Hin's Photo Corner

I am thrilled to receive my new used lens with Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 30A. It is my upgrade and replacement for Tokina AT-x SD 80-200mm f/2.8 with 'A'. I have not seen a lens of this weight over 3 lbs and even the lens hood is a metal and has a leathery gripping sleeve similar to those found in the the focusing ring sleeve. It is such a well built lens and I think this is the BEST adaptall-2 lens that I have ever touched. I thought of disposing of my other Tamron SP 70-210mm f/3.5 adaptall-2 19AH but I was glad no one shows serious interest when I listed it for $120. The 30A cost more in the ball park of $200 to $350. I once saw a used one for $200 and I hesitated due to its weight. And this one that I get don't come with a tripod collar ring and I happen to have a matching Canon 3rd party tripod ring for cheap. It will do fine for now





I tried out few test shots in wide aperture and normal use. I was blown away with great bokeh, sharpness and ease of use with the lens. It is no doubt quite heavy but I see it as second nature when a lens can offer outstanding image quality at wide aperture. I will hopefully study the lens and share with my friends soon.







Impressions & Notes

• This is the best manual focus zoom lens that I have ever used.
  
• I consider myself extremely lucky and not shy away from the heavy weight.
  
• I will test more and update my impressions.
  
• I am so far blown away with image quality and build of this zoom lens. It is in another class by itself in the SP adaptall-2 lens collection.
  

Related

• Tamron 30A and mono-pod
• Licking One's Lens
  
• Oktoberfest with Tamron SP 80-200mm f/2.8 adaptall-2 (30A)
  
• All adaptall-2 related articles
• Tamron SP 70-210mm f/3.5 adaptall-2 19AH in Gilroy Garden
• Tamron 75-250mm f/3.8-4.5 adaptall-2 104A
  
• Tamron adaptall-2 p/ka adapter
• Tokina AT-x SD 80-200mm f/2.8 with 'A'
  
• Hin's Camera Gear
  

I am quite happy in using the white panel as a reflector when the ceiling is black in color not serving well for the bounced flash. I normally prefer to use the transparent panel as it acts both as a reflector and partial light goes through it to ceiling for the diffused lighting for the subject.


Impressions & Notes:

• I use the solid white panel when the ceiling is not appropriate for bouncing light from the flash.
  
• I find the solid white panel more effective than the built in bounce card in Pentax AF540. For one it is much bigger in size and the most important enhancement is the angle that I can set in relation to the flash head.
  
• I can also slide the Velcro strap up and down the flash head to make minor adjustment to the distance between the flash head and the reflector
• I did try out the golden panel but I think I used it wrongly for indoor as shots come out too warm with a golden touch on faces in the dark. Perhaps, I would try the golden panel another time in outdoor setting for portraits.
  

Related

• Spectra Light Diffuser Review
• Spectra Light Diffuser on direct flash
  
• Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
  
• Pentax AF540 flash
• Sunpak 422D auto thyristor flash
• Hin's Camera Gear