The Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony is a 15x high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using the more compact APS-C image sensors. The focal length of this lens is equivalent to approx. 28-419mm in 35mm format. Designed as an "all-in-one" lens, it will meet almost all photographic opportunities without changing lenses.
The addition of PZD (Piezo Drive) ultrasonic autofocus motor helps make this lens lighter, short and slimmer than any previous lens in this category, and provides faster, quieter auto-focusing.
This lens will focus down to 19.3" (0.49 m) throughout the zoom range.
This lens is designed exclusively for DSLR cameras with smaller APS-C-size sensors. It is NOT compatible with 35mm film cameras and DSLR cameras with image sensors larger than 24 x 16mm.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18 - 270 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/22 - 40 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony Alpha, Minolta AF |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 75° - 5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 19.3" (49 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.26x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.8 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 3.8" (7.37 x 9.65 cm) |
| Weight | 15.87 oz (450 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Before anyone buys this lens, read this!
Ok, I don't have anything THAT important to say (unlike my subject line suggests), but I would like to say I am enjoying my new lens and it has lived up to my ...Read complete review
Ok, I don't have anything THAT important to say (unlike my subject line suggests), but I would like to say I am enjoying my new lens and it has lived up to my expectations. I read lots of reviews and did some research before buying, and I'd say a majority of the reviews are correct. The Lens is perfect for a wide range of shooting due to the focal length, has a VERY quiet auto-focus motor (unlike the noisy kit lenses- which is only important when you're shooting movies in a quiet environment like a wedding or musical recital). The drawbacks to the lens are found in the other comments as well.. its fairly heavy compared to the kit lenses (but aren't all broad focal length lenses heavy?), the lens extends to full zoom when you have it around your neck and point it downwards (called "lens creep" I think?).. unless you use the "lock".. and the last thing was I was surprised to notice that the difference between a focal length of 200 and 270 is MINIMAL! I was thinking I'd have a new lens that would really reach out there and take tighter shots than my 75-200 lens, but the extra 70mm's is really not noticeable. That's not the lenses fault, just my inexperience.
Summary: great lens, I'd recommend it to anyone.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Hi-pitch during AF and POOOR low light
This camera was bought for an all-purpose lens for my wife to use since she doesn't like messing with primes or even multiple zooms of different focal lengths. I had previously had the Canon 18...Read complete review
This camera was bought for an all-purpose lens for my wife to use since she doesn't like messing with primes or even multiple zooms of different focal lengths. I had previously had the Canon 18-200 when I shot the 60D and that lens was a very capable jack-of-all-trades.Since moving to Sony, I figured another superzoom would be in order for my wife to use. The Tamron is f/6.3 at 270 (compared to 5.6 at 200 for the Canon). But, I don't think that little bit of light loss could account for the results I am getting.When used in good lighting outdoors, the images are OK. Only OK, but usable. Nothing is usable indoors. Even with multiple powerful flash units, it is a lot of work to get a good exposure...work that my wife (who the lens if for) would never attempt. This is an all-in-one and is designed to simplify DSLR use for those who want it simple.Another thng is the autofocus sound: One of the major reasons we bought this was the reported silent AF during video using the SLTs. I was prepared for the clicking sound that I had heard on Youtube reviews. What I wasn't prepared for was a high-pitched friction-type sound as the focal length changes.Maybe this is just my copy and is a harbinger of a future breakdown, but I have to question quality control.The AF does work fairly well ecept in low light and the overall sound from the lens is less than for a typical screwdrive. However, if I had it to do over again, I would have either bought the Sony screwdrive version or the Sigma (even though heavier).In general, you sacrifice image quality and speed for these types of superzooms. But, for the price ([$]), I expected better AF and better performance in a well-lit indoor environement. I suspect that even though the aperture is similar to the canon (5.6 vs 6.3), the T-stop (actual light loss due to internal reflections) is MUCH greater.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 24 customers
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Pros
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Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
This is a great lens. No more having to change out lenses to get the distance I want!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Since purchasing this lens it is the one I use the most. I love being able to cover almost any range I need and not have to change lenses in dusty or rainy situations. The focusing is fast and accurate and best of all quiet, which is good for nature pics. The only issue is the zoom creep which can be annoying at times. I wish you could lock the lens at any time and not just in the 18mm position. Otherwise an awesome lens to own!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I absolutely love this lens! Light weight, sharp pictures, and the zoom range is excellent. I am extremely satisfied with the lens I would highly recommend it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Nice lens. Have only used it a little and have some great photos.
