Tamron 103A 80-210mm f3.8-4 CF

     This lens is a keeper for me.  For the money these Tamron 103A's are the best telephotos on the planet.  They handle extremely well on 35mm bodies and are built to last.  I've seen many copies through the years that produced good images depsite being abused.  If you see one in excellent shape buy it.  Handling on a D-SLR is a bit awkward.  If you have a camera with built in stabilzation you will have an easier time handling it.  I also suggest AF confirmation.  Pinpoint focus is difficult to achieve thru the viewfinder alone.  When you do hold this lens still, and focus it well, it will give you great images.  Color rendition is very accurate.  Contrast and shadow detail are excellent.  The lens will show minor fringing under extreme lighting.  Bokeh is smoother and more natural than most telephotos.  It is very sharp from 3.8 thru the entire range.  Corner sharpness is good.  Vignetting is non existent on sub-frame bodies and hardly noticeable on full frame bodies.  Distortion is very low.  The outdoor shots below were quickly done between raindrops and wind gusts.