Different versions of Tamron 70-300?

[Schleiermacher]

I've been keeping an eye on the used lens sold at http://www.keh.com and notice that they have several Tamron 70-300 LD tele-macro lens for sale. It looks like they come in both silver and black.

However, I notice that some of them appear to have a filter size of 58mm while others take a 62mm filter. KEH also puts a different number in parenthesis in the description lines of each.

Here's KEH's description of one of the black ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO (58)(472D) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

and that for one of the silver ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO SILVER(62) (772D) 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

Are there two different versions of this lens distinguishable by filter size(apart from the color choice)?

When I looked at a new version of this lens at B&H Photo, the description shows a 62mm filter thread. I don't see any offered with a 58mm diameter.

If so, is one more desirable than the other in terms of optical quality, etc.?

Thanks,
Matt
--
Schleiermacher
Pbase Supporter: http://www.pbase.com/mmathews44
Nikon CP 7 7 5 & 5 7 0 0

 

[Roland Mabo]

Yes, it exist two versions of this lens. An old and one new. The newer version has better mechanics and optical performance than the old one. The new one is really good while the old one are, well, nothing to write home about. The correct designation for the new one is:

Tamron AF 70-300 f/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2.

The new version has a 62mm filter thread.
(new and new, it's about 3-4 years old, but it's the latest they've made).

I've been keeping an eye on the used lens sold at http://www.keh.com and
notice that they have several Tamron 70-300 LD tele-macro lens for
sale. It looks like they come in both silver and black.

However, I notice that some of them appear to have a filter size of
58mm while others take a 62mm filter. KEH also puts a different
number in parenthesis in the description lines of each.

Here's KEH's description of one of the black ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO (58)(472D) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM
SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

and that for one of the silver ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO SILVER(62) (772D) 35MM SLR AUTO
FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

Are there two different versions of this lens distinguishable by
filter size(apart from the color choice)?

When I looked at a new version of this lens at B&H Photo, the
description shows a 62mm filter thread. I don't see any offered
with a 58mm diameter.

If so, is one more desirable than the other in terms of optical
quality, etc.?

Thanks,
Matt
--
Schleiermacher
Pbase Supporter: http://www.pbase.com/mmathews44
Nikon CP 7 7 5 & 5 7 0 0

 

[Jim King]

I've been keeping an eye on the used lens sold at http://www.keh.com and
notice that they have several Tamron 70-300 LD tele-macro lens for
sale. It looks like they come in both silver and black.

However, I notice that some of them appear to have a filter size of
58mm while others take a 62mm filter. KEH also puts a different
number in parenthesis in the description lines of each.

Here's KEH's description of one of the black ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO (58)(472D) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM
SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

and that for one of the silver ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO SILVER(62) (772D) 35MM SLR AUTO
FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

Are there two different versions of this lens distinguishable by
filter size(apart from the color choice)?

When I looked at a new version of this lens at B&H Photo, the
description shows a 62mm filter thread. I don't see any offered
with a 58mm diameter.

If so, is one more desirable than the other in terms of optical
quality, etc.?

The black model 472D f4.0-5.6 with 62mm filter threads is an older model of this lens. The black model 572D F4.0-5.6 with 62mm filter threads appears to be the current version, as shown in Tamron's US sales brochure. I've never seen a 772D silver version. I don't think it is sold in the US and European markets, as it is not shown on their respective websites.

Is it possible that KEH is confusing this with the model 672D F4.5-5.6 with 62mm filter threads? This lens is not quite as useful as the model 572D because of the smaller maximum aperature and reduced close focusing capability(1:3.9 vs. 1: 2).
--
Colormonger.
* * * * *
Belief without doubt is just opinion.

• unknown

 

[Dave Lewis]

Mine is 62mm.

--
Dave Lewis

 

[Marc Terry]

The current version of the lens is the AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2 (62mm Filter). This model name has been around for a few years now but i ordered mine at the start of the year and recieved the "New Model" 572D instead of the 472D. Not sure what the difference is, all the specs are the same.

It's a great, fast, usefull lens for the price, just don't try using it at 300mm on a bright day if you like contrast in your pics

Marc

Mine is 62mm.

--
Dave Lewis

 

[sreITMI]

My lens is a 372D Tamron LD 70-300, does anybody know anything about the quality of this lens????

Thanks for any help.

Steve

I've been keeping an eye on the used lens sold at http://www.keh.com and
notice that they have several Tamron 70-300 LD tele-macro lens for
sale. It looks like they come in both silver and black.

However, I notice that some of them appear to have a filter size of
58mm while others take a 62mm filter. KEH also puts a different
number in parenthesis in the description lines of each.

Here's KEH's description of one of the black ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO (58)(472D) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM
SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

and that for one of the silver ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO SILVER(62) (772D) 35MM SLR AUTO
FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

Are there two different versions of this lens distinguishable by
filter size(apart from the color choice)?