Did some tests with my Canon EOS Rebel XSi and my new Canon EOS 60D with it and my older Canon lens and was happy with the results.
What I did not expect was I can not point the lens down without the zoom falling out to about 200 mm. It is OK at 18 mm but but once I zoom out to about 20-25 mm it just falls out to about 200 mm. In other words I can not take photos using zoom setting of from 20-200 mm without holding the zoom ring when I point the lens down. Not what I expected for the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Once again, rarely off the camera. I owned the first version of the 18-270 on my Canons, and bought the new PZD version as soon as I could after switching to Sony.
Out of the box, the zoom was a little stiff, and the autofocus made some unusual noises. However, after a couple of hours, the zoom smoothed out (even better than the original) and the lens is nearly silent when focusing.
Focus is fast, and considering the range of focal lengths, amazingly sharp. I'm not sure if it's sharper than the non-PZD version, but it is at least as good.
Note that when using with a polarizing filter, some hunting will probably occur at longer focal lengths, as a polarizer will rob you of up to two stops of light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I am an amateur photographer and wanted a lens with great capability for an upcoming trip. This has been great to use thus far. The focus range is perfect, the image quality is great, and it is quiet upon autofocus! Too cool...
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Imagine never having to switch lenses - I did! My dreams (mostly) came true with the Tamron 18-270 Di II. The lens itself is nice and compact and provides good response in auto focus (with my Sony SLT-A65). It allows for great portraits and good (medium to long distance) sport photography.
One of the things I like is the quiet PZD drive which makes the HD movie mode on my Sony SLT much more acceptable (no post audio editing).
The one complaint (which I knew and accepted before I bought the lens) was the locking of the lens extension. You see with such a small body and long zoom in one package, the lens extension makes for a long barrel (which is fine) - it's just if you forget to click the lock lever, the lens will extend itself to full length quietly and simply. It really is a petty complaint - but I wanted to give you full disclosure of the one (understandable) negative
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Tamron has been a lens innovator for some time and this particular lens has great range and performance! It's super quiet which is important since I coupled it with my Sony A77 and anticipate taking video on occasion.
This is a great lens to have particularly to travel lightly.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
the pictures are great. However the zoom lens had lens creep. In a vertical position the lens zooms out to maximum. I never had this before.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
This camera was bought for an all-purpose lens for my wife to use since she doesn't like messing with primes or even multiple zooms of different focal lengths. I had previously had the Canon 18-200 when I shot the 60D and that lens was a very capable jack-of-all-trades.Since moving to Sony, I figured another superzoom would be in order for my wife to use. The Tamron is f/6.3 at 270 (compared to 5.6 at 200 for the Canon). But, I don't think that little bit of light loss could account for the results I am getting.When used in good lighting outdoors, the images are OK. Only OK, but usable. Nothing is usable indoors. Even with multiple powerful flash units, it is a lot of work to get a good exposure...work that my wife (who the lens if for) would never attempt. This is an all-in-one and is designed to simplify DSLR use for those who want it simple.Another thng is the autofocus sound: One of the major reasons we bought this was the reported silent AF during video using the SLTs. I was prepared for the clicking sound that I had heard on Youtube reviews. What I wasn't prepared for was a high-pitched friction-type sound as the focal length changes.Maybe this is just my copy and is a harbinger of a future breakdown, but I have to question quality control.The AF does work fairly well ecept in low light and the overall sound from the lens is less than for a typical screwdrive. However, if I had it to do over again, I would have either bought the Sony screwdrive version or the Sigma (even though heavier).In general, you sacrifice image quality and speed for these types of superzooms. But, for the price ([$]), I expected better AF and better performance in a well-lit indoor environement. I suspect that even though the aperture is similar to the canon (5.6 vs 6.3), the T-stop (actual light loss due to internal reflections) is MUCH greater.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I have had this product for about 3 weeks and I like it a lot. It is an great upgrade from the kit lens that came with my Sony SLT A33. I Strongly recommend it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I didn't expect this lens to be tack sharp but the 18-200 I have for my NEX3 was so much sharper in tests at identical focal lengths and f-stops that I thought the lens was defective. I had B&H send me a second copy but it wasn't any better. I don't know if I was unlucky and got two poor copies or I just expected too much from this lens but I returned both copies. The same camera body (A65) produces sharp images with the 50mm-f1.8.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
