"If you are looking to create a photography system that gives you all the versatility of a super point and shoot digital with a DSLR at its core this is how it's done". If you only are going to buy one lens for your digital SLR check this rascal out.

Yes, just what I needed.

I am a realist and read a lot about this lens prior to purchase. I have a 5DII and 6 lenses - 3 of which were expensive. It is all in a large now heavy camera bag. I stopped taking the 5DII out because of the weight and taking 2 or more lenses. I was taking a Sony NEX instead.

Size; weight; VC; convenience

not 'tack' sharp at 300mm wide open

I am a realist and read a lot about this lens prior to purchase. I have a 5DII and 6 lenses - 3 of which were expensive. It is all in a large now heavy camera bag. I stopped taking the 5DII out because of the weight and taking 2 or more lenses. I was taking a Sony NEX instead.

Size; weight; VC; convenience

not 'tack' sharp at 300mm wide open

Needed a lens with good range and this one provided that at a fair price. Usually only buy Canon lenses but I am not disappointed in this Tamron lens.

Fast / accurate auto-focus; Consistent Output; Good Lens At A

This is a great walking around lens! The glass matches my Nikon glass on the wider end (28-70) and does very well to 200mm. Above 200mm the lens is softer than my Nikon lens at 3x the price, so fo it is a great value across the capabilities.

I like using this lens, saves me having to tkae all my lenses out with me. its not Macro but does take good quality photo's. The Vibration only works on large subjects. if you try to use it on distant shots it vibrates and won't focus. I just use a tripod on long distant shots.

John Riley reviews the Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] Macro lens.

Compact; Well made; Versatile range; Convenient

Performance limitations

The vibration compensation works quickly and nicely -- you can see and feel the lens settle when it's ready. The main problem with the lens is a lack of sharpness or clarity, hand-held or on a tripod. All pictures needed significant editing, especially sharpening.

vibration compensation; lock to stop lens creep

lack of sharpness

Actually, newegg's price for this lens is among the best. This lens is being confused with the older model, the AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di, which is now being sold for not much more than half the price of the new VC model with the current rebate.

Very high optical quality for the price Excellent stabilization; better than some "Big two" lenses at twice the price Terrific value

Lens creep, like most long zooms; Use the hood to help control flare Slow (f6.3) at the long end, VC takes care of this Nothing serious