Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens
- Price: $399.95
- GBP 254.74
- Calculate Shipping
- In Stock
Not compatible with 35mm cameras or digital cameras using full-size (FX) image sensors
The Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Lens is a 15x high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using the more compact (APS-C) digital size image sensors. The focal length of this lens is equivalent to approx. 27-405mm in 35mm format. Designed as an "all-in-one" lens, it will meet almost all photographic opportunities without changing lenses.
The VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism allows the use of shutter speeds that are much slower than otherwise possible, with no perceptible increase in image blur. It automatically detects movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting a moving object. This feature is a must in a lens with this long of a focal length.
The AF18-270mm lens, made for the Nikon digital SLR system, incorporates a motor built into the lens itself, which gives it the capability to autofocus with all Nikon DSLR cameras (including the D40 and D40x). In addition, with the motor built into the lens, focusing will be quieter and more responsive.
- Special Glass Optimized for Digital SLR
- Three hybrid aspherical lens elements and two LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements are used to accomplish effective compensation of on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations, a critical factor to enhance the optical quality in digital photography.
- Di-II Series Design
- Design has been improved by adding a gold-colored band between the focus and zoom rings to enhance the appearance and make it stand out as a Di-II lens. The rubber patterns of the zoom and focus control rings have been improved at the same time to compliment the digital camera design style and to provide better handling.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18 - 270 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/22 - 40 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon DX FX in DX Crop Mode |
| Angle of View | 75° - 5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.61' (49 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.28x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.5 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/18 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.1 x 3.9" (7.87 x 9.91 cm) |
| Weight | 1.21 lb (550 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 165 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
84%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (108)
- Consistent output (91)
- Easily interchangeable (85)
- Durable (64)
- Strong construction (64)
Cons
- Lens creep (56)
- Heavy (44)
- Slow focus (38)
- Poor in low light (13)
- Blurry focus (8)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (99)
- Wildlife photos (62)
- Sports/action (47)
- Weddings (33)
- General purpose (30)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (79), Semi-pro photographer (25), Casual photographer (21), Enthusiast (20), Semi-professional (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (63), Yes (9)
Most Liked Positive Review
Better than perfect!
This lens is simply amazing! The convenience factor is obvious, but it doesn't make it unique. You can get the 18-200mm Nikkor or the (much cheaper) Sigma equivalent, both of which ...Read complete review
This lens is simply amazing! The convenience factor is obvious, but it doesn't make it unique. You can get the 18-200mm Nikkor or the (much cheaper) Sigma equivalent, both of which have similar zoom ranges and other specs. Yes, the Tamron is sharper than the Nikkor. Yes, it has a few extra mm at the long end, but so what. The big difference comes from the image stabilization system. It's different and better than what both Nikon and Sigma use. If you're careful, you can hand hold the Tamron and get perfect images at 1/2 of a second at the 18mm end and 1/15 at 270mm!!! This is simply impossible with the Nikkors (I tried it with 18-200mm and 70-200mm VR - you can't even come close). Also, there is no image shake in the finder and no noise. If not for the shallow depth of field that they produce, I would probably sell all my fast primes.
Now, the lens is not as sharp as the 17-35mm or the 28-70, or the 70-200m 2.8 Pro Nikkors when these lenses are stopped down. However, it is sharper stopped down than all of the Pro Nikkors wide open and given how great its image stabilization is, you can afford to stop it down even in dark conditions. Compared with Nikkor 18-200mm it's a clear winner in every respect other than the lack of a ring motor (it does have a built-in motor - it just doesn't let you focus manually without switching to MF mode).
The feel of the lens is mediocre, but not inferior to the 18-200mm VR Nikkor. It is a bit soft at the edges at the 270mm end, but still usable. The zoom ring doesn't rotate smoothly, which is annoying. You get the usual variety of weird distortions typical to super-zooms. Nevertheless, it is, in my view, by far the best DX format superzoom available. I would recommend it to anybody (my mother included) not only as a walk-about lens or a kit lens replacement, but also as an excellent available-light lens.
