Hi - where can I download a manual for Tamron AF 700 - 300 macro lens. It doesn't seem to change when I try to zoom on my Sony Alpha 350.

http://www.tamron-usa.com/assets/pdfs/272E.pdf
This is the manual for the Tamron SP AF 90mm
F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (Model 272E)

The lens can be used on Sony's alpha-series digital SLRs.

Unfortunately this is a risk when you use third-party lenses. The camera manufacturer's lens to body protocols are not open source nor do they licence the technology to alternative suppliers, so all that companies like Tamron can do is to try and reverse engineer the system.

You only have two possible fixes:-

1. Replace the lens with a Sony Alpha model; or

2. Contact Tamron to see whether they offer an update service for your lens.

The latter is certainly possible with some brands/models, but the costs have historically varied between "you pay just the shipping and handling" right up to "it's cheaper to buy a new lens".

So you either pay a high price for Sony Alpha genuine lenses which are guaranteed to always work with Sony Alpha bodies and firmware updates, or pay repeatedly for third party lenses. "You pays your money and you takes your choice".

Actually you are doing really well cause the Tamron specifications for that lens is 1.5m translated into real numbers that's 4.92 feet. If you want some serious macro let me suggest the Canon 100mm F2.5 Macro lens it's not all that bad for price unless you get the IS version then it's out of the park well sort of. Most of my macro work is done on a tripod anyway so the IS is a waist for me.

Here is a review on that lens.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=47

Also is you are using the APS size sensor there is a focal factor of 1.6 so the 100mm lens just grew to 180mm and twice as fast as your Tamron. Cheers

change your VR unit

does the camera recognize the lens? I mean does the camera just say F--- or does it show all the information for the lens?

Try cleaning the contacts on the camera and the lens, this is what usually prevents AF from working correctly.

does the camera recognize it? I mean when it is attached, does the camera show the Fstop etc?

Are you trying to turn the barrel of the lens when it is in the Macro Button on ?

My first suggestion is to send it back if it is under warranty.

The grease probably got so thick, from the cold, that it caused too much resistance for the auto-focusing mechanism. You probably have damaged the focusing mechanism in the lens. You cannot repair this, yourself. I don't know how cold is too cold but it really shouldn't have done that.... Tamron makes cheap lenses. Try and exchange it for at least a Sigma.