Tamrons' Adaptall-2/SP Lenses
Quick Reference List
I compiled this page from an archived page for personal reference. I found it useful so I have buffed it up
and put it alongside the information page. I hope it is a useful at a glance (see notes below) overview of
Tamrons' Adaptall-2 and SP lenses for you too.
All these adaptalls are full frame,
designed for 35mm film cameras.
Refer to the adaptall.org website for information on first generation adaptall, adaptamatic and
other earlier lenses (there are some really good ones, particularly the primes). BTW it is easy to tell an early adaptall
lens from an AD-2: just look at the rubber grip (this seems to be reliable - I haven't noticed an exception yet).
Primes and TC's
| # | spec | rating | comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01B | 24mm f2.5 | 8.3 ~ 15 | "above average..." The AD1 24mm CW24 has a near identical specification and similar rating. 01B was succeeded by 01BB - redesigned (part plastic) body. | S |
| 02B | 28mm f2.5 | 7.9 ~ 13 | Popular, well made. Good but OEM 28's tend to be superior. The earlier CW28 is very similar (but f2.8). | A |
| 03B | 135mm f2.5 | 8.6 ~ 8 | ".. compact lens good but not spectacular.. " The AD1 CT135 is rated similarly. | O |
| 04B | 200mm f3.5 | 8 ~ 3 | "..above average particularly at close focus" Also recommendable, the AD1 CT200 has a 4 element design (the earliest version of which was derived from the adaptamatic 200mm). | S |
| 06B | SP 350mm f5.6 mirror | 8 ~ 5 | ".. excellent fast catadioptric, can be hand held." High auction prices suggest desireable/collectors item. | S* |
| 107B | SP 300mm f2.8 LD | 8 ~ 1 | First big fast 300mm, very good but 60B, 360B perhaps better, however collectors chase this one. | R |
| 360B | SP 300mm f2.8 LD IF | 10 ~ 4 | Final and perhaps best of the fast 300's. | R |
| 51B | SP 17mm f3.5 | 7.6 ~ 11 | "very good ultra wide angle" Succceded by 151B - optically the same, redesigned body. | O |
| 52B | SP 90mm f2.5 macro | 9.0 ~ 27 | "tele - macro portrait lens very good " Cult classic! Macro 1:2, dedicated 43.4mm extension tube 18F gives precise 1:1. | A |
| 52BB | SP 90mm f2.5 macro | 9 ~ 1 | This later version is optically the same but redesigned externally (plastic!). | S |
| 55B | SP 500mm f8 mirror | 8.2 ~ 5 | "smallest and lightest on the market at launch - Mangin design.." Still probably the best (with 55BB) readily available 500mm cat. | O |
| 55BB | SP 500mm f8 mirror | 8.8 ~ 18 | Similar but revised optically, no tripod mount. 55B/BB are true "classics" and still very popular on the S/H market. | A |
| 54B | SP 300mm f5.6 | 8.6 ~ 5 | "good fixed focal length with excellent macro capabilities.." The 4 element AD1 CT300 is also good quality. Earliest versions were derived from the adaptamatic 300mm and have a TM. | S |
| 60B | SP 300mm f2.8 LD IF | 8.9 ~ 8 | Second and most common version of f2.8 300mm, reckoned to compare well to OEM lenses. The most expensive adaptall (RRP yen) with large low dispersion LD elements. | S |
| 63B | SP 180mm f2.5 IF | 10 ~ 6 | There is both the standard version and a limited edition anniversary version with a badge. A superior lens often compared with and considered equal to the legendary Nikon 180mm f/2.8 ED NIKKOR. | R* |
