Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro Review

Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Tamron and the model was launched 2008.
The lens belongs to the category  superzoom lenses. A superzoom lens gives you a wide zoom range, from a wider field of view (wide angle) to a more narrow field of view (telephoto) and is usually appreciated as an all-in-one travel lens.

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 18-270 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 29-432 mm if you have a Canon camera or 27-405 mm if you have a Niko camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-6,3.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 18 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 270 mm the brightness is f/6,3. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "AB003".

Different versions of the lens

This lens has been replaced by a newer version. Prior to purchasing the lens, please compare the various editions.

Prices and awards

EISA

EISA Awards 2009-2010: European Travel Lens

Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • A versatile lens for those who own their first DSLR camera
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • An impressive focal range
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens was awarded at EISA Awards 2009-2010: European Travel Lens
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • Poor aperture value with its f/6,3
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • This lens has been replaced by a newer version
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

Best deals on Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.

Reviews

sefotosidan.se (reviews by users)
gecolorfoto.de
usthe-digital-picture.com

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Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Different versions of this lens

Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro has released different versions of this lens. Please make sure that you study the differences before buying.

Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro (2008) Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro
Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC PZD (2010) Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC PZD

Alternatives to Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro for Canon photographers

Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro. Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 IS Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 IS
Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC PZD Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC PZD
Sigma 18-200mm f/3,5-6,3 DC OS Sigma 18-200mm f/3,5-6,3 DC OS
Sigma 18-250mm f/3,5-6,3 DC OS HSM Sigma 18-250mm f/3,5-6,3 DC OS HSM

Alternatives to Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro for Nikon photographers

Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro. Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.

Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 G IF-ED VR Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 G IF-ED VR
Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 G IF-ED VR II Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 G IF-ED VR II
Sigma 18-250mm f/3,5-6,3 DC OS HSM Sigma 18-250mm f/3,5-6,3 DC OS HSM
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR

Popular searches for this lens

If you want do dig deeper and look for more information about this lens you can be prepared that other photographers name and search for this lens in a lot of different ways. Here are a few of the most popular search strings:

  • Tamron 18-270 mm f 3,5-6,3 VC
  • 18-270 mm Tamron VC
  • 18-270 mm Tamron
  • Tamron 18-270 mm f 3,5-6,3
  • Tamron 3,5-6,3 18-270 mm
  • Tamron f 3,5-6,3 18-270
  • Tamron 18-270 mm VC
  • Tamron f 3,5-6,3 18 270
Because of this we also created a special page for this.