At Tamron, our quest has always been to make the ideal zoom lens. As a result of this ongoing challenge, we have introduced the concept of our high-po
At Tamron, our quest has always been to make the ideal zoom lens. As a result of this ongoing challenge, we have introduced the concept of our high-power zoom lens in the new AF18-200mm XR Di II for exclusive use with digital SLRs. Tamron's original development of proprietary core technologies such as Aspherical element production, Multiple Cam Mechanism and Integrated Focus Cam design lend to the creation of the world's lightest, most compact 11.1X zoom lens made for digital SLR cameras.
I shoot with a Canon Digital Rebel XT. I only own two lenses. The Canon 50mm f/1.8 and this Tamron 18-200 Zoom. So far, these are all I've needed. If you've seen my outdoor photos on PhotoSig, most of which are shot with the Tamron, you'll see that this glass gives superior results.
The lens feels nice and solid, despite the amount of plastic from which it is constructed. The zoom and focus rings are very solid feeling, not binding, not loose. I've never had a problem with zoom creep, no matter what angle I use and no matter how long the exposure.
As can be expected from the minimum aperture, this is not a low-light lens. This lens is to be used primarily outdoors in good light, or indoors with flash. When used within these parameters, this lens shines.
I've used this lens on my job and as a hobby for over a year. I've had zero problems with it. I have noticed the difficulty auto-focusing in low light that others have mentioned, but as I've said, this is not the lens for that type of shooting. This, in my opinion, is the perfect non-professional travel lens. It's the only one you'll need on a trip.
I bought the telephoto to go with my rebel XT. I wanted it for stormchasing , nature shots and more.The reviews were good and much less expensive then canon of the same type.
'So far so good. Good pictures of tornadoes, wallclouds, supercells and nature stuff. It works well. Have gotten used to most of the "bells and whistles" on the canon to learn how to then use the telephoto well.
Strengths:
Light ,compact and easy to mount on the camera with the bayonet mount.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes I wonder if I am not getting sharp enought images.
This lens gives good reults for a general purpose walk around lens. The dowside is that (particularly in lower light condtions) it does have difficulty in focusing and can often be heard huntng .... for a long time. Generally Focusing is accurate but quite slow and noisy. Value for money? Its worth the money I paid but definitely no more. If I was buying again I think I'd probably pay a bit more. Compared to the canon 24 - 105 it has the advantage of price and focal range, but thats all.
I read the occasional review that said this lens was absolute rubbish,well,I discount those type of remarks as no lens today falls into that bracket.
It not a light-weight lens by a long shot but feels very well built indeed and has a lovely solid,not stiff,zoom action and I can,with my lens,see no need for the zoom lock as it doesn`t move about at all.
I am using it on my Canon EOS 350D as I wanted a much longer zoom than standard lens supplied with kit. Focusing is very fast and accurate,lens is by no means noisy at all. Results so far have given me very sharp, well coloured images--I do intend to post some later as a photo,as they say,speaks a thousand words. My friend spend a lot more on his Canon 28 135 IS--I think that is the size of the IS lens,am not sure as forgot. He paid almost double,but true to form he had to have the Canon badge as nothing else would be good enough in his opinion.He is now regretting it since he has seen my photographs and I let him use it and try it for himself and he is now convinced it is the far superior lens. Ok one might say,that lens has IS, so what,you only need to increase ISO on the Canon to 400 and the playing field is now level. At that ISO the 350D still gives absolutely noise free images. I think he is going to get rid of lens he has and buy the Tamron. Believe me when I say you have nothing to fear buying it.Unless you are a pro and wish for absolute pro results and your living depends on it,then by all means buy L series Canon glass,or equivalent of course, but if not save your money and but this wonderfull lens from Tamron.
Strengths:
Sharp image quality. Good colours with lens coating. Fast to focus, very very well built.
I bought this lens fully expecting to be disappointed with its shortcomings, but wanting a light walk-about lens for occasional use. I was surprised to find it performed extremely well as a consumer grade lens and now use it almost exclusively.
At the wide end its performance exactly matches Canon's EFS 18-55 for resolution, distortion and colour balance - but with slightly less C.A. At the telephoto end it is markedly sharper than my Canon 90-300 (which is marginally sharper again than the 75-300 mk111 it replaced.) Used as a macro at the 200mm end it is quite acceptable - although it's not a patch on my Canon 100mm macro!
Focusing is quicker than the canon lenses, but slightly noisy. It has manged to lock on to racehorses, dogs and flying birds.
The zoom lock has not been needed since the zoom doesn't creep ... yet!
Against the light it is surprisingly free from flare, although contrast does drop.
I now use this lens almost exclusively, changing to the only when macro when needed.
Strengths:
Light, excellent focal range, creditable performance for a consumer grade lens.
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