When I looked at a new version of this lens at B&H Photo, the
description shows a 62mm filter thread. I don't see any offered
with a 58mm diameter.

If so, is one more desirable than the other in terms of optical
quality, etc.?

Thanks,
Matt
--
Schleiermacher
Pbase Supporter: http://www.pbase.com/mmathews44
Nikon CP 7 7 5 & 5 7 0 0

 

[Marc Terry]

sreITMI,

Pretty sure thats the pre-macro, non 1:2 version of the same lens? Correct me if i'm wrong.

I can imagine the picture quality would be pretty similar but i think it was improved a little for the 472D and later models. I can remember reading something about the 472D having more apature blades which created a circular apature rather than hexagonal. This means that the bokeh (or however its spelt) of the newer lenses is a bit nicer.

As well as this there is also the macro ability i mentioned, from the 472D model onwards the lens operates at 1:2 macro in the 180mm-300mm range.

Marc

Thanks for any help.

Steve

I've been keeping an eye on the used lens sold at http://www.keh.com and
notice that they have several Tamron 70-300 LD tele-macro lens for
sale. It looks like they come in both silver and black.

However, I notice that some of them appear to have a filter size of
58mm while others take a 62mm filter. KEH also puts a different
number in parenthesis in the description lines of each.

Here's KEH's description of one of the black ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO (58)(472D) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM
SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

and that for one of the silver ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO SILVER(62) (772D) 35MM SLR AUTO
FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

Are there two different versions of this lens distinguishable by
filter size(apart from the color choice)?

When I looked at a new version of this lens at B&H Photo, the
description shows a 62mm filter thread. I don't see any offered
with a 58mm diameter.

If so, is one more desirable than the other in terms of optical
quality, etc.?

Thanks,
Matt
--
Schleiermacher
Pbase Supporter: http://www.pbase.com/mmathews44
Nikon CP 7 7 5 & 5 7 0 0

 

[Joele]

I have the 572D version, it has 9 blades...

------------
Joel - *ist DS

 

[Joele]

Ohh and 62mm filter thread...

I have the 572D version, it has 9 blades...

------------
Joel - *ist DS

--
------------
Joel - *ist DS

 

[sreITMI]

Thank you for the comments.... I took an outside "bride in wedding dress" photo the other day and the CA (purple fringing) on her fingers that were laying on her bright white dress was really pretty bad. In fact her fingers and her thumb we just plain purple.

It almost seems that this is a digital problem and not a film problem. I don't remember seeing this on my ZX-5n. Any comments??

Please, someone tell me that all these lens are like this so I don't have to figure out how to replace this one.....;-))

Thx again,

Steve

Pretty sure thats the pre-macro, non 1:2 version of the same lens?
Correct me if i'm wrong.

I can imagine the picture quality would be pretty similar but i
think it was improved a little for the 472D and later models. I can
remember reading something about the 472D having more apature
blades which created a circular apature rather than hexagonal. This
means that the bokeh (or however its spelt) of the newer lenses is
a bit nicer.

As well as this there is also the macro ability i mentioned, from
the 472D model onwards the lens operates at 1:2 macro in the
180mm-300mm range.

Marc

Thanks for any help.

Steve

I've been keeping an eye on the used lens sold at http://www.keh.com and
notice that they have several Tamron 70-300 LD tele-macro lens for
sale. It looks like they come in both silver and black.

However, I notice that some of them appear to have a filter size of
58mm while others take a 62mm filter. KEH also puts a different
number in parenthesis in the description lines of each.

Here's KEH's description of one of the black ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO (58)(472D) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM
SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

and that for one of the silver ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO SILVER(62) (772D) 35MM SLR AUTO
FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

Are there two different versions of this lens distinguishable by
filter size(apart from the color choice)?

When I looked at a new version of this lens at B&H Photo, the
description shows a 62mm filter thread. I don't see any offered
with a 58mm diameter.

If so, is one more desirable than the other in terms of optical
quality, etc.?

Thanks,
Matt
--
Schleiermacher
Pbase Supporter: http://www.pbase.com/mmathews44
Nikon CP 7 7 5 & 5 7 0 0

 

[Marc Terry]

Steve,

I've never noticed it using the lens with my PZ70. I shot my brothers fomal last year and a few of his friends were in white dresses, didnt notice any purple fringing on my shots?

Marc

It almost seems that this is a digital problem and not a film
problem. I don't remember seeing this on my ZX-5n. Any comments??

Please, someone tell me that all these lens are like this so I
don't have to figure out how to replace this one.....;-))

Thx again,

Steve

Pretty sure thats the pre-macro, non 1:2 version of the same lens?
Correct me if i'm wrong.

I can imagine the picture quality would be pretty similar but i
think it was improved a little for the 472D and later models. I can
remember reading something about the 472D having more apature
blades which created a circular apature rather than hexagonal. This
means that the bokeh (or however its spelt) of the newer lenses is
a bit nicer.

