I have some thoughts on a some of lenses you mentioned Tim, but for the moment, permit me to concentrate them on the current Tamron 70-300 with the similar to Nikon vibration reduction control. I'm not completely certain that either of these lenses are completely up to the task of being used on the D800/D800E, but will reserve judgement in that department until I have a chance to actually test them out on that body...so my thoughts simply pertain to their use and some quick observations made on the D700.
Opticaly the Tamron was a bit sharper, especially at the longer end of the zoom range but in this class of lenses, sample variation in both the Nikon and Tamron may be more of a deciding factor regarding which ultimately gets the optical nod, more than anything else. In terms of actual performance, neither lens actually approaches the acuity and the ability to resolve detail as a good 70-200 f2.8 VR II zoom with a 1.4x, although as used as a walk around lens in a small kit, they obviously have their place.
One thing you should though be aware of is how Tamron implements their vibration type control mechanism. It's quite different than Nikon's and if you're used to how Nikon does it, it can and has been jarring and a bit disconcerning experience for some. The Nikon does it in a two step process when the shutter is first pressed half way down to focus (and activate VR and then ultimately you complete taking the shot). The Tamron does it all in one action and the image stabilization mechanism causes the image in the viewfinder to come to abrupt halt and be held there for some time, even if the half pressed shutter is released. Harder to describe in words and doesn't sound like much of an issue, but it has been for some. Actually having both lenses in hand and mounting and trying each side by side, you will immediately see what I am describing. Near or at 300mm both lenses did a creadible job (with the Tamron clearly having an edge) but I wouldn't personally put a lot of weight on their resolution holding up to sizeable prints where fine detail needs to be resolved. Thats been my experience when I tested two good samples of both for an aquantence, to use on an overseas trip. The Tamron is somewhat weighty too but appears to be constructed well. The other thing to note, is if you purchase the Tamron, try and get one from recent stock and production runs. Early one (runs) had an issue where the lens went completely soft at its longer focal lengths and many have reported this. Tamron does fix them readily when sent in for adjustment, but it's best to simply avoid having to do this with a new lens. On the D700, the Tamron was impressive thru most of it's range but like the Nikon, one can see it's missing that degree of acuity that helps define a certain look with regards to some images.
Dave (D&A)
Opticaly the Tamron was a bit sharper, especially at the longer end of the zoom range but in this class of lenses, sample variation in both the Nikon and Tamron may be more of a deciding factor regarding which ultimately gets the optical nod, more than anything else. In terms of actual performance, neither lens actually approaches the acuity and the ability to resolve detail as a good 70-200 f2.8 VR II zoom with a 1.4x, although as used as a walk around lens in a small kit, they obviously have their place.
One thing you should though be aware of is how Tamron implements their vibration type control mechanism. It's quite different than Nikon's and if you're used to how Nikon does it, it can and has been jarring and a bit disconcerning experience for some. The Nikon does it in a two step process when the shutter is first pressed half way down to focus (and activate VR and then ultimately you complete taking the shot). The Tamron does it all in one action and the image stabilization mechanism causes the image in the viewfinder to come to abrupt halt and be held there for some time, even if the half pressed shutter is released. Harder to describe in words and doesn't sound like much of an issue, but it has been for some. Actually having both lenses in hand and mounting and trying each side by side, you will immediately see what I am describing. Near or at 300mm both lenses did a creadible job (with the Tamron clearly having an edge) but I wouldn't personally put a lot of weight on their resolution holding up to sizeable prints where fine detail needs to be resolved. Thats been my experience when I tested two good samples of both for an aquantence, to use on an overseas trip. The Tamron is somewhat weighty too but appears to be constructed well. The other thing to note, is if you purchase the Tamron, try and get one from recent stock and production runs. Early one (runs) had an issue where the lens went completely soft at its longer focal lengths and many have reported this. Tamron does fix them readily when sent in for adjustment, but it's best to simply avoid having to do this with a new lens. On the D700, the Tamron was impressive thru most of it's range but like the Nikon, one can see it's missing that degree of acuity that helps define a certain look with regards to some images.
Dave (D&A)
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