What better way to test out the telephoto capability of a superzoom lens, than taking it to the zoo?
On a bright and sunny day, I took the TAMRON B003 TAMRON AF 18-270mm F/3.5-5.6 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO lens to Singapore Zoo. As I have previously mentioned that there is no perfect lens in this world. Indeed, what would seem like an easy task to shoot under such good light, proves to put the TAMRON to test. Despite the optimum lighting condition, no amount of VC and bumping of ISO can capture the erratic fast movements of the animals. The lack of a ultrasonic silent wave motor is the Achilles Heel of this lens. The slow AF tracking and confirmation is just not suitable for shooting animals. On top of that, the slow aperture just makes things worse.
Nevertheless, a couple of decent pictures can still be captured at a maximum zoom but only restricted to those that are rather stationary. With the availability of 18mm to 270mm, a reputable VC mechanism, this lens is indeed useful for outdoor trips, but it does have its limitations. Of course, with the Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR, the weakest link can only be the photographer. I shall try out the Nikkor at the Night Safari soon.
