norcalphotographer's reviews

  • Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di AF

    6 out of 10 points and recommended
    compact. large focal range.
    slow lens, soft at long end.

    I've taken some outstanding shots with this lens. But... I've also taken some not so good shots which could have been better had I had a sharper, faster lens.

    Good all around lens which I would readily recommend it to those who can accept it's limitations (slow lens, not as sharp as others, some softness) for it's merits (28-300mm zoom in one lens).

    reviewed July 21st, 2008 (purchased for $500)

  • Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124 AF PRO DX SD

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    image quality, cost, build quality...

    Excellent wide zoom lens. Provides great image quality, outstanding build quality, and excellent wide angle solution.

    Only downside I can offer is that it's not an f/2.8 lens but for what you're getting, you can't really complain about that.

    reviewed July 21st, 2008 (purchased for $550)

  • Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO Macro

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    outstanding image quality
    none!

    I can't say enough about this lens' image quality. The size and weight are about right too.

    Very good job Sigma!

    reviewed July 21st, 2008 (purchased for $550)

  • Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Great image quality
    heavy & bulky weight/size.

    I have the push pull version not the newer 2 ring version. I purchased it used via craigslist for only $250. For that price, I have absolutely no complaints. If purchased at full price, I'd note the size/weight as a limitation especially w/out a tripod collar (push/pull model) as well as the way the zoom ring has a tendency to slip down when held facing up or down.

    Otherwise, I'm sure the 2 ring version is as nice if not nicer than my push/pull model

    reviewed July 21st, 2008 (purchased for $250)

  • Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF SP AF

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Light, Sharp, Fast (f/2.8), great images
    Plasticy feel

    Only downside is the plastic / cheap build feel however it's never had a mechanical issue for me so the feel is not a critical issue.

    Review says there's no aperture ring. THERE IS & it's clearly visible in the picture of the lens at it's base near the mount. Not sure why the reviewer made this clear blunder but I suspect SLR Gear is just rewriting older reviews of other lenses.

    Also, I purchased mine for only ~$350 through a well known used online lens retailer (K E H . c o m) and bought one that had an excellent built rating (highest they had available at the time) & have had not issues with it whatsoever.

    reviewed September 7th, 2008 (purchased for $350)

  • Tamron 28-105mm f/2.8 LD Aspherical IF SP AF

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Great focal length range, sharp images, decent af performance.
    big heavy lens, not AFS, no longer being made so take care of them if you have one!

    This is an excellent portrait or party lens due to its fast aperture and excellent focal range.

    It is a bit heavy but not anything I'd really complain about handling. I've heard of issues with the barrel extending due to gravity although I haven't experienced it in my unit (my best friend though has).

    That said, I'd recommend it without reservation to any photographer who wants to shoot in moderately close quarters and moderately low lighting.

    It's just really too bad that Tamron nor any of the other lens vendors offered an updated equivalent.

    reviewed April 25th, 2011 (purchased for $250)