AndyF's reviews

  • Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD SP

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Excellent VR - Hand-holdable @600, affordable, good contrast & colour, smooth bokeh.
    None at this price!

    Bought second-hand for £500 ($750) two weeks ago, and I must say it is far better than I was expecting! I already had the superb Tamron 24-70 (A007) so my expectations were pretty high in any case.

    On the full frame D810 auto-focus is virtually instant and accurate. IQ is very good throughout the focal range with apertures between f/8 and f/11.

    On the D300S you get a mind-boggling 225-900mm equivalent range, auto-focus is a tad less reliable than on the D810 but still acceptable.

    I'm unlikely to be using this lens on a tripod when I'm out and about so I've rotated the mounting foot to the 12 o'clock position where it serves as a comfortable, well-balanced, carrying handle.

    This lens is definitely a keeper!

    reviewed December 19th, 2015 (purchased for $750)

  • Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Ultra sharp sharpness, scary sharp.
    Tedious AF.

    Wow! I just tried this out on my new 36MP D810 - an awesome combination.

    reviewed January 25th, 2015

  • Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX AF-S Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Affordable VR lens, light weight and sharp enogh for me!
    At the price, I can't think of one.

    I bought this second hand about 18 months ago and I'm really pleased with the results.

    It is a surprisingly good lens and only comes off the camera if I need something with a longer reach or true macro capability.

    The VR is only really needed in low light but it certainly works when you want it to.

    reviewed May 15th, 2014 (purchased for $130)

  • Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED VR AF-S Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Light, compact, great VR.
    None really. Could be a hair sharper but it's still very sharp.

    Yesterday, I got a second hand copy of this lens for 1200 GBP and it exceeds expectations.

    No sign of the widely reported issues with VR at slow-ish shutter speeds on my D810 - the serial number indicates it was built after the recall.

    So yes, it's a lovely lens to use and I'd definitely recommend it - but if you have an older DSLR just make sure it can drive the electronic aperture.

    reviewed December 1st, 2018