Tamron AF 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71DN, 1992-1996)

Tamron AF 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 Aspherical
(Model 71DN, 1992-1996)

2017.03.09 - Published

2019.09.16 - Re-written from scratch, video re-edited

Tamron AF
28-200mm f/3.8-5.6
Aspherical (71DN)

"A completely new, high-performance, high-power zoom lens that fully covers the most frequently photographed focal range of 28-200mm, yet is as compact and lightweight as a standard zoom lens (7.1x zoom ratio). The latest optical design using two aspherical lenses and the adoption of a triple cam zoom system achieve a compact size while maintaining image quality. In addition, the original multi-group independent movement system provides uniform and excellent descriptive power."

Model - 71DN

Years Produced - 1992-1996

Minimum Focusing - 1 meter (28mm), 2.1 meters (200mm)

Focus Throw - 90 degrees

Filter Thread Ø - 72mm

Hood - B5FH Bayonet Hood

Maximum Aperture - f/3.8 (28mm), f/5.6 (200mm)

# Diaphragm Blades - 6

Optical Formula - 16 elements, 14 groups

2 Aspherical elements

Made in Japan

VERSIONS

71DN, 1992-1996

AF version

28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 Aspherical

71A, 1994-1998

Adaptall-2 version

28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 Aspherical

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/a2-lens/71a.htm

171D, 1996-1998

AF version, close focusing

28-200mm f/3.8-5.6, Aspherical-IF

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/af-lens/171d.htm

171A, 1998-2000

Adaptall-2 version, close focusing

28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 LD Aspherical-IF

Product Page

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/af-lens/71d.htm

Photo Album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/A3EUvKLLQJkGi2Ej7

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Impressions

History
The model 71DN was introduced in 1992. It was Tamron's first generation of superzoom lens that covers wide 28mm up to telephoto 200mm. 71D is AF version, while 71A is Adaptall-2 version (the mount can be swapped). The minimum focusing distance of these lenses is 2.1 meters, but subsequent models shortened the MFD.

Build Quality
The lens is made of plastic and very light, I actually like it! Zooming feels okay for shooting videos. The front element rotates when focusing, you might want to keep this in mind when using a polarizing filter. This is the first generation of Tamron's superzoom lens. It has a long minimum focusing of 2.1 meters to infinity. Subsequent models shortened it, and models after 2000 can now focus as close as 45cm.

The 71A is Adaptall-2 version, so it is manual focus only. The 71D is AF version and can save some data about the photos taken. The mount I had was Nikon F mount. AF is driven by the camera body via tiny screw at the mount of the lens. The AF is electronically controlled for Canon EF and Minolta A-mount.

Image Quality
The longer the zoom range, the more deterioration they say. This lens will never be as crisp as prime or macro lenses, but the images it captures can be surprisingly good, even for today's standard. It is a little soft at 200mm, but sharpens up when stopped down to f/8. It handles backlight well but it does flare alot. Aside from the lack of macro/closeup for this early model, this lens also needs plenty of light.

Conclusion
This old 28-200mm superzoom lens by Tamron is surprisingly good for today's standard, even when used on APS-C crop sensor cameras. The only drawback for these early models is the lack of macro/closeups, so you might want to go for models made after year 2000 instead.