Justin Serpico 
, Jul 11, 2008; 08:15 p.m.
By far the worst lens I have ever used. Took me 10 minutes to figure out it was a total dud.
Does not focus at all in the mid ranges. hunts like hell to focus all other times.
I've never seen a lens this bad.
I just ordered a 80-200 AF-D to replace it.
Perhaps when the Pentax version comes out these issues will be fixed.
I could tell at the house the AF was slow but I was assuming it was the extreme low light, and close focus.
Bottom line, this is a dud, unless I just happened to get a bad copy that matched the reported problems on the
other review sites.
Javier Gutierrez 
, Jul 11, 2008; 08:19 p.m.
Actually Justin, What you have mentioned in your brief stint with it is what I have been reading about it.
Lindy Stone , Jul 11, 2008; 08:21 p.m.
Thanks for saving me $700 or round trip delivery fees for a testdrive.
If you're ever in my hood I'll buy you a six'r of my favorite brew. 2's all you'd need so you'd have leftovers
Lindy
Daniel Tong , Jul 11, 2008; 08:36 p.m.
Geez I had high hope of this zoom as both Pentax and the Sigma apo version are rare and expensive. I have seen
any Nikon users feedback yet. What a surprise!! Hope it is just initial QC issue
Daniel
Dave Hollander 
, Jul 11, 2008; 08:38 p.m.
Jerry Thirsty , Jul 11, 2008; 09:08 p.m.
Well, okay, so the AF isn't good. What's it like optically?
Michael Kuhne 
, Jul 12, 2008; 12:21 a.m.
Thank you so much, Justin, for the warning by your personal assessment!! It confirms what made me leary of this lens in the dp test report, with their visual examples. Now I know for sure I'll not even consider it. And it is indeed a bummer. That leaves only the newest (released in December 2007) Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 macro II for Pentax shooters, who have SDM DSLR bodies and who do not have much interest in using it for film. But that lens, so far at least. has tested well- on Nikon mount according to Photozone.
One could go retro, looking for an older Sigma from a few years ago, or a Tokina 80-200mm, which had a very good rep, but who knows what may be forthcoming now that FF is making a comeback?? It is worth a wait and see if one does not have a pressing need, as I do not.
In the meantime, today I ordered the K200D with the new kit lens II, and also the battery grip, and also the DA* 50-135mm as well, which is much raved about. Very good price deal, and additionally, current rebates for camera, battery grip, and DA* lens if purchased together.
R Togog , Jul 12, 2008; 01:08 a.m.
Just forced me to wait Pentax DA 60-250 f4. Hope it will soon. I would also want to know about its optical performance of this lens. I still confused why Tamron still offer this lens that doesn't have in lens AF generator.
Peter Zack , Jul 12, 2008; 09:43 a.m.
Makes my purchase of the Sigma 70-200 seem a good investment. Couldn't be happier with that lens. Very
disappointing that this is the result with the Tamron. Pentax had better smarten up and get that 60-250 on the
market. The pent(ax) (couldn't help it) up demand is huge.
If you and Lindy go for a beer, I'll pay the travel costs just to sit and watch. Hell I'll even buy the beer for
both of you!
Les Lammers 
, Jul 12, 2008; 09:58 a.m.
Justin, Thanks for the post. That is exactly why I will not buy a grey market AF lens. You never know if you will be getting a good or bad copy. It is entirely possible that items that do not pass QC are sold to shady outfits etc. instead of being recycled or whatever.
