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Tamron SP 80-200mm F/2.8 LD Model 30A: This is an absolutely superb optical design which features a three element focus group incorporating one low dispersion (LD) element, plus a five element variator group coupled with a three element compensator group. Resolution and contrast, compared to similar OEM lenses, is excellent to say the least. Quite possibly this lens is the ideal portrait lens due to its flexibility in combination to its inherent sharpness and contrast. Professional photographers know that lenses of around 80mm to 100mm focal length produce portraits which feature visual distortion that closely mimics the human eye. On the other hand, taking portraits at around 150mm to 200mm places the photographer further away from the subject. This is beneficial since the subject feels less "crowded" and is likely to be more relaxed and spontaneous.

Overall, this lens is very slightly soft in the corners at F/2.8 due to extremely slight off-axis astigmatism and coma. Chromatic aberration and lateral color are extremely slight as well. Corner sharpness equals center sharpness by F/4, producing very sharp images across the entire film plane. Sharpness peaks at F/8 with images which are razor sharp and the equal of all but the very best moderate to medium telephoto prime lenses. Always use this lens with its included lens shade to minimize internal reflections and prevent flare. Performance is exceptional compared to similar after market lenses, and is comparable to the best of the similar OEM lenses such as the 80-200 F/2.8 Nikkor.