design lenses are designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras
- Tripod Collar
- The tripod mount, detachable in one touch, is made of magnesium alloy that reconciles light weight and high rigidity, resulting in enhanced balance and ease of use in hand-held shooting
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 200 - 500 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 12° - 5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 8.20' (2.5 m) |
| Magnification | 0.2x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:5 |
| Groups/Elements | 10/13 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 86 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.68 x 8.9" (9.35 x 22.61 cm) |
| Weight | 2.72 lb (1237 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 51 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (29)
- Durable (22)
- Strong construction (20)
- Consistent output (19)
- Easily interchangeable (19)
Cons
- Heavy (13)
- Poor in low light (6)
- Slow focus (3)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (20)
- Wildlife photos (18)
- Landscape/scenery (15)
- Wildlife (15)
- Landscape photography (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (15), Semi-pro photographer (8), Enthusiast (6), Semi-professional (6), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (21)
Most Liked Positive Review
Sharp at 500mm
I use this lens for bird and wildlife photography. I couldn't afford a Nikon 500 prime lens, so I had to look at the alternatives. I checked reviews, borrowed various lenses, and talked...Read complete review
I use this lens for bird and wildlife photography. I couldn't afford a Nikon 500 prime lens, so I had to look at the alternatives. I checked reviews, borrowed various lenses, and talked to other bird photographers. It all boiled down to which lens was sharpest at 500mm and cost less than 1G.
This Tamron won hands down. It's very sharp at 500mm whereas the competition 50-500 isn't. It's also lighter and has a better hood. I'm very satisfied with it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Tamron 200-500
Bought this lens for bird and nature photography. My copy was not sharp at all despite many efforts to get a clear picture I finally returned it. Used it with a D90 and very ...Read complete review
Bought this lens for bird and nature photography. My copy was not sharp at all despite many efforts to get a clear picture I finally returned it. Used it with a D90 and very disappointed as weight an handling were excellent as well the quality of the build.
Reviewed by 51 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
Use for wildlife photography - mostly birds.
Great thing- zoom range and price are excellent
Not so great - Vibration reduction would be very nice - though MOST shots are tripod-mounted, the VR would be a nice convenience.
Not happy with the autofocus. Tested on a tripod using the remote control @ 1/500th sec. Found that the autofocus was FAR INFERIOR to manual focus.
For that reason, I returned it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens with a nikon D90. Good distance with a good price
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
Sweet lens - a good price but great quality. It works perfectly on my Nikon D300s and D200.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
Great lens for the money. I have a Nikon D80 and the lens works great with it. Used the the lens to take pictures at an indoor skating show and i had no problems with the lens focusing and the pictures were clear and sharp.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I purchased this lens primarily for wildlife (birds mostly). I have tried it on a blue heron that was about 100 feet away. The resulting photo gave the impression that the bird was about 6 feet away as the detail was extremely good. Next test will be on birds in flight, and that should be a better test. Initially, I am satisfied.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I was a bit hesitant to purchase this lens because it doesn't autofocus with my D5000, but I've been able to take very clear,sharp pictures using manual focus. I did find that a tripod is necessary to help steady the camera with the extra weight. Photography is a hobby with me, so there was no way I could justify a more expensive lens. This one meets my needs for wildlife photograhy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens for my Nikon D5000 specfifically to photograph the final space shuttle launch knowing I would have to watch it from a distance. At twelve miles, it did a great job. It's a little heavy (48 oz) and difficult to wield on fast moving subjects (i.e. birds in flight), but if you want to reach out and take pictures of animals that would otherwise bolt at your presence, then this is the lense for you. The camera case is excellent and the tripod collar is versatile and easy to use. Compared to the competition or the more expensive Nikon lenses, this is a good buy and I look forward to using it to photograph wild life.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Can be hand held
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
Used for African Safari. Plenty of light to shoot at f-8. Best of all it is light weight
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
Used for wildlife photography and it had exquisite results. When I tried taking photos with low light, the results weren't as commendable. Overall, a great buy!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
Really great lens if you want to get close to something far away. It would be a perfect lens if it had image stabilisation.
You probably won't use this lens as often as wide angle or standard zoom lens but you can take pictures you otherwise wouldn't be able to take, like: birds that are not that far away, waterfalls frame filling from a couple miles away, the moon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I used this product at a great distance for an engagement cermony on horseback. It wasn,t as close as I had liked but judging the distance the people were sharp just small.Closer range was pretty sharp.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lenses because I want to get up close and personal with wildlife. Thus far, I have used it primarily on birds. I am absolutely thrilled to be able to get up close to the birds. I am pleased with my images. Now it is up to me to learn to use the lens to its best advantage.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I bought this for birding photography. Right out of the box it delivered the results I was looking for. The perfect lens. It packs alot for it's price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for wildlife out in the fields. It great for shooting Great Blue Heron flying over and Ospreys and even Bald Eagles. I just love this lens.
It can get heavy, but still love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I use the 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens by Tamron for outdoor sports photography. It works very well and balances comfortably on my mono-pod. Pictures are crisp and clean. Couldn't ask for more.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I have used this two times. One time to shoot the moon at night and one time to test it using my Kenko 2x teleconverter. Both times the lens worked as I would hope.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
great for sports
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None so far
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
After trying to decide between the Sigma and this Tamron, I finally decided on the Tamron after reading endless reviews.
I have only received this lens last week and haven't had a lot of time using it, but have been happy with the results. I tried it out on some birds and they seem to be crisp and clear.
Lens seems to be built well, auto focus works great with my Nikon. Some reviews said it was noisy when focusing, I didn't notice that at all.
A little heavy, but I plan to always use it with the tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
I am a nature/landscape photographer and I was glad to get this as a gift from my husband. I'm amazed at the quick focus of this lens. It also came with a convenient carrying case. I enjoy that this lens also has a tripod mount on the lens and doesn't rely just on the body mount. No bad reviews here - I love this lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Autofocus Lens:
This is my first super telephoto lens. I am an amateur using this lens primarily for sports and nature photography. Admittedly I have a small sampling of experience with this lens so far, but I am very pleased with it. I recently used it at an indoor swim meet with very poor lighting. I was extremely pleased with the images I obtained. It was very fast. Between my Nikon D300s and my lens, I was able to capture some great images. Outdoors, with good lighting, the lens is exemplary. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $71.50
- Price: $109.95
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $11.99
Protection/Camouflage
- Price: $89.99
- Price: $99.99
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- Detachable Tripod Collar Mount
- Detachable Filter Effect Control
- Soft Lens Case (with Strap)
- 6-Year Warranty
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