Tamron Lenses ????

[tonyvicenzo64]

any experiencences with Tamron Lenses especially the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD

would like to couple it with a Canon EOS 600D, am a graduating from a compact digital Olympus camera .

[amk1977]

Tamron are a reputable manufacturer and have been in the business for many a year now. I have the Tamron SP90 f/2.8 macro lens. Optically it is very sharp. Mechanically its quite slow to focus. This is not a problem for macro photography or posed portraiture, but not very practical for moving subjects.

Lens performance varies from model to model and generally, 3rd party lenses tend to have slightly inferior image quality suffering with things like more chromatic aberrations than OEM lenses, which is why they tend to be cheaper. This is not so much of a problem nowadays, as it can be easily corrected in post processing.

The 18-200 is a good zoom range and is an ideal walk about lens. They also make the 18-270mm VC as well, which might be worth checking out, as it does give you a fair bit more pull.

I'd also recommend you get yourself a 50mm f1/.8 MKII, as they are fantastic lenses and only about £80. Optically superb, with a very shallow depth of field which allows for some creative photography. Build wise, I'd have to say they feel very cheap and plastic compared to the Nikon 50mm but, for the money, excellent bang for the buck.

[tonyvicenzo64]

sorry !!! it actually is the 18-270 mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZDand need a camera for general/people & travel/holiday use hence a " walkabout" lens. what minimum filter would i need??

if i were to stick to Canon "twin" lenses what sizes would you recommend ??

[thefonz78]

Get this month mag. They recommend it for canon users.

[rbarry]

I have the earlier version of the 18-270mm and have been very pleased with it. For the purpose of a go anywhere holiday lens it excels. I have found this lens to be surprisingly sharper than expected through most of the range other than full zoom. It tails off from 230mm to 270mm, but if you can stop it down at these lengths it helps.

It's a compromise lens, but the benefits are made up by only needing to carry one lens. So no need to remove the lens in dusty/wet/humid etc conditions, less bulk to carry around for the equivalent number of lenses you may otherwise need in this range and at a pretty reasonable price.

You will want better glass for specific conditions and circumstances, but for capturing those moments when on holiday or a day out with no particular intentions when convenience is important, it's a great lens.

Rick.

[jet_kit]

Hi Tony,
I bought a Tamron 11-18mm because I couldn't afford the Nikon (Well, not and put food on the table as well). It's a bit soft at the extremes of the aperture range, but then most lenses are. It often hunts for focus a bit. But, in the main I'm very happy with it and would recommend Tamron to anyone.

[Tom Peppiatt]

I have the 18-200mm. Good lens, although i feel i out grew it a lot quicker than any other lens I own. Also, the 18-270 is a great lens. Just get it, its great! Trust!