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WHAT ABOUT TAMRON LENSES FOR MAXXUM 7

pjfnme

Member
Can anyone give me any information on Tamron lenses?? I found a set including the TAMRON 28-80 VP# AF77M700 and the TAMRON 75-300 VP# AF276M700 plus a camera bag (don't really need one, but, it comes with it) for 300.00. Is this a pretty reasonable price??? Thinking about replacing some old Sigma lenses with them for the new Maxxum 7 I am purchasing. Thanks!!!
 
Hi Mendi, The lenses are really the most important part of your camera system. If you already have servicable lenses in those focal length ranges, I would save your money and replace them one at a time with higher quality lenses. Those will be basic kit lenses and will probably be no better than what you already have. $300 for 2 lenses is pretty cheap and you generally get what you pay for. There are some exceptions, for instance under $100 for a Minolta 50mm f1.8 is a fantastic deal; but it is a simple lens, and relatively easy to produce cheaply and still maintain quality. When you start getting into zooms, things quickly get complicated and the quality of materials and engineering gets very important. One lens I was very happy with was the Minolta 28-70mm f2.8, it will be MUCH sharper than that Tamron 28-80, and while you lose 10mm off the tele end, you gain a constant and much larger aperture (I'm not familiar with that particular lens's specs, but I would guess that the Tamron will only go down to f3.5 at an absolute minimum and it may only go as low as f4.5). It's still relatively reasonably priced too, You should be able to find one for well under $500 and possibly even under $400, well worth the cost in my opinion. As a general rule, I would try to stick with genuine Minolta lenses, they will usually be of higher quality than 3rd party lenses, but there are definitely exceptions. I'd just figure out what specific focal length ranges and apertures you require and research the options in that area, you may be able to find some deals.

-Jason
 
Hi Mendi -

I had all the lenses that I needed from my Maxxum 7000 when I purchased the 7D, so I that was a big part of my digital SLR buying decision. Yes, the manufacturers lenses are generally better than others because you KNOW that they will work with your camera. I did need a bigger telephoto lens however and did a lot of research. My conclusion was (bang for the buck) the Tamron 200-500mm F/5-6.3. It is a fantastic lens - built very well and the performance is outstanding. Of course it lists for around $1,600 and I bought it for around $800.

You will always pay more for a prime lens, especially in the larger mm categories. A 600mm f/4Minolta Apo G will set you back $6,000-$7,000.

The Minolta AF 28-70mm f/2.8G will run around $1,200 and the Minolta AF 28-75mm f/2.8(D) runs around $365. That one has a close focus at 1.1 feet (0.33cm). You can buy the Minolta AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6(D) for $100. Don't write off the non-Minolta (soon to be sold to Sony) brands.

Go to Tamron's web site for more information. http://www.tamron.com/lenses/

Jim
 
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