Tamron is the master of extremely long, complex lens names and the Tamron AF 18-270mm Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO is no exception. Be aware, however, that the last part of the lens's name ("MACRO") is a misnomer. Although this lens allows close focusing, it is not a true macro.

Pretty good for the money, no need to change the lens anymore, and not to heavy.

I often recommend this lens to people who are looking to replace their twin lens kit or those who are buying a new camera and are looking for a lens that is versatile and easy to travel with.

Overall it seems that Tamron has been just a bit too ambitious in this lens. This is unfortunate given that its 270mm setting is a key selling point but there will doubtless be times when owners will be grateful for the extended zoom range that, to some extent, does trump other more modest zooms.

The type of user that the Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is aimed at will be perfectly happy with the performance of it. Picture quality is overall very good and we got some lovely sharp results from it.

The Tamron 18-270 mm VC joined the megazoom class and set a new record of the zoom ratio. Elbowing your way in this segment is not easy though, and the standards were set high by the Nikkor 18-200 mm VR and the Sigma 18-200 OS.

very universal focal lengths range,; efficient image stabilization,; good image quality in the frame centre in the range of 18-200 mm,; decent performance at the frame edge in the range of 18-200 mm,; moderate or low chromatic aberration in the range of 18-200 mm,; quite well corrected coma,; good...

slow and not very accurate autofocus,; weak action of zoom ring and manual focus ring,; weak performance at 270 mm,; distinct vignetting in all focal range,; high distortion.

This update to Tamron’s epic 15x superzoom is not only smaller and lighter, but it now includes a Piezo Drive motor for faster and silent AF. Mat Gallagher takes a look at the new features and finds out if it really is the ultimate travel lens

A newer, compact revision of their 18-270mm super-zoom lens that sports an improved vibration compensation system and a piezo ultrasonic motor.

Tamron Di-II lenses are engineered expressly for digital SLR cameras with image sensors commonly referred to as APS-C, measuring approximately 24mm x 16mm. Rendering an ideal image circle for APS-C sensors, Di-II lenses also include properties to optimize digital imaging performance.

ePHOTOzine lens expert, Gary Wolstenholme casts his keen eye over the 15x Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC LD Aspherical (IF).

Zoom range; Price; Vibration Compensation feature; Light weight

Slow maximum aperture; Needs to be used at mid-apertures for best quality