mikelat

Is it all its cracked up to be? I have an 18-55 and a 75-200 lens right now, along with a 100mm macro lens. Is the Tamron worth $525 (after rebates) as a multi-purpose travel lens? Would I/you be able to get most of the pics I/you care about with that lens?

Loren Pechtel

I don't have the lens in question but long ago in the SLR days I used a Tamron 28-300. There was one big downside--the thing focused very slowly. Otherwise I liked it.

Big_Dutch

I do have the 18-270 for my Nikon 300s. I originally bought it along with a Nikon 5000. It is a very good walk around lense. I used it alot in the beginning, but now typically opt for my 16-85 Nikkor. The Tamron is certainly not as sharp as the Nikkor, however I still use it quite frequently when I need that extra reach. The VR or rather VC as Tamron calls it, does a very good job and results in about 2 stops when hand holding. From time to time, I've had issues with zoom creep, where if the lense is mounted on the camera and i hold the camera down, the lense will extend all the way, but I am now very conscious to make sure i use the lock slide.

Again, its a very good all around lense, its just not great at any one particular thing.

USPhilly

I have it as well and agree completely. I love it for when I'm traveling for work though as I can put it on my D90 and not worry about carrying a lot of other lenses. I typically don't have a lot of room so this is perfect for me.

I think it really comes down to what your expectations are and what you'll use it for.

glennaa11

I use one on my D90 as well. It has produced fine results for me. Just make sure you turn the VC off if you are using a tripod. I have used it in travels around SE Asia. Focus is not as fast as a Nikkor, but the cost savings more than make up for that.

I had a Nikkor 18-200VR. But it didn't give me the reach I wanted so I moved to the Tamron.

It is not a great macro lens though. Which is a bit disappointing. My Tamron 28-300 does a nice job for macro shots but this lens is not as good.

davidvcd

with regards to tamron lens, I'm remember the tamron 18-250mm being the better lens and was one of my considerations. In the end for travel I still went with 2 zooms.

JackStack

Its a very good all around lense, its just not great at any one particular thing.

Gardyloo

I got one recently and took it on a trip to the Columbia River Gorge a few days ago. Here are some samples illustrating the zoom range -

View from our hotel room in Hood River, taken around sunset, 35mm equivalent ~35mm.



Zoomed to ~ 300mm equivalent.



Both hand held, Nikon D5000, f/5.6, ISO 400, 1/640 - 1/1000 sec. I'm pretty pleased with the lens so far; as expected it will probably be my default lens for the camera, at least until I win the lottery.

otptravels

I have this lens for my rebel T1i and I love it. I cannot call myself more than an amateur photographer, but the versatility of the lens just can't be beat. It fits in my original camera bag and is the only lens I ever use (the only other one I own is the original).

windwalker

Am thinking about this lens as well for my T2
Local Camera shop has a used one. Asking 385, 90 day warranty
Amazon wants around $650

I could drop down a little bit and get the Tamron 18-200, NEW with 6yr warranty for around 300


Hard time deciding if I really need the extra 70 mm for the extra money

decisions decisions .....

wiredboy10003

I'm holding out for the 12-1000

rkkwan

$650 is for the new PZD version, that's lighter and smaller with the new motor as well as different optics. The used one you're seeing for $385 is likely the older non-PZD version, though still with VC.

The new 18-200 you see is without VC. There is also a discontinued 18-250 without VC. And of course, several Sigma alternatives too.

tropicalgirl

Yeah, only get it if you really can't deal with two (or three) lenses.

windwalker

The non-PZD new is still around, 630. Pretty big $$ difference between new v. used

glennaa11

I am pretty sure there's a $150 rebate on the older model available these days too.

I have found that the original version has a lot of trouble with AF in low light when racked all the way out on my D7000. It worked much better on my D90. I plan to try the new version on the D7K to see if it is better.

It really is a great option for travel.