Tamron has always been a pioneer in the do-everything zoom lens category and their new AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD lens is no exception. Don't be intimidated by those initials-it's all good stuff-and I'll get to them shortly.

The 18-270mm is not a new focal length for Tamron, as the brand produced one before that coveted the title of the world's longest focal length range for SLR cameras. But this latest release introduces a newly developed AF motor called the Piezo ultrasonic motor (PZD) that delivers faster, quieter...

The test results in the lab are a little disappointing from this lens, but it's still a good option for travelling light. The lens actually handles really well, and the VC stabilisation is very impressive.

The many reviews I have read about this lens tend to be a little harsh. It's far from perfect, but it gives you an incredible reach in a very small and light format. Autofocus is fast, color rendition and general image quality is predictable.

Small; light; fast autofocus; good stabilization

Dust got in between the two first glass elements at the back of the lens after 8 weeks

First introduced on December 9, 2010, the is 15x zoom lens for Canon and Nikon mounts (Sony coming soon) that offers photographers massive focal length versatility in the "most compact" form factor currently available.

Cons Bottom Line Pick This Up If...

Very well built; Comfortable controls; Capable VC system; Very quiet and fast AF and VC; Incredibly compact; Amazing 15x optical zoom range

Images are soft throughout the zoom range at all aperture settings; Small amount of visible CA; Zoom ring is stiff but smooth

Announced early in December 2010, Tamron's 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD lens introduces a new PZD (Piezo Drive) ultrasonic motor that delivers faster and quieter autofocusing. Claimed as the world's most compact, lightweight lens with a 15x zoom ratio it is designed for DSLR cameras with APS-C...

You want a general-purpose zoom lens that covers most types of subjects; You'd like a lens that requires no readjustment when you fit polarisers and graduated filters; You're happy to shoot and process raw files to optimise imaging performance

You need close focusing and macro capabilities; You want a lens for a camera with a 36 x 24 mm sensor; You need a lens with excellent flatness of field for architectural photography and copying

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

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Fast / accurate auto-focus; Image quality; Nice Bokeh; Rugged; Strong Construction

Heavy; Lens Creep; Slow Focus

When I review lenses I take a look at who they are built for. I realize not every DPS reader wants to lug around a 5lb lens worth a couple month's rent. While I love my main lens, it's not for everyone and I'd be a fool to tell you you should buy it if you just want a portrait lens.