I wish Tamron licensed its stabilization technology to Nikon - if Nikon incorporated it into their pro zooms, I'd be first in line to spend a small fortune on these things.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Poor Lens, Please don't buy
I was very excited for this lens, read all the reviews, positive and negative and decided to go for this lens. I liked it initially when I checked it indoors. Photos were very ...Read complete review
I was very excited for this lens, read all the reviews, positive and negative and decided to go for this lens. I liked it initially when I checked it indoors. Photos were very bright and nice and probably I liked this lens over Nikon lens at that time.
I took it on my vacation and left my nikon 18-55 and 55-200 lenses at home which was my biggest mistake.
This lens worked nicely for initial 10-15 photos and then it my Nikon camera started giving me frequent messages "Lens not attached". I had to switch off my camera 3-4 times before I could click one or two photos and again the same message even I didn't switch off the camera.
Well then auto focus stopped working.. AF was not doing anything once for every 4 clicks. Well AF never worked if I switched on the camera which lens was at 270 zoom. The only way to get that working was to switch on the camera at 100 and then go to 270.
Rest all the negative comments given by other reviewers which I ignored while deciding for this lense like :
Lens Creep - its there - if you point the camera up, my lens falls back in
Image quality - Virtually all of my pictures are soft!
Zoom ring doesn't move smoothly between 70 and 150 mm.
Zoom difficult to move in vertical when pointing up or pointing down. It works normally on horizontal position
mainly very frequent "Lens Not Attached" Error.
I am returning this lens today. Can't recommend this to anyone, Don't go for cheap lens, just go for Nikon 18-200 if you need a good lens
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 165 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Great all in one
Cons
- None for me
Best Uses
- For Every Picture
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
Excellent all purpose walk around lens!!!
As a non professional who prefers to have the convenience of a point and shoot camera with the ability to take pictures from a distance I've previously owned a 35mm film camera and a Tamron 28-300 lens. It served me many years and still functions fine however a couple of years ago we went digital and bought the Nikon D-90 which came with an 18-105 lens.I immediately loved the new Nikon D-90 camera but was finding myself default to the pocket size point and shoot simply because of the limited reach of the lens. I've been watching the price and reading the reviews on this Tamron 18-270 lens for about a year or more and this year my wife suggested it as a birthday gift for me. The price at B&H was the best and we've bought from them a number of times so it was a no brainer!
The motor inside the lens does make some noise but in my mind it is reasonable. The very short design of this lens when withdrawn does make for a very coarse thread so indeed it is difficult to retract when pointing downwards BUT seriously I doubt anyone else could do it better! So you level off the lens to dial back if you zoomed in too far. It is a very fair trade for the versatility of the one 'do it all' lens. Not being a professional, I don't see any problems with picture quality and I've actually got some of my best ever close ups and long distance shots in just the few weeks I've owned this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
This is a fantastic carry around lens. I get great wide angle and telephoto shots with it. And the weight is just right. The only thing I would change about this lens is that I would make the lens locking switch larger which would make it easier to set.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- I have no cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
I got this lens for a Christmas present last year and I have used it for everything from portraits to landscapes to wildlife. I love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
This is a light, compact lens with a great range. It does not match well with my older NikonD2xs with an inability to track properly with auto focus and at times not allowing the shutter release to operate at all. The lens on manual zoom is tight and difficult to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
I like the range of this lens (18-270), but my other lenses are Nikon products, and they are much smoother to operate. This lens catches on zoom and retract, and isn't as stable or productive on high speed shutter settings. If I had it to do over again, I'd spend more for Nikon made instead of Nikon compatible. Pictures taken so far are of same quality, just harder to get.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
Very easy to use for a variety of uses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
I bought this lens when I purchased my Nikon D5000 and it's just what the saleman said it was - a great multi-use lens. I'm not lugging around equipment and swapping out lenses. As a new DLSR owner, I couldn't have asked for a better first lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
Nice lens, but a little too heavy, and awkward for my taste. It was also rather loud when it would function. I returned this lens, and bought the newer updated model of this lens and am much happier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
I like this lens because have very good stability and the zoom it is great.
