Sample test crops from the Tamron NEX 18-200mm and Sony NEX 55-210mm

Posted by Kurt on February 18, 2012 in Reviews

I took a few test sample shots using the long end of the Tamron NEX 18-200mm, (reveiw) and Sony NEX 55-210mm.  The Tamron suffers a little along the sides when zoomed in, especially near 200mm, so I wondered if the new Sony 55-210mm would be substantially better around that focal length, making it worth buying for telephoto shots, as opposed to just using the more convenient Tamron super zoom.  In the sample test crops, I’ve included the centers, mid-sections and corners, all at F/8, which is the sharpest aperture for both lenses at this length, although there isn’t much difference from F/6.3, diffraction is noticeable at F/11, mostly on the Tamron.

Although the Tamron is at a disadvantage because of the slightly shorter focal length, the centers look like they have basically the same detail.  As you move away from the centers, the Sony becomes noticeably sharper, and at the extreme corners, the Tamron really suffers.  So if you use either your Tamron or Sony NEX 18-200mm lens at the long end often, you might consider packing the Sony 55-210mm for when you want the sharpest shots.

The Sony NEX 55-210mm is pretty sharp across the frame at the long end, that’s somewhat unusual in a less-expensive zoom, so good job Sony.  I’ll have the full review posted in a day or two.

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Tamron 18-200mm center F/8

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Sony 55-210mm center F/8

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Tamron 18-200mm mid-section F/8

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Sony 55-210mm mid-section F/8

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Tamron 18-200mm corner F/8

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Sony 55-210mm, corner F/8

Tamron 18-200mm center F/8Sony 55-210mm center F/8Tamron 18-200mm mid-section F/8Sony 55-210mm mid-section F/8Tamron 18-200mm corner F/8Sony 55-210mm, corner F/8

 

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  • Matthew Durr

    Really looking forward to this review, the 55-210 is such an under-appreciated lens. Though I unfortunately had to sell mine (really wish I kept it in retrospect), I’ve seen nothing but sharp results from it. Which, like you say, is surprising for such a relatively cheap zoom.

  • Aslanjandima

    I see very big difference between 200m and 210. What is wrong here. Someone is lying. But who ???

    • http://photojottings.com/ Kurt Munger

      The focal length differences are about right based on use from other lenses. Plus, the test target is not at infinity, so the differences in lens focusing designs affects the reproduction ratios slightly.

      • Aslanjandima

        In any case, the visible differences are large enough. Much more than 5% (it must be so). So it’s quite possible to write as “+” to Sony, and like “-” to Tamron.

        • Matthew Durr

          wasn’t that the whole point of this comparison?

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  • Hayden Crocker

    The Tamron looks awful at F/4 & F/8! Im surprised! Ands its $400 more than the Sony, thats bizarre :/