Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD Tele-Macro (572D) Lens For Canon EF Mount Review

The Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD Tele-Macro (572D) is a budget telephoto zoom for Canon EF mount cameras, originally released decades ago as an entry-level option for wildlife, sports, and portrait shooters. With a maximum aperture range of f/4 to f/5.6, it sacrifices speed for reach and affordability. The lens includes a macro mode that allows closer focusing at longer focal lengths, a feature that distinguishes it from many competing budget telephotos of its era. At 62mm filter size, it remains relatively compact.

This particular listing is a used example in excellent condition from KEH, priced at $86. For shooters on a tight budget who need telephoto reach and are working in good light, it can serve as an inexpensive way to explore longer focal lengths. However, this is an older optical design without modern coatings or stabilization, and autofocus performance will lag behind contemporary lenses. Image quality is serviceable but not competitive with current optics.