A previous reviewer said that this Tamron 18-270mm lens is inferior to the less expensive Sony 18-250mm lens. I agree and would add that the Sony lens itself is inferior to the still less expensive Tamron 18-250mm lens. Newer is not always better. Cheaper sometimes is.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I was disappointed in this lens being pretty impressive in specs and with a relatively high price. The Piazo auto focus was alluring as was the 270mm range. That said, in a side by side comparison to the Sony 18-250 it was NO CONTEST! The Sony was MUCH sharper in image clarity and that for me was the deciding factor. The difference in reach between the Tamron at 270mm vs. the Sony at 250mm was negligible. As a plus,the Sony was even less expensive!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I am an advanced amateur and wanted a single lens for both reasonable wide as well as medium to longish telephoto. This lens fits the bill nicely. I have not found the lens lock necessary, the lens when held "down" does not extend but I suspect as it gets more use I will need the lock. I am more than satisfied with this lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Just be aware, that the Tamron lense made for Sony does not have the Vibration Compensation (VC), as States in the descreption. Those are only made for Nikon and Canon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Ok, I don't have anything THAT important to say (unlike my subject line suggests), but I would like to say I am enjoying my new lens and it has lived up to my expectations. I read lots of reviews and did some research before buying, and I'd say a majority of the reviews are correct. The Lens is perfect for a wide range of shooting due to the focal length, has a VERY quiet auto-focus motor (unlike the noisy kit lenses- which is only important when you're shooting movies in a quiet environment like a wedding or musical recital). The drawbacks to the lens are found in the other comments as well.. its fairly heavy compared to the kit lenses (but aren't all broad focal length lenses heavy?), the lens extends to full zoom when you have it around your neck and point it downwards (called "lens creep" I think?).. unless you use the "lock".. and the last thing was I was surprised to notice that the difference between a focal length of 200 and 270 is MINIMAL! I was thinking I'd have a new lens that would really reach out there and take tighter shots than my 75-200 lens, but the extra 70mm's is really not noticeable. That's not the lenses fault, just my inexperience.
Summary: great lens, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I am an amateur weekend photograph who likes landscapes, architectural and nature photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Weight, ease of handling & quality of performance
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
This lens would have gotten a five star rating if I had not tried to focus manually with the camera pointing down. Rather frustrating trying to keep the lens from creeping and focusing at the same time. Otherwise a great lens.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Before anyone buys this lens, read this!
Ok, I don't have anything THAT important to say (unlike my subject line suggests), but I would like to say I am enjoying my new lens and it has lived up to my ...Read complete review
Ok, I don't have anything THAT important to say (unlike my subject line suggests), but I would like to say I am enjoying my new lens and it has lived up to my expectations. I read lots of reviews and did some research before buying, and I'd say a majority of the reviews are correct. The Lens is perfect for a wide range of shooting due to the focal length, has a VERY quiet auto-focus motor (unlike the noisy kit lenses- which is only important when you're shooting movies in a quiet environment like a wedding or musical recital). The drawbacks to the lens are found in the other comments as well.. its fairly heavy compared to the kit lenses (but aren't all broad focal length lenses heavy?), the lens extends to full zoom when you have it around your neck and point it downwards (called "lens creep" I think?).. unless you use the "lock".. and the last thing was I was surprised to notice that the difference between a focal length of 200 and 270 is MINIMAL! I was thinking I'd have a new lens that would really reach out there and take tighter shots than my 75-200 lens, but the extra 70mm's is really not noticeable. That's not the lenses fault, just my inexperience.
