Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 (model 46A) Review

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 Adaptall is a manual zoom lens for 35mm cameras. Has Adaptall-2 mount, that allows you to mount it on any system.

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 model 46A is the third and final version 3x zoom lenses in this range and with such aperture. First, was released Tamron 80-210mm 1:3.8-4 model 03A, then a bit modified it and released Tamron 80-210mm 1:3.8-4 model 103A, and finally released the Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 model 46A.

This model is considered the best of the three versions on the optical performance, but at the same time has simple mechanical constructive parts instead of metal were replaced with plastic but in spite of this a good quality assembly.

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 Adaptall-2 adapter

The lens produces since 1986 through 1988. During these two years they produced a lot, and now they can often be found on sale at a reasonable price.

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 model 46A Specs

Focal length: 70-210 мм
Aperture range: f/ 3.8-4 — f/ 22
Weight (gr): 636
Length (mm): 150 мм
Filter Ø (mm.): 58 мм
Aperture blades: 9 штук
Min. Focus distance (m.): 0,9 м

 Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 Handling and Mechanics

The lens has a good combination of size, weight for this focal length. It is convenient to shoot on DSLR cameras.

View on Nikon D80

Lens has length 150mm and diameter 60mm. It is assembled in a metal housing. In the middle is located 60mm wide rubberized plastic ring. Thi is a push&pull system, very easy and convenient focusing and zooming without taking your hands from the ring and the length of the lens does not change.

View at 70mm

View at 210mm

Focusing ring rotated by 90 degrees. The front lens rotating. Rear element while zooming or focusing is not moving, it's a nice moment, as it does not pull dust into the camera.

On the barrel, there are tags of focal lengths, as well as the depth of field scale. Closer to the bayonet placed preset aperture ring.

I set the lens on the Nikon D80 camera via the native Adaptall2-Nikon adapter. Due to the fact that Nikon did not change its type bayonet mount through the adapter works automatically preset aperture.

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 Example Photos

All examples are taken on Nikon D3100. Light exposure correction. Most shots taken on apertures 3.8-5.6.

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 Sharpness

In the range of 70-135mm on the wide-open aperture, the lens is a good sharpness, and further, to 210mm is a slight drop in sharpness, the picture is little soft, but tolerable.

210mm f/ 4

210mm f/ 4

70mm f/3.8

At aperture f/5.6 lens shows good sharpness at all focal lengths.

70mm f/ 3.8

210mm f/ 4

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 Character and Bokeh

The lens has a nice character.

210mm f/ 4

Boke is pleasant, especially at the long end.

135mm f/ 4

210mm f/ 4

210mm f/ 5.6

9 aperture blades allow you to give a pleasant blur even diaphragm is covered.

210mm f/ 8

70mm f/ 3.8

210mm f/ 4

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 Contrast and Color Rendition

In general, the lens has good contrast, but when used in backlight, the contrast decreases. I recommend to use a good deep hood. it partially solves this problem.

210mm f/ 4 an example againts the window

135mm f/ 4

100mm f/ 4

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 Macro Сapabilities

Due to its small MFD, the lens shows a good close up parameters. The maximum reproduction ratio, which can be at a minimum achieved at MFD is 1:2.9.

210mm f/8

210mm f/4 at MFD

It's not the real macro, but it is a convenient scale for the majority of closeup subjects.

Summary

Tamron 70-210mm 1:3.8-4 is a good zoom lens in its class. It has the quality is above average. It is inexpensive, and this attracts.

I used the lens of about half a year, and I liked it for its size and handling, but then I changed it to the Tamron SP 70-210 mm 1:3.5 Adaptall-2 (model 19AH), which in my opinion, has the best sharpness on aperture and greater fastness.