| 65B | SP 400mm f4 LD IF | 8.8 ~ 4 | Also compared well apparently to OEM equivalents. But rare and tends to be pricey. | R |
| 72B | SP 90mm f2.8 macro | 9.7 ~ 7 | 1996. Successor to the lauded 52B/52BB, equally rated, and offers 1:1. | R |
| CT105 | 105mm f2.5 | 10 ~ 2 | Tamron discontinued this focal length on producing the AD-2 range, so this well regarded fast portrait lens from the adaptall-1 line up (1976-9) is included here. | S |
| 01F | 2× TC | 8.7 ~ 7 | Consistently good report. | A |
| 140F | 1.4× TC | 9 ~ 5 | Highly regarded: reckoned to be even better IQ than 01F. | R |
| 200F | 2× TC | 10 ~ 3 | Reputation: the best TC - but RARE and expensive. | R |
Zooms
| # | spec | rating | comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01A | SP 35-80mm f2.8 | 9 ~ 11 | " without question, the best zoom lens ever manufactured within its class and price point.." | O |
| 02A | 70-150mm f3.5 | 6 ~ 1 | "average" " one to avoid.. " This was just a rebadged AD1. Superceded by one-touch 20A, however you may prefer this two ring design. | R |
| 03A | 80-210mm f3.8-4 | 7.5 ~ 4 | ".. average .." Hood. Superceded by 103A, same spec. | S |
| 04A | 70-250mm f3.8-4.5 | "average ... superceded by above average 104A" ... from which it is difficult to distinguish visually. | R | |
| 05A | 70-350mm f4.5 | 8 ~ 1 | "big 'n heavy .. ? " Revised from the AD1 CZ735. Forum reviewer says merely that he found it sharp. | R |
| 06A | 200-500mm f6.9 | 8 ~ 1 | ".. less than spectacular.." This was an upgrade of the AD1 Z500/CZ500 but was itself superceded by the SP 31A. | R |
| 07A | 28-50mm f3.5-4.5 | 6 ~ 2 | ".. above average.." | S |
| 09A | 35-70mm f3.5-4.2 | 7.3 ~ 3 | "above average - excellent sharpness" 1:2.8 macro. 09A and the later f3.5 17A are derived from 01A - say "01A-lite". | S |
| 103A | 80-210mm f3.8-4 | 8.5 ~ 16 | ?Biggest selling adaptall and well regarded. Easily acquired for a few ££ (but the later 46A better IMO). No hood. | A |
| 104A | 75-250mm f3.8-4.5 | 8 ~ 3 | "lightweight, above average, macro" | S |
| 13A | SP 24-48mm f3.5-3.8 | 8.3 ~ 3 | "above average - better at wide angle" Equal to or better than the the only other vintage 24-48mm non-OEM lens: the kiron made 24-48mm. | S |
| 17A | 35-70mm f3.5 | 8.4 ~ 5 | "above average, constant aperture.. a gem of a lens." 1:2.8 macro. Optically similar to 01A. | O |
| 19AH | 70-210mm f3.5 | 9 ~ 15 | The "prosumer" adaptall 70-210, second only to the 30A: ".. best telephoto zoom ever designed.." Vivitar series one beater! | S |
| 20A | 75-150mm f3.5 | 8 ~ 4 | The redesigned "one touch" 2x tp. "better than average... one of the better performing and handling lenses within its class" | S |
| 22A | 35-135mm f3.5-4.2 | 8 ~ 3 | ".. above average .." Continuous focus into macro | O |
| 23A | SP 60-300mm f3.8-5.4 | 9 ~ 17 | "above average .... very good sharpness for 5:1 lens " Quite powerful macro mode to 1:1.55. | O |
| 26A | SP 35-210mm f3.5-4.2 | 7.9 ~ 8 | "above average ..macro.. better than Tokina ATX 35-200mm" | S |
| 27A | 28-80mm f3.5-4.2 | 7.1 ~ 10 | "above average ... very sharp at f8-11 " | O |
| 28A | SP 28-135mm f4-4.5 | 9 ~ 1 | "above average - complex lens .. 1:4 macro at 28mm" | S |
| 30A | SP 80-200mm f2.8 | 8.9 ~ 10 | The adaptall "pro" f2.8 zoom: "superb optical design... equal to all but the very best" | R* |
