Tamron’s 55-200mm lens is designed specifically for smaller digital sensors. Made from 13 elements in 9 groups, the optical train features one Low Dispersion element (LD) and also features macro capability throughout the zoom range at a 1:3.5 ratio.

The two-piece plastic barrels and lens mount keep the weight and costs down, while the zoom grip is deep and secure, though the front manual focus ring is small and quite recessed. Despite the lack of an advanced AF drive motor, autofocusing is reasonably quick and fairly quiet. The action of the motor is smooth and painless, matched by the nicely balanced and smooth zoom ring’s twist.

Image Quality

At both ends of the telephoto range the lens performs best at wide apertures, quickly peaking at f/5.6 at 55mm and f/8 at 200mm, with a rapid fall-off in resolution after the mid apertures. At 55mm, the highest resolution is impressive from such a budget lens. Chromatic aberration control is good at the wider apertures at 55mm, and central area fringing is nicely controlled throughout the focal range.