Has anybody had any experience using the TAMRON AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3

Otter Spotter · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 01:27 PM

Hi,

I would be very interetsed in hearing from anybody who has bought and used the TAMRON AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 .It looks like a pretty decent allrounder but is it?

I would also like to know if you can fit a 1.4 or 2 x convertor and still produce quality images?

I would really like to see any images produced by the lens on full zoom and also the macro settings? before I go any further money is tight and all that.

Many thanks
Andy

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 07:52 PM

Do you mean the Tamron 18-250? I have always found that these cheaper all encompasing lenses are built down to a price and won't last a lifetime, although it gets a tolerable review here All Tests / Reviews

But don't even think about using a converter if you want good quality results especially as the sharpness tests in that review are only average at the full zoom end.

Once again, I'm afraid that there is no cheap alternative to good quality long lenses; except secondhand, and then you need to be sure that you are getting a good item which hasn't been dropped or subjected to some other traumatic experience.

Hobjob · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 08:33 PM

I think the 18-250 evolved into 18 - 270

I have the former - had it about a year.

On the whole very pleased with it.

Not as sharp as my older similar sigma (18-200 I think).
Definitely slower to focus - this is well documented in the reviews; I have learnt, on the whole, to allow for this but it has let me down at crowds and weddings etc..

Very good walk-about lens, giving all sorts of scope with family events,
holidays etc.. It is fairly chunky though - but no more than one would expect considering the enromous range of the zoom.

The image stabilisation works fine.

My L series 100-400 takes about three times as many shots, and for wildlife
near on 100%.