I've never done technically rigorous controlled tests of mine, or of any of my lenses. You might want to compare to testing done by a competent reviewer, testing site, etc.
I did test one lens against some of my others when it seemed to give consistently underwhelming results in use. Even then I tested by shooting it in the same simulated use conditions against lenses that happened to have overlap so the same f stop and focal length. So, it seemed softer than the others under the same circumstances as opposed to at least similar or better. Away it went. I replaced it with a different lens so didn't have two directly compared.
If you have a lens you think is acceptable with the same focal length and aperture, test shots under the same settings, would give a comparison that you might be able to look at besides just a set of test patterns. If the method is flawed, it should be flawed with both, etc. That and a comp against a good site should give you an idea on that copy, if nothing else.
I don't recall anything that I've shot in the vein of a flat surface like a brick wall, etc., so there's typically different distances across the field/subject.
intrepidwolf01 wrote:
I recently bought a Tamron 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 for Sony full frame mirrorless. After reading this forum about how it is almost as good as the Sony 24-105mm F4 with the extended focal length, I decided to go for it. However, after receiving it and doing some tests, I realized that the 28-70mm range seems to perform decently well even at the corners. However, the IQ starts to decline at 100mm. Once it hits around 135-200mm, the edges are extremely soft/blurry. Here are some sample RAW files:
It would be great if I could get some feedback on this! (Note that the test chart may not be 100% accurate but it gives a rough idea of how the lens performs) I want to know whether I should get an exchange on the lens....Show more →
One thing to check is to ensure the latest lens firmware is installed.
I have never done any controlled testing on my copy. I am happy with the quality it produces across the entire range. I think the quality does go down at the longer focal lengths on my copy but it is still very usable to me. Everyone has different thresholds for acceptable.
Love this lens as a casual walkaround. Some accidental BIF. Out along Lake Washington Blvd for a 7.2 mile walk. Need to get in better shape.
Out of the corner of my eye comes this eagle. I had the #! zoom lock on since carried facing downwards it’ll creep.
Luckily got the eagle as it grabbed lunch. 200mm on an A1. Jpegs cropped. Clearly not the best tool for the job but I’ll take it.
Took the 28-200 along on a casual non-photography trip to Oahu. Also brought the 17-28 and 50GM. Didn’t even use them.
Pleasantly surprised at the af capabilities as my expectations are pretty low for this lens re:af.
While at the beach a random butterfly showed up. Paired with the A1 - grabbed focus without issue.
Almost all of the distance shots were shot in crop mode. JPEGs - haven’t opened the RAW files yet.
Great all in one and seriously good value for money, IMO.
Felix doing his mad dog with stick routine. I like this lightweight, versatile lens for general work. Good AF, good sharpness, good color, good price. Steve
Several photos taken with the Tamron 28-200 on the A1 at Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland during a 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb. Rabbit was heavily cropped.