It's big; it's heavy, and it's a pretty good lens, all things considered.
Because of its bulk, I can't imagine using it on a bare OM, but with an MD2, it
makes a reasonably well balanced outfit. The focusing takes a little getting
used to. Since it is basically an auto-focus lens, the manual focus version
goes from closest focus of 2.6 ft. to infinity with only a 45 degree turn of
the very lightly dampened focus ring. Once I put a few miles on it, I actually
found this sort of convenient, since it's possible to focus very quickly and
with only one finger. Of course, it requires 82mm filters, which might be a
consideration if you don't already have lenses that take that size. I did, so
it didn't make any difference.
As John Lind recently pointed out, the price new is probably too high, it
getting close to $1000 now. I bought mine new from B&H about three years ago,
when the price was $685, with a $100 rebate from Tamron (which I was absolutely
astounded to have received in less than two weeks after mailing in the form).
If the lens you're considering is in good condition, I think $350 is a
reasonable price, especially if they can round up the hood. A new one is
probably available from Tamron, but if my experience in buying a hood for my
17/3.5 is any indication ($65), it'll probably be pricey.
It's the lens in my one camera/one-lens outfit because of its speed and range.
I've got lots of other possible choices, but I'm sticking with the 28-105/2.8
until somebody comes up with something smaller, faster and with a wider range.
And cheaper, too.
Walt
--
"Anything more than 500 yards from
the car just isn't photogenic." --
Edward Weston
-------------- Original message from Michael Darling : --------------
> Local store just got one in and is listed at $350. Condition is used and
> fairly clean, it's biggest problems being a little dust and some smooth
> corners. No hood, though the sales drone said he might be able to find one
> somewhere in the shop.
>
> Any opinions on this lens? I seem to remember it being discussed favorably
> in the past. Is this a reasonable price? Didn't get any hits in ebay
> searches (only AF lenses), so I have no price reference, other than the new
> ($$$$) and used ($$$) prices at B&H.
>
> -mike
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