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 lens was released 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.

Product description from Tamron

At launch 2008 Tamron wrote this regarding Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro:

"Tamron innovation yielded the world´s highest ratio wide-to-telephoto zoom. Featuring an incredible zoom range of 15x, the 18-270mm Di-II VC defines compositional versatility. Providing a 35mm wide-angle picture angle equivalent of 28mm to an astounding 419mm, image fidelity is assured in two ways. First; award-winning optical design leverages the benefits of LD glass and aspherical optics, rendering crisp and faithful images, while Tamron´s unique tri-axial VC (Vibration Compensation) combats image blur caused by camera movement. Improving sharpness at typical shutter speeds and enabling handheld shooting at as many as four shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, Tamron´s three pairs of driving coils and low-function ball bearings placed around the VC optical group provide unsurpassed image stabilization for sharper images and a dramatically stable viewfinder experience.

The new 15x high-power mega zoom AF 18-270mm /F3,5 -6,3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [ IF] Macro is the lens with the biggest zoom range in the world *, a landmark, that Tamron, the pioneer in the development of mega zooms has achieved through constant improvements of leading worldwide optical technologies.

There is no longer a need to change lenses as this ideal compact travel lens with its gigantic focal range can be left on the camera. Heavy luggage due to bulky photo equipment is a thing of the past.

Tamron´s highly effective image stabilizer VC ( VC = Vibration Compensation) was built into this lens. This technology is a Tamron-own development and fascinates by its effectiveness and speed. With Tamron’s VC stabilizer panning is possible without annoying motion delay in your viewfinder and without having to change-over to a special mode.

You can win up to four stops with the VC stabilization for stable hand-held photography. The AF18-270mm offers the highest image quality and is very light and compact in spite of its 15-times zoom. The full frame equivalent of the tele-end corresponds to that of a 419 mm ** lens.

* for SLRs, as of 1.9.2009
**Tamron’s crop factor is 1.55 x

Please note that Di II lenses are made for the exclusive use on digital SLR cameras with image sensors smaller than 24mm x 16mm. Di II lenses cannot be used together with a full format or 35mm SLR camera, as their image sensors are not able to cover the entire area of full format resulting in dark corners of the (i.e. vignetting becomes noticeable). "

Product description from Tamron at launch 2008

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".

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
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • Poor aperture value with its f/6,3
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • 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.

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.