Summary: great lens, I'd recommend it to anyone.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Hi-pitch during AF and POOOR low light
This camera was bought for an all-purpose lens for my wife to use since she doesn't like messing with primes or even multiple zooms of different focal lengths. I had previously had the Canon 18...Read complete review
This camera was bought for an all-purpose lens for my wife to use since she doesn't like messing with primes or even multiple zooms of different focal lengths. I had previously had the Canon 18-200 when I shot the 60D and that lens was a very capable jack-of-all-trades.Since moving to Sony, I figured another superzoom would be in order for my wife to use. The Tamron is f/6.3 at 270 (compared to 5.6 at 200 for the Canon). But, I don't think that little bit of light loss could account for the results I am getting.When used in good lighting outdoors, the images are OK. Only OK, but usable. Nothing is usable indoors. Even with multiple powerful flash units, it is a lot of work to get a good exposure...work that my wife (who the lens if for) would never attempt. This is an all-in-one and is designed to simplify DSLR use for those who want it simple.Another thng is the autofocus sound: One of the major reasons we bought this was the reported silent AF during video using the SLTs. I was prepared for the clicking sound that I had heard on Youtube reviews. What I wasn't prepared for was a high-pitched friction-type sound as the focal length changes.Maybe this is just my copy and is a harbinger of a future breakdown, but I have to question quality control.The AF does work fairly well ecept in low light and the overall sound from the lens is less than for a typical screwdrive. However, if I had it to do over again, I would have either bought the Sony screwdrive version or the Sigma (even though heavier).In general, you sacrifice image quality and speed for these types of superzooms. But, for the price ([$]), I expected better AF and better performance in a well-lit indoor environement. I suspect that even though the aperture is similar to the canon (5.6 vs 6.3), the T-stop (actual light loss due to internal reflections) is MUCH greater.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 24 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
This is a great lens. No more having to change out lenses to get the distance I want!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Since purchasing this lens it is the one I use the most. I love being able to cover almost any range I need and not have to change lenses in dusty or rainy situations. The focusing is fast and accurate and best of all quiet, which is good for nature pics. The only issue is the zoom creep which can be annoying at times. I wish you could lock the lens at any time and not just in the 18mm position. Otherwise an awesome lens to own!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I absolutely love this lens! Light weight, sharp pictures, and the zoom range is excellent. I am extremely satisfied with the lens I would highly recommend it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Nice lens. Have only used it a little and have some great photos.
Did some tests with my Canon EOS Rebel XSi and my new Canon EOS 60D with it and my older Canon lens and was happy with the results.
What I did not expect was I can not point the lens down without the zoom falling out to about 200 mm. It is OK at 18 mm but but once I zoom out to about 20-25 mm it just falls out to about 200 mm. In other words I can not take photos using zoom setting of from 20-200 mm without holding the zoom ring when I point the lens down. Not what I expected for the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Once again, rarely off the camera. I owned the first version of the 18-270 on my Canons, and bought the new PZD version as soon as I could after switching to Sony.
Out of the box, the zoom was a little stiff, and the autofocus made some unusual noises. However, after a couple of hours, the zoom smoothed out (even better than the original) and the lens is nearly silent when focusing.
Focus is fast, and considering the range of focal lengths, amazingly sharp. I'm not sure if it's sharper than the non-PZD version, but it is at least as good.
Note that when using with a polarizing filter, some hunting will probably occur at longer focal lengths, as a polarizer will rob you of up to two stops of light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I am an amateur photographer and wanted a lens with great capability for an upcoming trip. This has been great to use thus far. The focus range is perfect, the image quality is great, and it is quiet upon autofocus! Too cool...
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Imagine never having to switch lenses - I did! My dreams (mostly) came true with the Tamron 18-270 Di II. The lens itself is nice and compact and provides good response in auto focus (with my Sony SLT-A65). It allows for great portraits and good (medium to long distance) sport photography.
One of the things I like is the quiet PZD drive which makes the HD movie mode on my Sony SLT much more acceptable (no post audio editing).
The one complaint (which I knew and accepted before I bought the lens) was the locking of the lens extension. You see with such a small body and long zoom in one package, the lens extension makes for a long barrel (which is fine) - it's just if you forget to click the lock lever, the lens will extend itself to full length quietly and simply. It really is a petty complaint - but I wanted to give you full disclosure of the one (understandable) negative
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Tamron has been a lens innovator for some time and this particular lens has great range and performance! It's super quiet which is important since I coupled it with my Sony A77 and anticipate taking video on occasion.
