Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Wiesenhavern/Germany

Summary:
There are 2 different versions of this lens: You can easily differ by filter diameter (52 or 62 mm). I have used the 62mm-version for a long time. It's build quality is quite acceptable. The focus ring much better than the zoom ring. Optically nearly no fall off to the corners, no noticeable difference between the different focal lengths. Qualitywise it's been the best zoom-lens with this focal length until I got the Tamron SP 28-80. Better than any Sigma lens I tried with this length, equal to Pentax 28-80. I know that the 52mm version is much cheaper and optically inferior to this lens. Take care which one you are looking at.

Strengths:
No noticeable difference between focal lengths. Tamron adaptall-mount so it can be used via adaptor with all slr-mounts on market.

Weaknesses:
Zoom-ring doesn't feel long-living. A bit soft wide open (compared to primes !)

Similar Products Used:
Sigma 28-56 Sigma 28-200 Tamron 28-80 Tamron 28-200 Tokina 28-85 many 28/50mm primes

Customer Service:
Very good

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $130.00 from shop

Summary:
Considering the price and the focal range, there can't be better options. Sometimes I am surprised at the quality (mostly contrast) of the pictures. Tiny, adaptable to most cameras and most situations. Load 400 or 800 ISO film and you won't need much more. I had one that went to a friend, so bought another... as good as the first.

Strengths:
I must have used it on a dozen cameras (Nikon FE2, N8008/F801, Canon T90, Olympus OM4Ti, Contax RX, etc.), long live Tamron's interchangable mounts! If are carrying only one lens and won't need any "pro" features... this will provide plenty of performance for its price. Slightly larger that a 50/1.4, 260 grams (about 10 ounces), not so "plasticky", and has resisted many bangings and bruises. Macro function will ocasionally save the day.

Weaknesses:
I see it as a humble lens, so I would just call them "meakness". It doesn't try to be a fixed f 2.8 throughout the zoom range. So if you intend to be ready for anything, keep fast film at hand.

Similar Products Used:
Tamron's 28-80/3.5-4.2 (much better, tougher, bulkier and more expensive), 35-105/2.8 (mine was almost useless unless stopped down to 5.6... I returned it, though others swear by it), Nikon's first 28

Customer Service:
never needed it.

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Price Paid:  $165.00 from Unknown

Summary:
With the adaptall II mount, it's a lens you can put on any manual of AF camera as a quick and easy lens for shooting. I'm sure the new 28-200 Tamron Super II macro will replace it as it covers the same focal length and more. But, for having used it for many years, as a stand alone on my Nikon ( I don't even own a Nikon lens)it has served me very well. The only other lens I have at the time is a Tamron 60-300 SP, which is tack sharp, but bulky. Enjoy this little lens on a second camera as it is adaptable to any camera you might have, and if you find a good bargin on a camera body... there you go! Just get the adaptal lens for it and have a good match up for a spare.

Strengths:
Very durable lens as It is my primary lens on my Nikon F3. Has very nice closeup capabilities and with a bit of a fine adjustment, the macro range can be used for closer than normal focusing, allowing to fill the frame. Image is very sharp for a zoom lens, as I have several enlargments that are top quality. Light weight and covers many photo situations without having to switch lenses. Filter size is pretty common also.

Weaknesses:
The zoom changes the focus, a term I beleive is called variocal and not Parfocal; meaning it does not remain the same focus throughout the zoom, you must refocus.

Similar Products Used:
28-80 Tokina

Customer Service:
never needed.

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
2.33 of 5,
3 votes

Model Reviewed:
Adaptall 2 28-70mm f:3.5-4.5

Summary:
A cheap lens that is very light, has a good feel, and covers a nice range with quality acceptable for snapshots, maybe better. Has certain design weaknesses, as noted. Good for amatures, great range for snapshots at parties and such, where it's great to be able to zoom out to 28mm.

Strengths:
Very small & Light. Excellent feel & grip to the zoom, focus, and aperture. Fits on most any camera with the appropriate Adaptall-2 base. (I use it on a Canon F1) 3"long, 52mm diameter. Cheap. Really, really light weight. (of course, compared to the F1, so is a horse) Focuses down to 2.3 ft.

Weaknesses:
I can't testify to the great optical quality of it, it does fine for snapshots, but I have the feeling that I do a lot better on a bright day with ASA 100 Kodak Gold film if I use a fixed focal length Canon lens. That is, I wouldn't try blowing up any 16 by twentys for you wall with this lens. Also, a big weakness: there's play in the length of the lens: that is, without turning the focus any, you can grab the end of the barrell and easily pull it straight in and out about about 1mm. This has got to throw the focus off, so you have to focus after you zoom, and have to be careful not to touch the lens after you focus. Pretty crappy. Also, the whole adaptall-2 system is a great idea, but has some weaknesses. If you're not paying attention, you can put the lens on the adapter in such a way that when you attatch it to the camera the aperture reading setting will not be correct. Although as long as you get it set right once, it shouldn't be a problem.

Similar Products Used:
Soligor 35-140 mm Macro Zoom, others.

Customer Service:
N/A