Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro Review
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.
- See all lenses released by Tamron
- See all lenses that was released 2008
- Read more about superzoom lenses
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.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
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.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
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.
- 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 PZD (2010)
Prices and awards

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.
- Images of Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro
- Sample pictures taken with Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro
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 |
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Image Quality |
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Autofocus |
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Sharpness |
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Versatility |
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Value |
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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
![]() | fotosidan.se (reviews by users) |
![]() | colorfoto.de |
![]() | the-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.
- Images of Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro
- Sample pictures taken with Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD IF Macro
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.
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.
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Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 IS |
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Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3,5-6,3 Di II VC PZD |
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Sigma 18-200mm f/3,5-6,3 DC OS |
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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.
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Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 G IF-ED VR |
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Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3,5-5,6 G IF-ED VR II |
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Sigma 18-250mm f/3,5-6,3 DC OS HSM |
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Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3,5-5,6 G ED VR |
Popular searches for this lens
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