It is little heavy than lens i use before but it is ok.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
I use this lens almost everyday for most of my shooting. I love the zoom range of the lens as I do not have to change lenses during a session as often. The ease of this lens to use is almost identical to the other brand lens I use.[...]The design,function, and versatility is almost like other brand lens with another name on it. I would say that Tamron has come a long way to achieve this level of quality and respectability. I have yet to experience any negative issues other than what I previously mentioned, and have hopes that there will not be any.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
Bought this lens to replace my original kit lenses of 18-55mm and 55-200mm. I upgraded to a D7000, and this was my lens upgrade. So far I am impressed with the lens overall, as it has not only taken some amazing landscape photos but made it easy to zoom in on a small pack of wolves that ran by us at 430 in the morning without having to scramble for a new lens. That moment right there made the payment worth it on this lens.
Im an amateur photographer who does this as a hobby, but I dont take equipment lightly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
I Intent to use in Landscape/Scenery
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
Photography has been a hobby of mine for over 7 years. I am mostly into landscape and wildlife photography. For those on a budget, this lens offers high quality pictures with a wide range. This makes a fantastic all in one lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
I do a lot of photograhpy on the run. Hiking, biking, camping, backpacking and traveling. It's a great lens for the money, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of time changing (or in my case can't spare the extra room and weight) multiple lenses. This lens pretty much does it all for you. It seems to struggle a little when you get into the very far end of the zoom range, but what it lacks it makes up for in versatility. Plus, the vibration reduction rocks, a lot of shots you'd need a tripod for you can get freehand with this lens. Overall a good buy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
Love this lens. Replaces a couple of lenses that I already owned. Does wide angle & macro very well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
Just completed an assignment where I had to use the lens full zoom. Sharp wide open. Minimal w/a distortions (actually didn't see any)853 exposures in 8 hours. One negative is that the lens extends if it's not in the home position while walking. Lens shade cast shadow at some distance/zoom even with SB900 on camera. IS gyros are noiser than Nikon's. But it works great at 270mm.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Fast accurate autofocus
- Great vibration control
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
As an intermediate-level amateur photographer and professional wildlife biologist, I take mostly photos of landscapes and various nature subjects, from the American Southwest to the savannas of East Africa, and use this lens exclusively on my Nikon D-80 DSLR. With this lens and a circular polarizing filter, it's pretty much all I need to capture just about any scenario, from closeups to faraway subjects to broad landscape vistas, I might encounter without having to change lenses of filters - a truly great convenience when time, chance encounters with wildlife and poor road conditions - including lots of dust - are major challenges. The autofocus and especially the vibration control ("Vibration Compensation") are absolutely fabulous under all conditions - the sharpest pictures I have taken without a tripod. Incidentally, when my lens arrived [...]I could hear something loose rattling around in it and was concerned that perhaps something was broken or loose, so I called B&H and the technician explained that it was the VC mechanism and that it would disappear when the lens was put on the camera and the VC engaged - which to my relief it did! Nice to have a real person to talk to who also knows what he is talking about.If I have any complaint at all, it is with the stiffness of the zooming ring which can be annoying when you need to use it in a hurry. I haven't had the lens that long, though, and I am hoping that it will become smoother with use and time. All in all, it is a great and affordable lens for all seasons, climes and outdoor subjects.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
I like the fact that I can go from shooting Birds in flight, to a wide landscape, them to a flower
on the macro, macro could be a little closer so a little more cropping. over all a very nice all in one lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
The reason I bought this len is because I had the basic 18-105 len from the day I was purchased my D90. 18-105 is just not far enough for my needs. This Tamron len seem to be working pretty good job. But there are some cons: this len is heavy, slow on AF, too much noise when you have VC mode on. But it still taking nice photos.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens:
This is my go to lens , it covers every aspect. With a span of 18-270mm and the one of a kind 15x zoom whats not to love?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $28.95
- GBP 18.44
- Price: $39.63
- GBP 25.24
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
- GBP 25.45
Cases & Wraps
-
- Original: $11.99
- Save: $1.20
- Price: $10.79
- GBP 6.87
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- 6-Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
