Tamron AF 200-400mm f/5.6 LD IF 175D

Good lens for the price In the zoom range up to 400mm, this Tamron is a decent lens for the price. No, it won't be the equivalent of the Nikon 80-400mm, for example, but it is much less expensive. I use it primarily for birds and wildlife. It is not really very usable hand-held, due to its size and weight and the absence of any image stabilization, but any lens this long is not likely to be hand-holdable. With the built-in mounting foot, I find that it works very well with a monopod, which takes the weight off my arm and gives me stability, but also allows for good flexibility in aiming quickly. I wouldn't recommend this lens for birds in flight or deer running, but for birds perched and animals on the ground not moving too quickly, it is quite good. Like almost any zoom lens, it is a bit softer at its full zoom (400mm), but still can give decent quality images. It's better in the 250-350mm range. Again, don't expect results to be as good as lenses costing five or six times as much. But for a bargain-cost long zoom, it's worth the price.Read full review

Impressive lens!! First time big telephoto user. Very impressed with images at all lengths, Good autofocus with my d300. 400mm equals 600mm reach. 200mm equals 300mm. Took it out to the Cape Cod Canal area. I used it stretched out on a sunny day with my monopod. The lens is heavy, thus the 4 stars, but very good quality images!!

A fantastic lens for under $200, very satisfied with this purchase. Lens was in mint condition, no wear or scuff marks. Pictures are sharp, push pull zoom feature is stiff enough to prevent creep. This is a huge lens when fully extended and hood is attached, but can still be hand held without a tripod. Has a 77mm lens opening, sot it lets in plenty of light at F 5.6. Always had good luck with Tamron optics.