Review 2 of 2
Price Paid:
$350.00
from Local camera store Summary: I wanted the extra magnification to photograph high school baseball pitchers during games. This lens allows me to position myself behind the backstop and use the batter/catcher/umpire as foreground framing elements while focusing on the pitcher during his release. The F8 aperture suffices to limit depth of field, since the plate is 60 feet away from the pitcher''s mound. Outstanding images resulted, with out-of-focus foreground elements leading the viewer to direct his attention to the pitcher, with baseball suspended off his fingertips. Players'' parents go ape when they see their kids printed in such a "Sports Illustrated" action photo. The ring blur caused by the catadioptric lens construction also helps to turn the background (outfield and wall) into a softly rendered pastel of color. An excellent lens choice if utilized primarily for daylight conditions, but slow aperture limits lens ability during evening games. Still, a specialty item which performs its function beautifully.
Build quality is excellent, a perfect match for my Pentax equipment. I designed and built infrared catadioptric optics for military and space applications, so I understand the strengths and limitations of the reflective optical system. For the price, it can''t be beat. Strengths: Optical Quality
Finish
Results Weaknesses: Slow aperture (f8) Similar Products Used: The only Tamron lens I currently have.
I have designed many "cat" lenses for space-based missile warning systems. Customer Service: Not required so far.
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