Day Out At Taronga Park Zoo

Australian Traveller writer Karen Thorne spent a day testing a wide range of new Tamron camera lenses at Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo.

A Day Out At Taronga Park Zoo

AT's Karen Thorne was recently invited to a day out at Sydney’s Taronga Park Zoo to play around with as many camera lenses as possible. Here’s what transpired . . . 

It was a beautiful autumn day to photograph meerkats.

I was at Sydney’s Taronga Park Zoo at the invitation of Maxwell International, who were hosting a Tamron lens training day. The participants extended from tech reviewers to retail camera specialist, a very eager crowd with varied levels of skill. After a short info session and a few vital pointers on technique, we were nudged out into the animal kingdom, accompanied by a patient Maxwell representative.

We hit the ground geared up and running with a new lens attached to our DSLR Nikon or Canon cameras. The first I tried was the AF 28-300mm, one of their recently launched award-winning lenses and hailed as a great all-rounder. It covers everything from wide angle to telephoto and macro. The main component of the 28-300mm is the built-in image stabilisation accessible by a simple switch on the side of the lens. With my unsteady hands and scepticism, I decided to investigate. I found the difference remarkably noticeable with the vibration compensator (VC) switched on; even while focusing with auto focus you’ll clearly observe the diminished movement before you take the shot.

Next was the AF 18-250mm, another award-winning, high-powered zoom lens, marketed as a great travel companion because of its wide range of features and compact body. It has a maximum aperture of F/3.5-6.3 and zoom lock at the 18mm position to prevent the lens from extending while being carried. The small-statured, multi-talented lens should allow you hassle free travel, because for once you’ll be devoid of additional lenses.

In regards to the AF 70-200mm F/2.8, given that I was photographing a statuesque giraffe – not standing ringside at an action-packed sporting event or stalking famous persons from a tree – this high-powered zoom lens felt, at times, slightly out of place.

The weight of the lens, combined with my Canon 40D (and weak arms), proved to be pretty heavy, and I was unable to handhold it for long periods without a tripod. However, the sharpness of the images taken at full zoom was spectacular. It features a maximum aperture of F/2.8, a detachable tripod grip and Auto-Manual switch for focusing for Nikon and Canon users.

Although I’m no glorified expert, I love photography and this was a grand day had by all – as well as being a great experience to kick around with some amazing lenses, learn some new tricks and pet a few animals.

For more info on Tamron lenses, check out www.maxwell.com.au