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| RARE LENS! Tamron Adaptall AF 70-210mm f/4 (Model 47A, 1987-1989) |
2016.10.19 - Published
2022.08.05 - Re-written, re-uploaded photos
Tamron Adaptall AF
70-210mm f/4
"It is an epoch-making AF zoom lens that can be attached to about 180 models of 35mm single-lens reflex cameras with 19 types of mounts, allowing you to easily enjoy AF shooting with your camera. In addition, the internal focus system used in high-end models such as large-aperture telephoto lenses is used to enable accurate and speedy focusing. Excellent operability."
Model - 47A (MF Version - 19AH)
Years Produced - 1987 - 1989
Minimum Focusing - 1.5 meters
Focusing Type - Varifocal, internal focusing
Zooming Type - Autofocus
Filter Thread Ø - 58 mm
Hood - 89FH
Macro Mode - n/a
Aperture Run - f/4 - f/32
# Diaphragm Blades - 9
Optical Formula - 15 elements, 11 groups
With built-in autofocus motor
Power Source - 2x AA Batteries
Made in Japan
Product Page
Photo Album
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Impressions
Comparison 47A vs 19AH
First and foremost, this Tamron Adaptall AF 70-210mm f/4 (47A) is said to be optically similar to highly praised model 19AH which is also featured in this blog. It is like saying this lens is actually model 19AH disguised with AF feature.
Both shared similarities of 15 elements in 11 groups. Both had constant maximum aperture of f/3.5 and f/4. But whereas the manual 19AH was made of metal and very heavy, this autofocus 47A is made of plastics and is very lightweight, although the AF motor makes it a little bit bulky.
Build Quality
The lens was made of plastics and very lightweight. The plastics look high quality matte finish and looks to be durable, not cheap shiny plastics like some AF lenses.
A huge AF motor is built onto the lower half of the lens, and is run by AA batteries. The machine was already damaged and cannot be repaired, it could only be used fully manual. Fortunately, the focusing ring at the front has some texture to make it easy to use, despite being a thin focusing ring.
It has a constant maximum aperture of f/4 on either 70mm or 210mm. The lens is IF or internal focusing. The front element does not rotate or extend when you focus or zoom, which is very nice. The minimum focusing distance is 1.5 meters, but it does not have a macro that lets you shoot closer.
My copy of this lens had fungus at the middle group, only the front and rear elements could be accessed for cleaning. I am therefore shooting with this lens with some fungus.
Image Quality
The lens elements are multicoated (BBAR), as is the norm of the time. Despite the fungus that was left on the lens, it still takes sharp photos wide open at f/4, at any focal range. The images shot at f/4, despite some cloudiness, appear neutral and have good colors. Images improve greatly from f/5.6 to f/8. The only real impact of the thick fungus on the middle group of elements, is that the images have soft contrast and muted colors. Overall, I'm pleased with the results!
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Samples
Tamron AF 70-210mm f/4 (47A)
Nikon D5200
Shots from 5 October 2016, gloomy rainy day
These sample shots were slightly edited
to increase exposure, but they remain faithful
to what the original output was.
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Further Reading
Tamron Adaptall-2 70-210mm f/3.5 (Model 19AH)
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