Tamron Adaptall-2 70-210mm f/3.8-4 (Model 46A, 1986-1988)

Tamron Adaptall-2 70-210mm f/3.8-4
(Model 46A, 1986-1988)

2019.02.27 - Published

2022.08.04 - Re-written

TAMRON ADAPTALL 2

70-210mm f/3.8-4 (46A)

Years Produced - 1986-1988

Minimum Focusing - 0.9 meters

Macro Magnification - 1:2.9

Focus Type - Varifocal

Zoom Type - One-touch aka push-pull zoom

Filter Thread Ø - 58mm

Aperture Run - f/3.8 - f/32

Max aperture at 70mm = f/3.8

Max aperture at 210mm = f/4

# Aperture Blades - 9

Optical Formula - 12 elements, 9 groups

Made in Japan

Tamron produced three versions of their 'affordable'

medium telephoto zoom lens:

03A (1979-1982)
103A (1981-1987)
46A (1986-1988)

Photo Album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oB3FbguSVUR4DEVm8

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Impressions

Tamron produced three versions of their 'affordable' medium telephoto zoom lens: 03A (1979-1982), 103A (1981-1987), and 46A (1986-1988). These lenses were very popular because of their above-average optical quality. The difference of the last version is that it was made of cheaper plastics to keep the cost down.

The focusing and zooming are combined into one single ring (aka one-touch or push-pull zoom). This type of zoom became popular because it made it easy to nail the shots compared to two separate rings. The ring was made of single plastic, including the diamond-textured grip.

Unfortunately, the copy that I'm using has three groups of cemented doublets that have balsam separation and haze. It took two months of chemical soaking and wet heat but only 1/3 progress made to remove the haze.

My sample shots appear to be okay at f/3.8 from 70mm to 105mm, cloudy from 135mm to 210mm. It is apparently sharp despite the haze. The images do improve once stopped down to f/8.

Conclusion: I cannot say much about the image quality because of its condition, other than it is sharp wide open at f/3.8 or f/4, and that I like how small and lightweight it is.