Confused...Tamron 70-300 for nikon, are there two variants?

[sscheinfe]

So. I just broke my good old Tamron 70-300 AF 1:4/5.6 Telemacro 1:2. (Note to self, don't drop a lens from 5 feet). I use a Nikon D80.

I am looking to buy the same one, but I'm confused. My old one has a rubber grip that looks like this

but what appears to be my same lens now has a grip that looks like this:



As well, the current model has a little manual/AF switch on the bottom that my old lens doesn't have.

Furthermore, I think mine is what was called the A17 model, like this one, yet, besides for the added M/A switch, there is also this new appelation "LD Di" on the lens name that mine didnt have, rather than just "LD".

Is this a newer version of my old lens? I'm a bit confused.

[vIZnquest]

It is the newer version and has a non-motor and built in motor ones.. Also, two red badged brands (re-labeled) Quantaray and Promaster.

[sscheinfe]

Thanks!

[tizeye]

There are two completely different Tamron 70-300 lens.

The A-17 is the updated model to what you have.

The A-005 model is the newest, with more groups/elements, vibration control, and an ultrasonic motor for focusing. A little less macro @ 1:4 where the other is 1:2, but neither are true 1:1 macro.

The A-005 cost about $150 (after rebate) more than the A-17. Reviews of the A-005 have been very positive with consistently on a par or besting in some areas the Nikon and Canon equivalent.

[FITCIP]

excuse the noobishness of my question if it sounds a little odd but, as the A-005 model has a built in motor for autofocus, does that mean it is suitable for use on the unmotored nikon d5100? only its not an AF-S lens is it?

many thanks
John

[TCav]

Originally Posted by FITCIP

excuse the noobishness of my question if it sounds a little odd but, as the A-005 model has a built in motor for autofocus, does that mean it is suitable for use on the unmotored nikon d5100?

That's correct. Most of Tamron's lenses have a built-in AF motor to accomodate Nikon's entry level dSLR bodies.

Originally Posted by FITCIP

only its not an AF-S lens is it?

"AF-S" is a designation that Nikon uses for it's lenses that have their own "Silent Wave" AF motor. Nobody makes "AF-S" lenses except Nikon.

[FITCIP]

Thanks TCav for your quick response to my question. as you can tell im very new to DSLRs having shot with a superzoom to cut my teeth for the first year. your info will no doubt go a long way to helping me expand my knowledge AND lens collection very shortly

gratefully
John

[Wizzard0003]

Nikon = AF-S = Auto Focus-Silent Wave Motor

Sigma = HSM = Hyper Sonic Motor

Tamron = USD = Ultra Sonic Drive

These are all a similar type of silent built-in motor technology just named differently by
different companies...