Anyone have experience with Tamron 18-270?

[swanysto]

Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Lens

I am thinking about renting this lens for a trip I am taking. I would like a pretty good all in one lens. Does this have pretty good IQ?

TIA

 

[Anubis]

i havent used it but DPreview seemed to think it was alright
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_18-270_3p5-6p3_vc_n15/4

 

[radhak]

I have the Tamron 28-300mm with VC (for nikon), and that review (for the 18-270mm) might well have been written for my lens - seems to match my experience exactly (other than comparison with other similar lenses, which I've not done). I have managed some pretty decent pictures, but have been thankful for the VC - to counter the distinct shake at the super-zoom end. The auto-focus is slow, particularly in lesser light or at the far end of the zoom : no wonder, as the aperture shrinks to 6.3.

It was a blessing while out on vacation : not having to choose between lenses for a group picture (wider angle) or the close-up of a sleeping sloth on a tree.

But if I knew what I'd be photographing, I'd rather choose specific lenses (the 17-50mm 2.8 for indoor parties, or the 70-300mm for soccer games). Those are definitely sharper than the all-in-one 28-300.

 

[twistedlogic]

But if I knew what I'd be photographing, I'd rather choose specific lenses (the 17-50mm 2.8 for indoor parties, or the 70-300mm for soccer games). Those are definitely sharper than the all-in-one 28-300.

^^This

It's an alright lens, but slow to AF and F/6.3 on the long end. As soon as light fades it you will have troubles getting accurate AF and a fast enough SS to stop moving objects.

As far as IQ, there is a lot of distortion throughout the zoom range, but it seems like a sharp lens, similar to the Nikon 18-200.