Tamron's 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD was announced in December 2010, as a successor to the well-regarded AF 18-270mm F/3.5-half dozen.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO that we reviewed in December 2008. Compared to the previous version, its primary attractions are a significant reduction in size and weight, and the addition of an 'Piezo Drive' motor for faster, quieter autofocus. At launch information technology was also the longest range superzoom bachelor, although it'due south recently been surpassed past the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor xviii-300mm f/iii.v-v.6G ED VR in this respect.

As expected for a mod superzoom, the Catechism and Nikon mount versions of the lens feature built-in optical paradigm stabilization via Tamron'southward 'Vibration Control' arrangement, which promises sharper hand held images at ho-hum shutter speeds. The Sony mount version uses the same optics but without the image stabilization mechanism (and therefore drops 'VC' from its name), relying on the camera's built-in 'SteadyShot' system instead. Tamron doesn't make a Pentax-fit model, but the recently-announced Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.v-6.iii ED SDM is in all probability essentially the same lens, again without the VC module.

The Tamron 18-270mm'south closest competitor is the Sigma eighteen-250mm f/3.v-v.half dozen DC Macro Os HSM, a very similarly spec'ed lens that we reviewed recently. The Tamron has a slightly longer zoom range, but the Sigma can focus closer. In this review we'll endeavour to nail downwardly the other, less obvious differences between these two third-party contenders.

Headline features

  • Approx. 28-420mm equivalent focal length range; F3.5-6.3 maximum aperture
  • Bachelor for Canon, Nikon, and Sony mounts (APS-C/DX format DSLRs only)
  • In-lens 'Vibration Control' optical paradigm stabilization (excluding Sony version)
  • Piezo Drive (PZD) motor for autofocus
  • 0.49m closest focus (0.26x magnification)

Angle of view

The pictures below illustrate the focal length range from wide to telephoto (on Canon APS-C, 1.6x).

18mm (29mm equivalent) 270mm (430mm equivalent)

Tamron xviii-270mm F/3.v-vi.iii Di Two VC PZD specifications

 Price  • $650 (US)
• £390 (UK)
 Manufacturer'due south production lawmaking  B008
 Appointment introduced  Dec 2010
 Maximum format size  APS-C/DX
 Focal length  18-270mm
 35mm equivalent focal length
 • 27-405mm (1.5x APS-C / DX)
• 29-430mm (i.6x Canon APS-C)
Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C)  75º - 6º
 Maximum aperture  F3.5-6.3
 Minimum aperture  F22-forty
 Lens Structure  • 16 elements / 13 groups
 Number of diaphragm blades  7, rounded
 Minimum focus  0.49m
 Maximum magnification  0.26x
 AF motor type  • Piezo Drive (Micro-type ultrasonic)
 Focus method  Internal
 Prototype stabilization  • Yeah
 Filter thread  • 62mm
• Does non rotate on focus
 Supplied accessories*  • Front end and rear caps
• Petal-type DA18 Lens Hood
 Weight  450 one thousand (xvi.6 oz)
 Dimensions  74.4 mm diameter x 88 mm length (two.9 10 3.5 in)
 Lens Mount  Catechism, Nikon, Sony

* Supplied accessories may differ in each land or area