Because of the increasing popularity of digital SLR cameras, Tamron has been upgrading their line of lenses to the "Digitally integrated" (Di) standard, employing methods discussed in our Technology sidebar.

The Tamron is obviously a low budget lens - locally it sells for just ~130€ - it does hardly get any cheaper than this. However, it is amazing that Tamron didn't really sacrifice too much build quality.

I'm brand new to the photography but I am hooked! After getting my XSi from my husband for Christmas the natural next step was to buy lens. It's hard to afford the lens's direct from Canon so after monitoring several forums I decided this was the next best step.

Lens guru, Gary Wolstenholme tests the Tamron 70-300mm zoom lens. Is it worth the relaively low price or should it be relegated to the bargain bin? Often after purchasing a camera complete with standard kit lens, many will look for a telephoto zoom to extend their reach when photographing distant...

Lightweight; Resolution at shorter focal lengths; Macro feature; Good value for money; Good resistance to ghosting and flare

Slow autofocus; Rotating front element may make it difficult to use a polariser

A telephoto lens covering the popular 70-300mm range with Low Dispersion glass and a built-in 1:2 Macro feature.

Lightweight; Resolution at shorter focal lengths; Macro feature; Good value for money; Good resistance to ghosting and flare

Slow autofocus; Rotating front element may make it difficult to use a polariser

*using it on a Nikon (D40) Summed most of it up in the pros and cons. I love it, and yeah, any beginners I'm sure would be fine except the note I put below (regarding VR) but I think most people should be fine.

Zoom; The 300mm get's right in your face every time! Highly recommend it if tossing up between a 200mm and a 300mm, Simplicity (I looked at many reviews before purchasing this lens and alot of people complained of difficulty in using it, but I found this to be extremely easy, other than the macro...

Can be a bit soft on the macro; Only noticeable if blown up, but yeah, can be a bit, The AF; I know it is often mentioned, but it really is quite laggy; I don't mind and often will do a whole shoot on MF, you just have to be prepared to at times.

This budget superzoom option boasts close focusing and low-dispersion glass, but what do we think of it overall?

Close-up facility

No image stabilisation

Tamron's lens feels remarkably lightweight for its type. This is almost certainly because there is no image-stabilisation (IS) technology, which equivalent lenses from Nikon, Canon and Sigma lenses all offer. For the same reason, it is also no more than one-third of the price of its competitors.

Close-up facility

No image stabilisation

I have a Nikon D3000 and it is definitely compatible and considerably cheaper than a Nikon lens! Absolutely love it. It has given me some great sport action shots!

"The Tamron 70-300mm telephoto lens is an entry level telephoto and macro lens aimed at people who are new to DSLRs... I got this lens at Jessops as part of my camera bundle, so i originally only paid about £100.00 for it.

good value; get what you expect; decent macro mode; large focal range for the price

less than brilliant focusing :  a bit noisy and slow; manual focus ring is a bit smooth