I just recieved the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di USD VC, the seller said it was second hand but had only been used for a month or so before he decided to go back to macro photography.
I only recieved it late this afternoon so havent had a good chance to use it yet but my only concern is the focus ring, when turning it back and fourth it sounds like there is grit or something inside, i just wondered if anyone else had this lens and had the same noise and im worrying too much or maybe its something more sinister.
I just recieved the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di USD VC, the seller said it was second hand but had only been used for a month or so before he decided to go back to macro photography.
I only recieved it late this afternoon so havent had a good chance to use it yet but my only concern is the focus ring, when turning it back and fourth it sounds like there is grit or something inside, i just wondered if anyone else had this lens and had the same noise and im worrying too much or maybe its something more sinister.
Typically a Tamron lens can't be manually focused unless you flip a switch on the lens barrel. You're causing stress on the mechanism doing what you're doing. Only certain types of high-end, ring-focusing motors like the Canon USM systems can be focused manually at all times.
I just recieved the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di USD VC, the seller said it was second hand but had only been used for a month or so before he decided to go back to macro photography.
I only recieved it late this afternoon so havent had a good chance to use it yet but my only concern is the focus ring, when turning it back and fourth it sounds like there is grit or something inside, i just wondered if anyone else had this lens and had the same noise and im worrying too much or maybe its something more sinister.
Typically a Tamron lens can't be manually focused unless you flip a switch on the lens barrel. You're causing stress on the mechanism doing what you're doing. Only certain types of high-end, ring-focusing motors like the Canon USM systems can be focused manually at all times.
So find your switch and you should be fine.
Yes, ensure the MF/AF switch is in the proper position and then evaluate. The Tamron lenses I've seen have made their own specific noise compared to others, but I wouldn't ever describe it as a grinding sound. If you experience resistance when manual focusing I'd be the clutch mechanism has failed, assuming the switch is in the MF position.
Thanks for the replies, after reading the manual again i noticed the below, I'm no expert but to me it sounded like the focus ring could be moved even in AF mode.
Using the full time manual function.
The A005 is equipped with the full time manual function.
The full time manual function is a function that the focus can be fine tuned by the
manual focus without the AF/MF changing switch when taking a picture with autofocus.
How to use the full time manual function
First, set the focus mode to AF. You can adjust focus manually while turning the
focusing ring with the shutter button pressed lightly.
Below that was another statement which has me a little confused though.
* When set on AF mode, interfering with the focusing ring may cause serious damage to
the lens mechanism.
Thanks for the replies, after reading the manual again i noticed the below, I'm no expert but to me it sounded like the focus ring could be moved even in AF mode.
Using the full time manual function.
The A005 is equipped with the full time manual function.
The full time manual function is a function that the focus can be fine tuned by the
manual focus without the AF/MF changing switch when taking a picture with autofocus.
How to use the full time manual function
First, set the focus mode to AF. You can adjust focus manually while turning the
focusing ring with the shutter button pressed lightly.
Below that was another statement which has me a little confused though.
* When set on AF mode, interfering with the focusing ring may cause serious damage to
the lens mechanism.
Maybe it was a typo? Should have been MF instead of AF.
Ya think?
Maybe it was a typo? Should have been MF instead of AF.
Ya think?
It does make it confusing tho.
That's what i thought at first but there is also this part.
The full time manual function is a function that the focus can be fine tuned by the
manual focus without the AF/MF changing switch when taking a picture with autofocus.
I hesistate to say it, but this is the often forgotten side of buying less expensive brands.
Part of the cost of a brand name lens is there to pay for that very well written manual.
The first thing cut on less expensive products (anything) tends to be the documentation.
With that said? Someone should be fired over that one, it's almost certainly qualified for a class-action lawsuit if people really are damaging lenses because they read the manual. Certainly one of the most egregious examples of this I've ever seen.
I hesistate to say it, but this is the often forgotten side of buying less expensive brands.
Part of the cost of a brand name lens is there to pay for that very well written manual.
The first thing cut on less expensive products (anything) tends to be the documentation.
With that said? Someone should be fired over that one, it's almost certainly qualified for a class-action lawsuit if people really are damaging lenses because they read the manual. Certainly one of the most egregious examples of this I've ever seen.
I certainly agree with you, i have sent Tamron a support ticket to get clarification on it so i will post here if/when i get a reply.
Below is the reply from Tamron, not sure why they would set the lens up this why.
Thank you very much for your inquiry.
We are sorry that the description of the instruction manual makes you confused.
Regarding full time manual focus, you need to auto focus in AF mode first, and then focus manually by pressing shutter button halfway and turning the focusing ring. It means you can manually fine-tune focusing after auto focus is complete. If you always turn the focusing ring before auto focus is complete, it may cause damage to the lens in the long term.
Below is the reply from Tamron, not sure why they would set the lens up this why.
Thank you very much for your inquiry.
We are sorry that the description of the instruction manual makes you confused.
Regarding full time manual focus, you need to auto focus in AF mode first, and then focus manually by pressing shutter button halfway and turning the focusing ring. It means you can manually fine-tune focusing after auto focus is complete. If you always turn the focusing ring before auto focus is complete, it may cause damage to the lens in the long term.
Their wording is extremely annoying to me. There's a big difference between "We are sorry that the description of the instruction manual makes you confused," and "We are sorry that the description in the instruction manual is confusing." But the mix-up of "in" and "of" suggests English isn't their native language.
Anyway... I think it's a nice feature. You can rapidly focus on the area you need and then quickly fine-tune focus without having to mess with any buttons, levers or clutches. Would probably work best if you use a dedicated, rear button to find focus.
