THANKS

The good news is that I can gain control in manual by using the aperture ring. The not so good news is that the control panel goes a bit nuts with fEE flashes (= off min setting) and various f stops that don't coincide with what is set. In image review the meta data shows a - for f stop which is unfortunate. Oh well, too bad the lens isn't compatible.

Thanks again

RDA I think PB PM and msmoto has it right. I also found this on the Tamron web site. Hope it helps.

Setting the f-numbers with Nikon & Pentax cameras
Photographing in a programmed-AE or a shutter-speed-priority-AE mode, rotate the lens
aperture ring to the minimum aperture setting position, in the case of a Nikon camera, and
set on the "A" position in the case of a Pentax camera.The aperture ring will be locked in
position automatically.When shooting in an aperture-priority-AE or manual-exposure mode,
release the lens aperture ring by rotating the ring from the AE lock position and depressing
the Aperture ring lock button. If your camera is a Nikon F401 or F50, you can set the aperture
to any desired f-number, leaving the aperture ring at the minimum opening position.
* The lens aperture varies with zooming movement. Cameras read the different lens openings
and automatically adjust the exposure properly.
* For further details, please read the instruction manual of your camera.

This lens does have a manual aperture ring and it should be set at f/22 for shutter or program priority. If shooting M or A, I believe the ring will determine the aperture setting.

The instructions for the lens are not very clear.

Does the Tamron have a physical aperture ring? If so what is it set to?

Parke1953, in the menu for shutter and aperture lock, both are off. On the control panel (manual page 126) I am unable to toggle the lock feature, either on or off. The L icon does not appear. I switched to a Nikon lens and same failure occurred with the 126 page procedure. By the way, aperture works fine in manual mode using my Nikon lens ED AF-S 28-70 1:2.8D. So why doesn't my Tamron lens work in manual mode? Isn't my Tamron compatible?

RDA take a look at page 126 in your manual shutter speed and aperture lock. May help.

I was shooting a building at night in manual mode with my Tamron wide angle. The lens is a SP AF Di 17-35 2.8
In manual mode, I was able to adjust shutter speed but not aperture. Aperture was stuck at F6. I selected various ISOs and shutter speeds but was unable to move off the f6. Same problem using Auto ISO. I've only had the D800 for a week so I could be making a user error.