Tamron SP AF24-135mm F/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical

A while ago, I reviewed this lens, and gave it a very good review. Since then, I have tested it against both versions of the Nikon 24-120 lenses. In all cases, I found the Tamron SP 24-135 to perform better than both Nikons.

Well built, sharp at all ranges and not heavy. I highly recommend it.

None.

Not needed.

This is my worst nightmare!!!!!!i used the lens for about 6 mths and it stopped working without warning.i used a 20D canon camera and everytime i tried to shoot an error 99 is always showing or some other errors.Very good at the beginning but after 6months --very bad

On my Nikon D50, the lens is sharp at 24mm and very sharp throughout the rest of its range. I don't see any significant vignetting. Contrast is good, i.e. natural, not hyped, as is color fidelity. AF does search a bit in low light. Zoom ring is very tight--it takes more strength to turn than on my Nikon 35-70 & 70-210 AF lenses. Nonetheless, it is consistent through it's range and feels very solid. No risk of the zoom creeping when pointed down. Manual focus ring is looser, but not too loose. There isn't a dedicated "macro" switch or range on the lens, but at full extension you can focus at about 7 or 8 inches. Perhaps because of the massive diameter of the lens (72mm), it is pretty prone to flare if you have a light source in the picture (like a street lamp). It makes my camera look tiny. I really like this lens for digital (haven't tried it on my N70 yet). It is a great walk-around lens for the city or the great outdoors, with a very usable zoom range. I think it's very, very worthwhile if you can find a used one for under $200.

Built like a tank--metal construction
Pretty compact when not extended
Great sharpness for a tele-wide zoom
Really useful zoom range for digital
7-8" close focusing at 135mm
Good manual focus
Excellent value for $, especially used

Prone to flare in certain circumstances
Not the lightest lens you'll ever own
Not the fastest lens you'll ever own (3.5-5-6)
AF searches some in low light

Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70mm 2.8D
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 4-5.6
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G ED

N/A

This is a short review, just wanted to say it's a good lens and that I think it's superior to the Nikon 24-120mm zoom. I have that Nikon lens but was not always happy with the sharpness, which I first attributed to camera shake, vibration, whatever but finally deduced that it simply wasn't a very sharp lens! and also has too much barrel distortion for me. The Tamron 24-135mm is not only sharper, but includes a hood and also gives you 15mm more telephoto reach than the Nikon. It also has some barrel distortion, but unfortunately most every lens I own does (except my Mamiya 645 lenses, which seem to be manufactured to a higher standard of quality, and have little to no distortion). The contrast is fine and the mechanical zooming in and out seems fair. I can't comment on the autofocus speed because I rarely use autofocus, mostly doing landscape type work.

Sharpness
Robustness
Included and attachable lens hood
Less distortion than other completing lenses
Price is less than named brands (but see my other comment below)
Neatly-designed lens cover has inner squeezable handles that let you attach and remove it even if you're using the hood

Still has some barrel distortion
Price is better than Nikon, but not by much. For an aftermarket brand I would expect them to be more than the 5-10% cheaper than they are

Nikon 24-120mm zoom

Never used it

I hesitated for some time, before pulling the trigger on this purchase. My mistake. I promptly burned four rolls of fine grained film with it, and the results are VERY good. Upon glassing the negs, (10x loupe on light table) I found the negs to be very sharp and defined. Great color & contrast. I used it on the F100 body, and had no issues with focusing. Quite fast. It's not too heavy or awkward. It very well, will probably become my "go to" auto-focus lens.

Quiet Light Photography

Haven't neede it.