| 31A | SP 200-500mm f5.6 | 8 ~ 3 | The SP successor to 06A. A large, imposing and sharp lens. | R |
| 40A | 35-135mm f3.5-4.5 | 9 ~ 3 | "above average ...complete redesign, more compact than earlier 22A .. macro at 35mm (like 28A)" | S |
| 44A | 28-70mm f3.5-4.5 | 8.1 ~ 7 | "above average ... move to plastic didn't compromise optical quality" | O |
| 46A | 70-210mm f3.8-4 | 8 ~ 7 | "final version .. similar 103A, slightly longer range" | A |
| 47A | 70-210mm f4-5.6 | 1987. Tamrons' foray into in-lens auto focus - a bit of a curiosity. | R* | |
| 51A | SP 70-150mm f2.8 | 9.5 ~ 2 | "innovative, fast.. extremely sharp ... built in softness (portrait) control" | R* |
| 52A | 70-210mm f3.5-4 | 7.8 ~ 5 | "Innovative continuous focus macro (1:2) - infinity... but optically average". Some users reckon this is better than 19AH for macro. | O |
| 58A | 70-210mm f4-5.6 | 7.2 ~ 5 | 1988-91. Compact TP that's similar to but smaller than the common Tokina SD 70-210mm. 158A (1991) ~ same. | O |
| 59A | 28-70mm f3.5-4.5 | 6.8 ~ 4 | Later lens - 1988. Consumer mid-range zoom with macro. 159A (1991) almost indistinguishable. | S |
| 65A | SP 35-105mm f2.8 | 8.4 ~ 5 | Aspherical. Later lens - 1991, fast mid range zoom with up-market price when new. | R |
| 71A | 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 | 7.3 ~ 4 | 7x zoom, compact, aspherical, 1994. Non-adaptall AF versions (171D) common. 171A (1997) optically similar but with macro. | S |
| 176A | SP 28-105mm f2.8 LD IF | Aspherical. Later lens - 1997. Premium priced when new - fast, top end, mid range zoom. | R |
Notes
- The comments in quotes are pulled from the relevant pages on the adaptall-2.com site.
- Ratings from Pentax Forums lens reviews. For example 8.5 ~ 6 means 8.5/10 average rating overall from 6 reviews. Smileys also indicate (IMO, nothing more) "good rap" and "best rap". However this is not to suggest that these are the only good lenses. Googling and browsing forums* will pull up good info and example photos for most of the lenses here, and in my own browsing I have seen good pics posted from just about every lens on the list.
- SP = "Super Performance". These were marketed as higher end lenses with specific features/specs that marked them out. In fact it was the launch of the SP's in 1979 in particular that made the reputation of the range.
- LD = low dispersion glass elements.
- IF = internal focus ie rotation of focus collar moves internal elements, no external sliding collar or rotation of end element or extension of the lens.
- Lens number links to relevant page on www.adaptall-2.com (no link = no page).
The final column is an indication (nothing more) of auction (eBay UK) availability. Asterisk = of particular interest to collectors.
- A = always. At any time you can expect to see examples in the listings
- O = often. Over a week or three you should see a few listings.
- S = sometimes. Over a month or two you are likely to see at least one or two crop up.
- R = rarely. During the year you are likely to see a few listings.
- R = very rarely. Once a year if that!
All Adaptall-2 lenses were discontinued in July 2006 (this brochure from 2005 shows a good selection of adaptalls still being advertised).
