Tamron 18-270 Di II VC PZD - Is it any Good?

[huntingskeetman]

I recently picked up a Rebel XSi and want to get a versatile "carry" lens for an Alaskan cruise trip I am taking this spring. A local camera shop is having their annual "demo" sale, and I can get a Tamron 18-270 Di II VC PZD for $429.00. It would be considered a "new" sale and would come with its full 6yr warranty, and there is also a $50.00 rebate going now, which would bring final cost down to $379.00.

I've heard mixed reviews on this lens. Could someone give me some real life personal reviews of this lens if you do in fact own one. Thanks.

[joeblack2022]

Have a look here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=984677

[davidc502]

It's a very large range for just 1 lens, and that usually means "jack of all trades, master of none". It doesn't man you won't be happy with it. It just means if you're an enthusiast, it may not exactly please you with its performance.

I can tell you this... by the review below, it just isn't going to be sharp wide open.

http://thedigitalpicture.com/Reviews...mp=0&APIComp=0

[huntingskeetman]

I think for its intended purpose, its as good as anything else that is comparable, and for the price I can get it for it would be a good value. Portability is a key factor, I don't want to have to carry a big bag and change lenses all the time. If later on I get the "bug" and want to get more serious, then I would probably want to go after specialty lenses.

[Snydremark]

For $379 I'd snap it up; they make great travel lenses. That's what I've kept my 18-270 for, since it packs a lot smaller than all of the big guns.

The trade off is image quality than more specialized focal lengths; but it will work great for something like a cruise.

[GregoryF]

It is probably the best of the superzooms. You really can't go wrong for that price. If you decide that you don't like it you can easily sell it and get your money back.

[huntingskeetman]

Gregory, that's what I'm thinking also. I'll buy it and try it out before the cruise and if image quality is really that bad I'll dump it and get something else.

[firefighter4u]

I considered buying this lens just days ago, but because of the price I didn't think it was worth it. Now, if I could have gotten it at the price you listed, I think I would have pulled the trigger... for what its worth.

[huntingskeetman]

I think you guys have convinced me to get the lens, I know the manager and he has the lens on hold for me. I'll try it out and return it if I'm not happy with it after a few days.

[gocolts]

My wife has it on her T1i, it's the only lens she takes when we're traveling and plan to do a decent amount of shooting outdoors. It covers about any focal length you could need, it's small, light, and the VC on it is pretty good. As for IQ, I've found plenty of keepers with it in good light, any sharpness/contrast issues have been solved in 30 seconds in Adobe Photoshop for us.

Superzooms get a bad rap sometimes, but sometimes it's fun to just go out and shoot without a bunch of gear, and know what you have with you will cover any need you have. I find the Tamron is good enough for the majority of casual usages, and makes having a camera with you a much easier proposition sometimes.

And for that price, you can always sell it and lose very little if you don't like it.

[joeblack2022]

Not that you need anymore convincing but the versatility should serve you well - I went on vacation only packing a Nifty Fifty (50mm f/1.8)and I missed out on some good shots. I did this thinking I'd just move my feet and wouldn't need flash for low light.

Sometimes I just couldn't back up far enough and while the night shots looked good on the LCD, there were only a few were keepers in the end.