This is a great lens to have particularly to travel lightly.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
the pictures are great. However the zoom lens had lens creep. In a vertical position the lens zooms out to maximum. I never had this before.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
This camera was bought for an all-purpose lens for my wife to use since she doesn't like messing with primes or even multiple zooms of different focal lengths. I had previously had the Canon 18-200 when I shot the 60D and that lens was a very capable jack-of-all-trades.Since moving to Sony, I figured another superzoom would be in order for my wife to use. The Tamron is f/6.3 at 270 (compared to 5.6 at 200 for the Canon). But, I don't think that little bit of light loss could account for the results I am getting.When used in good lighting outdoors, the images are OK. Only OK, but usable. Nothing is usable indoors. Even with multiple powerful flash units, it is a lot of work to get a good exposure...work that my wife (who the lens if for) would never attempt. This is an all-in-one and is designed to simplify DSLR use for those who want it simple.Another thng is the autofocus sound: One of the major reasons we bought this was the reported silent AF during video using the SLTs. I was prepared for the clicking sound that I had heard on Youtube reviews. What I wasn't prepared for was a high-pitched friction-type sound as the focal length changes.Maybe this is just my copy and is a harbinger of a future breakdown, but I have to question quality control.The AF does work fairly well ecept in low light and the overall sound from the lens is less than for a typical screwdrive. However, if I had it to do over again, I would have either bought the Sony screwdrive version or the Sigma (even though heavier).In general, you sacrifice image quality and speed for these types of superzooms. But, for the price ([$]), I expected better AF and better performance in a well-lit indoor environement. I suspect that even though the aperture is similar to the canon (5.6 vs 6.3), the T-stop (actual light loss due to internal reflections) is MUCH greater.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I have had this product for about 3 weeks and I like it a lot. It is an great upgrade from the kit lens that came with my Sony SLT A33. I Strongly recommend it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I didn't expect this lens to be tack sharp but the 18-200 I have for my NEX3 was so much sharper in tests at identical focal lengths and f-stops that I thought the lens was defective. I had B&H send me a second copy but it wasn't any better. I don't know if I was unlucky and got two poor copies or I just expected too much from this lens but I returned both copies. The same camera body (A65) produces sharp images with the 50mm-f1.8.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
A previous reviewer said that this Tamron 18-270mm lens is inferior to the less expensive Sony 18-250mm lens. I agree and would add that the Sony lens itself is inferior to the still less expensive Tamron 18-250mm lens. Newer is not always better. Cheaper sometimes is.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I was disappointed in this lens being pretty impressive in specs and with a relatively high price. The Piazo auto focus was alluring as was the 270mm range. That said, in a side by side comparison to the Sony 18-250 it was NO CONTEST! The Sony was MUCH sharper in image clarity and that for me was the deciding factor. The difference in reach between the Tamron at 270mm vs. the Sony at 250mm was negligible. As a plus,the Sony was even less expensive!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I am an advanced amateur and wanted a single lens for both reasonable wide as well as medium to longish telephoto. This lens fits the bill nicely. I have not found the lens lock necessary, the lens when held "down" does not extend but I suspect as it gets more use I will need the lock. I am more than satisfied with this lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Just be aware, that the Tamron lense made for Sony does not have the Vibration Compensation (VC), as States in the descreption. Those are only made for Nikon and Canon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Ok, I don't have anything THAT important to say (unlike my subject line suggests), but I would like to say I am enjoying my new lens and it has lived up to my expectations. I read lots of reviews and did some research before buying, and I'd say a majority of the reviews are correct. The Lens is perfect for a wide range of shooting due to the focal length, has a VERY quiet auto-focus motor (unlike the noisy kit lenses- which is only important when you're shooting movies in a quiet environment like a wedding or musical recital). The drawbacks to the lens are found in the other comments as well.. its fairly heavy compared to the kit lenses (but aren't all broad focal length lenses heavy?), the lens extends to full zoom when you have it around your neck and point it downwards (called "lens creep" I think?).. unless you use the "lock".. and the last thing was I was surprised to notice that the difference between a focal length of 200 and 270 is MINIMAL! I was thinking I'd have a new lens that would really reach out there and take tighter shots than my 75-200 lens, but the extra 70mm's is really not noticeable. That's not the lenses fault, just my inexperience.
Summary: great lens, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
I am an amateur weekend photograph who likes landscapes, architectural and nature photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
Weight, ease of handling & quality of performance
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Lens for Sony:
This lens would have gotten a five star rating if I had not tried to focus manually with the camera pointing down. Rather frustrating trying to keep the lens from creeping and focusing at the same time. Otherwise a great lens.