The Tamron 28-300mm XR Di lens replaces the popular XR LD Ultra Zoom version, and has now been improved to include Tamron's "Di" design. Digitally integrated design is the designation that Tamron uses for lenses that feature the improved optical design that meets the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras, as well as film cameras. When used with APS-C size (standard) digital SLR cameras, the lens provides an angle of view equivalent to approximately 43-465mm, covering the standard-to-ultra-telephoto range with no sacrifice of quality or aperture range.
This lens is ultra-compact and light-weight, with a constant minimum focus distance of 1.6' (0.5 m) and a high maximum magnification of 1:2.9. The remarkable achievements are brought about through XR (extra refractive index) glass and efficient use of aspherical lenses. Size is reduced 25%, weight 27% and filter diameter was decreased from 72mm to 62mm. The ideal "all-in-one" zoom lens, for indoor and outdoor use.
Optimized for Minolta's (D) & ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) flash metering system.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
28 - 300 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 43 - 465 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony Alpha, Minolta AF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 75° - 8° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.61' (49 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.34x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2.9 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/15 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 3.3" (7.37 x 8.38 cm) |
| Weight | 14.82 oz (420 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Fantastic walk around lens!
Bought this lens as a 1 lens solution for walks at the park and trips to the zoo. It has wonderful image quality and smooth bokeh. When you don't want to carry a heavy ...Read complete review
Bought this lens as a 1 lens solution for walks at the park and trips to the zoo. It has wonderful image quality and smooth bokeh. When you don't want to carry a heavy bag with several lenses, this is the ticket. I get quick focus during the day, some hunting at night due to the slow aperture. The zoom lock is a great feature that all lenses should have. It balances well on my Sony A100. Tamron really knows how to make a zoom guy happy!
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Most Liked Negative Review
Not very happy
I was looking forward to having a nice walk-around or "vacation" lens for my new Sony Alpha 580 camera. I was extremely disappointed in the quality of this lens. It's being r...Read complete review
I was looking forward to having a nice walk-around or "vacation" lens for my new Sony Alpha 580 camera. I was extremely disappointed in the quality of this lens. It's being returned. I don't know if I got a bad lens, or if this is the normal quality of the lens. It was very "soft" throughout. The extreme zoom end was blurry, the close ups of flowers were blurry and not in sharp focus. There was nothing I can say I liked about this lens except for the zoom range. There was a lot of "purple fringing." I compared photos with my Sony 70-300 telephoto kit lens alongside the Tamron and there's no comparison, the Sony won hands down. I do shoot some stock work and I could never submit any photos to my agencies taken with this lens.
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Reviewed by 24 customers
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
This is the lens that I needed for carrying around on vacations. It is light and can go from wide angle for people pictures to a 300mm telephoto for pictures of the river boat on the other side of the river with just a twist of the wrist. Also, you can carry it around with you with out everyone staring at you which is what happens when I carry my 50-500mm sigma around. This is the lens for most of my picture taking and I love it.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
Except for some very specific situations, this lens may be on my camera for 90 percent of the time. I was eager to see if a lens spanning these focal lengths would be as sharp as my kit lens and other zoom. My fears have disappeared; the lens has worked flawlessly so far in casual portrait work and capturing zoolife at a distance. Tamron has a winner here with this excellent and compact zoom.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
Bought this lens along with Sony a33 from B@H. It really has a good picture quality, great macro capabilities, nice bokeh, BUT...
Autofocus simply didn't work, especially on a moving object. It would go back and force with irritating noise scared non only birds but horses away from me but will never let you make a shot. No use for sport or nature photography.
I contacted B@H technician but he could not tell me either camera or lens was a problem or it was simply a bad mach.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
Zoom is nice and smooth. Works well with my Sony Alpha33.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I was looking forward to having a nice walk-around or "vacation" lens for my new Sony Alpha 580 camera. I was extremely disappointed in the quality of this lens. It's being returned. I don't know if I got a bad lens, or if this is the normal quality of the lens. It was very "soft" throughout. The extreme zoom end was blurry, the close ups of flowers were blurry and not in sharp focus. There was nothing I can say I liked about this lens except for the zoom range. There was a lot of "purple fringing." I compared photos with my Sony 70-300 telephoto kit lens alongside the Tamron and there's no comparison, the Sony won hands down. I do shoot some stock work and I could never submit any photos to my agencies taken with this lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I'm very happy of this device
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I purchased this lens for use with my Sony A330. My immediate need was for more zoom power for the Discovery Space Shuttle launch. I was very pleased with the results!
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
Great all-purpose lens for me. I'm very happy with the quality of images when paired with my Sony A55.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I bought this lens to replace a 70-300mm Quantary for my Sony 350 and I just love it! I like the fact that I don't have to remove the lens when I need up close shots. It's also more compact and fits in my bag when it's on the camera. So far I've only used it for landscape and some golf shots. I look forward to using it for other occasions as well.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
Excellent addition to my Sony A-850 DSLR.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I bought this lens as a temporary solution for my new NEX-5 Sony camera, as the Sony zoom isn't due until August, and my urgent need was before then. The only function I've lost by using this lens and the Sony A-mount to E-mount adapter is auto-focus, but the manual focus is pretty responsive, so not a big deal.
The lens seems good and tight, no slop, useful markings and overall solid performance. I've not noticed it dropping out of position if held vertically, but I've only had it a few days. If this develops I'll post an update.
Cleaning is always a concern, so I immediately put a UV filter on to help protect the outer surface.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I use this lens for just about every situation. I love the fact that I don't have to constantly change lens'. Whether I am shooting up close or far away, portraits or landscapes, I use this lens. Just what I needed. Love it!
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I look forward to going out and shooting pictures. I did not realize that it was a manual and not auto but in the long run I am enjoying the extra time getting to know my lens.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
Good size, well built, light weight.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I haven't had much time to use the lens. I bought it so when I go out on nature drives/hikes I can capture the animals that are far away. Since buying the lens I have not been on such a drive/hike.
The 28-300mm is an excellent lens and I have NO complaints with it at all - I have taken a few indoor photos with it and it does very well. I used it to shoot a wedding shower and it performed well.
The thing is - I have an 18-250 Tamron lens and I think I do like the 18 better than the 28 - but it will be nice to have the 300 when I see something far away that I need to capture.
Probably if you have the 18-250 you will not really use the 28-300 much - so - though the 28-300 is a very good lens - just save up for a 500mm and life will be good. :)
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I have had this lens on the Sony A700 and A850 and performed well on both.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I purched this lens for use with my Sony A700 but now have an A850 and it works very well on that also.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
I bought this lens as a walk around lens to replace a damaged Sony 75-300 lens.
I am very please with the pictures that I have taken with this lens so far. I've gotten some very crisp and clear shots with it. It balances good with my Sony camera.
The only drawback to it that I have noticed is that when you zoom in and out it is not as smooth as I would like. But for the price it is a very good lens that is well built and produces excellent pictures.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
i have uest this lens for senery, people and wild life. for 1 lens its good.
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Comments about Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum (D) Series:
It is really nice not having to change the lens and having the flexability this lens provides. I have 4 other Tamron lenses and due the high quality and user ease, would not even consider any other product than Tamron.
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