Buy Tamron AF 200-500mm f/5.0-6.3 Di LD SP FEC (IF) Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

I've had this lens for only four days but I've put it through some hard tests and it passed. My tests consisted of resolution charts and in field shots. The lens I compared the Tamron to was a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VRI.
First the resolution chart test. Wide open the Nikon did not fare well, the Tamron was the clear winner. Shutting down Nikon to f5.6 it was a tie. This test was only a 200mm. I then shut down the Nikon to f8 and used this as the bench mark to compare the Tamron throughout its zoom range. At 300mm I could see very little difference. At 400mm the same conclusion. I, at one time, owned a Nikon 80-400mm VR and so pulled up the old test shots I made with it two years ago. At 300mm and 400mm the Tamron was better in contrast and sharpness. At 500mm the Tamron remained sharp from center to corner.
Now for the field test. I took both lenses to the park with a big pond. The seagulls, ducks and pigeons in flight made some very good moving targets. First I tested the Nikon 70-200mm, and out of 25 shots got 10 clear shots. Some think that because a lens has VR you can get a good shot of a moving target, wrong. It makes very little difference in this case. Next the Tamron, out of 21 I got a total of 6 clear shots. I think this is due to the slower focus of the lens.
The static test was another story. The Tamron matched Nikon in every way. Bokeh was where the Tamron shined compared to the Nikon. The Nikon has a harsh double image in out of focus areas whereas the Tamron more of a soft look. I'm not saying the Tamron was the best I ever seen but better than Nikon.
All and all I concider the Tamron to be a very good lens. With a little work and better technique it can give you some very good photos. Its light, has a very good zoom range, and cost very little compared to the other big lenses. One more word of advise, buy a good mono pod and use it. I don't care what lens lens you use its good to have a good solid platform to shot from.
I know some will say I'm wrong about the Nikon, so email me, and I'll show you the test charts comparing the Nikon with the Tamron.
PS. Unlike one other review, I did track a squirrel and got some darn good pictures of the little rascal.
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