Tamron 18-270mm Di-II VC LD Lens Reviews & Specifications

A unique ultra high power zoom lens, the Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model B003), the first digital SLR lens in the world that delivers a remarkable zoom ratio of 15X (28-419mm equivalent) and is equipped with a highly effective Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism.

If you need a low light lens, this isn't it. If your primary objective is to take pictures in low light situation such as weddings and concerts, in the 18-200mm range you need 2 lenses, get the 18-50mm f/2.8 Sigma or Tamron 17-50 VC and a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens instead.

Designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized image sensors , the new lens delivers outstanding image quality over its entire zoom range and its exclusive VC anti-shake system facilitates sharp handheld photography even at the longest telephoto settings.

With its vast zoom-range, the Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens enables the user to cover virtually any photographic subject from wide angle to ultra telephoto simply by turning the zoom control. It covers angles of view equivalent to 28mm to 419mm when converted to the 35mm format . In addition, this breakthrough lens is equipped with Tamron's exclusive, proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism that eliminates or substantially reduces the effects of handheld camera shake. As a result, the user can enjoy the convenience of handheld photography in virtually any situation, from shooting candid images, to covering sporting events, to news photography, without worrying about camera shake having an adverse effect on image quality.

• Tamron macro lens series
The Tamron macro lens series produce sharp images against soft out-of-focus backgrounds. Not limited to macro photography, these lenses cover the range from landscapes to portraiture. The Tamron macro lens series, with its wide-ranging adaptability, has achieved recognition among photography lovers around the world.

• Aspherical Lens - a lens whose curved surface does not conform to the shape of a sphere. An aspheric element is often called an aspherical lens. The asphere's more complex surface profile can eliminate spherical aberration and reduce other optical aberrations compared to a simple lens. A single aspheric lens can often replace a much more complex multi-lens system. The resulting device is smaller and lighter, and possibly cheaper than the multi-lens design. Aspheric elements are used in the design of multi-element wide-angle and fast normal lenses to reduce aberrations.

• Di-II Series Design
Design has been improved by adding a gold-colored band between the focus and zoom rings to enhance the appearance and make it stand out as a Di-II lens. The rubber patterns of the zoom and focus control rings have been improved at the same time to compliment the digital camera design style and to provide better handling. Di-II Lenses are designed for digital SLR cameras with smaller imagers  

• Low Dispersion lens elements
(LD Glass to reduce chromatic aberration for sharper images) Aspherical - contains aspherical elements (compensates for spherical aberration and distortion, making for better performance with fewer elements (and As a result allowing for smaller, lighter lenses)

• VC - Vibration Compensation.
Tamron’s proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism that minimizes the effects of handheld camera shake. Tamron’s image stabilization mechanism,  controls the effects of camera shake in three planes. VC provides more opportunities for sharp hand-held photography (up to 4-stops) at the slow shutter speeds needed when shooting in low-light conditions (e.g. night or indoor scenes) dramatically enhancing the user’s level of photographic freedom.

• Built-in Motor for use with Nikon DSLR cameras such as the Nikon D40, D40X, D60, D3000 and the D5000)

• World's first and greatest zoom ratio of 15X, covering 28-419mm 35mm-equivalent angle of view

• Minimum focusing distance of 19.3" over the entire zoom range for the max. mag. ratio of 1:3.5

• Optical system optimized for digital SLR cameras by taking incident rays of light reaching the image sensor into consideration

• High resolution performance

• Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit

• Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory

• New outer design matches the newest generation high power zoom lens in the digital era

Construction: 18 elements in 13 groups 7 blades (Circular apertures)

Angle of view: 75°33' (equivalent angles of view when converted to 35mm)

Closest Focusing Distance: 0.49m/19.3" (over the entire zoom range)

Maximum Magnification: 1:3.5 (at f=270mm and 0.49m MFD)

Filter Size: 72mm

Dimensions: (Length x Diameter) 101.0mm/3.8" Length

Lens Hood: Flower Shaped

Flower-shaped Lens Hood - Tamron U.S.A. 6-Year Warranty

Its really a great all around lens which is exactly what I was looking for (I hate changing lenses). I looked in detail at them all - Nikon / Sigma / etc. The best thing about it is that its really pretty fast in focusing at 18mm all the way to 270mm, close to as fast as my D5000 kit lens the Nikon 18-55mm. It really is a motor equipped lens, I've seen a few threads in forums debating this fact, so rest assured it has a motor. The VC (stabilization) is working as it should all the way through 18mm to the maximum 270mm zoom as well. No problems there. I have been using it for only 3 to 4 weeks, but I'm very excited about it and about the quality of the images I have taken As a result far. I took some very low light (evening) drag race snap shots and movies that have astonished everyone that have seen them.

The lens is better than I am, I'm sorry to say. I'll be taking it out for a full test in the next few months. I didn't notice any lens creep (which some of the bigger lens have), but in any case it has a lock switch on the lens, this switch will only work when the lens is at 18mm. I noticed that when you are shooting close-ups (Macro mode) the lens focus' well. If you are too close to the subject (using regular mode, not using Macro), you can still use manual focus if you want to, but I've never had to do this to get a clear sharp picture. The body of the lens feels nice, durable, and is not so heavy as to cause me to notice the front weight. It doesn't feel cheap or plastic at all. In conclusion I have to say that this lens will beat most of the wide to long lens every time. If you want a really big wide to big zoom, and price is consideration, I don't think you can beat this lens!! Do ya think I like this lens :-) - yep I do