End Caps
The original clear plastic caps (pic left) that fit on the bare mount end are not so common and the flanges that lock the cap on break off. They are the best fit, with the depth to cover all the protruding rear groups/baffles and avoid any contact with the cap. But there are alternatives (besides using a mount + cap as an end cap):
- Old canon FD mount lens rear caps (leftmost pic 1 above). The original Tamron ones like in the pic, and OEM ones, normally require a bit of sanding/filing to take off a mm or two around the edge. I also used cheap new ones from China - flimsier, good fit, just needed half of the largest flange removing. The only lenses these don't work on (due to the size of the rear baffle - AFAIK) are the late adaptalls 58A/158A and 59A/159A, and the SP 24-48mm 13A.
- Canon EF/eos body caps (pic 2) for lenses without a protruding rear group/baffle. These are compact, a good
fit* and robust, and will definitely fit the following:
the mirrors 55B/55BB/06B; 26A; 27A; 40A; 44A; 04A/104A 75-250mm; 23A; 31A; 90mm macros; 105mm CT105; 135mm (all);
200mm f3.5 (all); 300mm f2.8/5.6 (all); 85-210mm; 80-250mm.
Note that zooming or focussing may cause the rear element/baffle to bump against the cap on some of these (eg 04B).
*The most recent ones I have purchased were a tighter fit and benefitted from a wee bit of sanding on the back.
Or, similarly, cheap metal M42 to Canon EOS adapters will fit (pic 3). Then a M42 body cap can be used.
- Last resort: the caps from Johnson & Johnson cotton buds containers (as sold in the UK) (pic 4).
24-48mm SP 13A Hood.
The hood for the 13A may or may not accompany the lens, if it doesn't it is hard to find and in any case is designed for full frame. A deeper hood is better on APSC. So an alternative, original or third party, is a EW-63II hood for Canon. It is a good fit diameter-wise on the bayonet, but doesn't quite orient exactly at "12 O'clock".
Please tell me if you know of bayonet hoods that work on other adaptall lenses eg 27A, 22A, 28A, 40A.
Useful Links/More Info
- Chronological Tamron adaptall lens list by Danish enthusiast Steen Bruun (PDF) that complements this list - includes original RRP (yen) and links to archived pages on original Tamron website (Google translated). He also reviews lenses 01A, 01B, 04B, 06B, 54B, 30A (and two more links to his site below).
- Tamron adaptall lens reviews - Pentax Forums
- Tamron manual focus lenses on allphotolenses.com. All the adaptalls are listed, some are reviewed.
- Joshua Khoo's blog: general discussion of adaptall, reviews of 52BB, 19AH, 27A, 72B, 46A, 17A, 23A and the TC's.
- Discussion: differences adaptall vs adaptall-2 - Pentax Forums
- Modifying aperture pin, M42 mount - Pentax Forums
- Pentax Forums adaptall club
- Mounts Info: "Matts Classic cameras"
- Lens mounts (legacy) - overview/identify .
- Adaptall-2 Olympus OM/OL mounts - technicalities of using on OM3/4's (pdf)
Pentax PKA mount
- PK-A mount tutorial/advice
- PK-A mount aperture not reading fix.
- Exposure inconsistencies with pentax PKA mount - tests and discussion. Part 1. Part 2. Part 3.
User Manuals
- Tamron 23A SP zoom lens user manual scan (pdf).
- Tamron 19AH SP zoom lens user manual scan (pdf).
- Tamron 176A SP zoom lens user manual scan (pdf).
- Tamron 54B SP 300mm lens Tamron technical brochure scan (pdf).
- Tamron 52B 90mm Macro user manual (pdf)
- Tamron 58A and 59A zoom lenses user manual (pdf)
- Tamron 40A user manual (pdf)
- User Manual/instructions for Konica, C-FD, MD, CY adaptall-1 mounts (pdf)
- User Manual/instructions for Adaptall mirror lenses 350mm 06B, 500mm 55B (pdf)
- User Manual/instructions for Adaptall 01F 2x TC (pdf)
- User Manual/instructions for Adaptall 24mm 01B, 28mm 02B (pdf)
- pdf on backward compatibility of dslr's with old lenses
Last updated August 24, 2016.