0
\$\begingroup\$

I am planning to buy an entry level SLR camera, mainly for use capturing macro and portrait photos. However, I'm a bit confused by this lens which is described as "Tamron AF 70 - 300 mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro".

Correct me if I'm wrong, from the description I think it's a telephoto zoom lens because of the 70 - 300 mm range - but the title also says that it's a "Macro". Can a lens be zoom and macro at the same time?

\$\endgroup\$
3
  • 5
    \$\begingroup\$ Does this question explain things enough for you? "Macro", "telephoto" and "zoom" are orthogonal concepts - a lens can be zero, one, two or all three of those. \$\endgroup\$
    – Philip Kendall
    Nov 11, 2014 at 9:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks @PhilipKendall. I understand the meaning of macro. My confusion still stands \$\endgroup\$
    – MnZ
    Nov 11, 2014 at 11:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks @PhilipKendall for editing my question. This now looks cleaner. Will post another question for other doubts :) \$\endgroup\$
    – MnZ
    Nov 12, 2014 at 10:14

2 Answers 2

4
\$\begingroup\$

Like most consumer-grade variable aperture zoom lenses, this lens is a series of compromises carefully designed to do many jobs reasonably well. While, for example, it will take a very good photograph at 100mm, it will not have the same image quality from the center all the way to the corners as, say, a Zeiss Makro-Planar 100mm lens. However, it also doesn't cost US$1800 for a single focal length!

Likewise, this lens has a reasonable macro capability, meaning that it can make macro photographs at a reproduction ratio of 1:2, meaning that objects will be reproduced at 1/2 life size on a 35mm sensor or film. In comparison, most purpose-built Micro-Nikkor lenses can make photographs at a reproduction ratio of 1:1 or life-sized. For example: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/AF-S-VR-Micro-Nikkor-105mm-f%252F2.8G-IF-ED.html

As in all things in life, compromises are made as to cost, quality, weight, complexity, et al.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks @chili555. You made me understand the meaning of the lens :) \$\endgroup\$
    – MnZ
    Nov 12, 2014 at 10:09
  • \$\begingroup\$ Overall, it's not half bad at it either. It's not as sharp as a good Nikon, but neither does it have the colour aberration that my Nikon 24-120 has. Of the two, I use the Tamron daily, I'm selling the Nikon. \$\endgroup\$
    – Tetsujin
    Aug 25, 2017 at 7:36
6
\$\begingroup\$

Fairly simply, that lens is all three of:

  • A macro lens, as it can produce magnifications which approach 1:1.
  • A telephoto lens with a relatively long focal length and correspondingly small angle of view.
  • A zoom lens with a variable focal length.

These are three orthogonal concepts - as with this lens, it's perfectly possible for a lens to be all three of these at once.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ I'm a beginner.Thanks for being patient. So how do I define this lens "Tamron AF 70 - 300 mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro for Nikon Digital SLR Lens". Is it a variable focal length or a MACRO? \$\endgroup\$
    – MnZ
    Nov 11, 2014 at 11:59
  • 5
    \$\begingroup\$ It is both variable focal length and macro. \$\endgroup\$
    – Philip Kendall
    Nov 11, 2014 at 12:03

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.