As well as this there is also the macro ability i mentioned, from
the 472D model onwards the lens operates at 1:2 macro in the
180mm-300mm range.

Marc

Thanks for any help.

Steve

I've been keeping an eye on the used lens sold at http://www.keh.com and
notice that they have several Tamron 70-300 LD tele-macro lens for
sale. It looks like they come in both silver and black.

However, I notice that some of them appear to have a filter size of
58mm while others take a 62mm filter. KEH also puts a different
number in parenthesis in the description lines of each.

Here's KEH's description of one of the black ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO (58)(472D) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM
SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

and that for one of the silver ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO SILVER(62) (772D) 35MM SLR AUTO
FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

Are there two different versions of this lens distinguishable by
filter size(apart from the color choice)?

When I looked at a new version of this lens at B&H Photo, the
description shows a 62mm filter thread. I don't see any offered
with a 58mm diameter.

If so, is one more desirable than the other in terms of optical
quality, etc.?

Thanks,
Matt
--
Schleiermacher
Pbase Supporter: http://www.pbase.com/mmathews44
Nikon CP 7 7 5 & 5 7 0 0

 

[Will FL]

I am searching for info on this subject and came across this thead and noticed some errors, therefore I am making a correction/statement.

I have both 472D and 672D in front of me. 472D is 1:3.9 macro and 58mm thread weights 505g. In production 1999 and out of production 2000. 672D is also 1:3.9 macro, but 62mm thread and weights 435g. 472D is made in Japan. 672D is assembled in China.

I took some pictures and noticed very small differences optically. Focus speed might be slightly different. 472D feels better built (heavier?) and smaller in size. Both have pretty good resolution/contrasts (MTF) when compared to my SMC-F 70-210.

Hope this helps somebody down the road.

• Will

I've been keeping an eye on the used lens sold at http://www.keh.com and
notice that they have several Tamron 70-300 LD tele-macro lens for
sale. It looks like they come in both silver and black.

However, I notice that some of them appear to have a filter size of
58mm while others take a 62mm filter. KEH also puts a different
number in parenthesis in the description lines of each.

Here's KEH's description of one of the black ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO (58)(472D) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM
SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

and that for one of the silver ones:

70-300 F4-5.6 TAMRON LD TELE-MACRO SILVER(62) (772D) 35MM SLR AUTO
FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS

Are there two different versions of this lens distinguishable by
filter size(apart from the color choice)?

When I looked at a new version of this lens at B&H Photo, the
description shows a 62mm filter thread. I don't see any offered
with a 58mm diameter.

If so, is one more desirable than the other in terms of optical
quality, etc.?

The black model 472D f4.0-5.6 with 62mm filter threads is an older
model of this lens. The black model 572D F4.0-5.6 with 62mm filter
threads appears to be the current version, as shown in Tamron's US
sales brochure. I've never seen a 772D silver version. I don't
think it is sold in the US and European markets, as it is not shown
on their respective websites.

Is it possible that KEH is confusing this with the model 672D
F4.5-5.6 with 62mm filter threads? This lens is not quite as
useful as the model 572D because of the smaller maximum aperature
and reduced close focusing capability(1:3.9 vs. 1: 2).
--
Colormonger.
* * * * *
Belief without doubt is just opinion.

• unknown

--
*ist Ds DA18-55/3.5-5.6 FA50/1.4 F70-210/4.0-5.6

 

[Will FL]

Forgot to add: 572D(1:2), 672D(1:3.9), 772D and 872D all in production as we speak.

• Will

--
*ist Ds DA18-55/3.5-5.6 FA50/1.4 F70-210/4.0-5.6

 

[Jim King]

I don't know where I got the idea that the model 472-D has a 62mm filter size - it's clear from the post I quoted that it has a 58mm filter size per KEH's listing. My info on the model 572D was from my copy of this lens, so I know it was correct. Sorry for the error - there is enough misinformation floating around out these without my adding to the pile!
--
Jim King - Colormonger (now retired) - Suburban Detroit, Michigan, USA - GMT -5h



* * * * *
Belief without doubt is just opinion.

• unknown

 

[Dave Lewis]

Yes purple fringing is fairly commen with mine.
--
Dave Lewis

 

[Will FL]

It's probably a natural stage of very late LBA

• Will

I don't know where I got the idea that the model 472-D has a 62mm
filter size - it's clear from the post I quoted that it has a 58mm
filter size per KEH's listing. My info on the model 572D was from
my copy of this lens, so I know it was correct. Sorry for the
error - there is enough misinformation floating around out these
without my adding to the pile!
--
Jim King - Colormonger (now retired) - Suburban Detroit, Michigan,
USA - GMT -5h



* * * * *
Belief without doubt is just opinion.

• unknown

--
*ist Ds DA18-55/3.5-5.6 FA50/1.4 F70-210/4.0-5.6