Is the Tamron AF 18-200mm a good lens

Thinking about it for the coming A77...I know it's a vague question..But the price looks good so how about the quality as a substitute for the original sony 18-250mm lens...And is it useful for video?

I too wanted to ask the same question but other way round. Most of the people here suggest for a Sigma lens which is not readily available in India at least on Online shopping websites like Flipkart.com.

Should one go for Tamron over Sigma? Please discuss various pros & cons of Tamron over Sigma lenses for Sony SLT A35.
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Prashant R

Tamron 18-250 is better

loph said:

Thinking about it for the coming A77...I know it's a vague question..But the price looks good so how about the quality as a substitute for the original sony 18-250mm lens...And is it useful for video?

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I took this lens to Disney World and yes - it is a good lens for the money if it fits your budget. It loses out to the more expensive 18-250 in terms of edge and corner sharpness/distortion and autofocus speed.

However - by all means it is not as bad as people think. I ordered it and was pleasantly surprised by its weight and the quality in the most important area of the lens... the area in the middle of the edges. (heh...)





In my opinion - this lens is an excellent lens for vacation photogs that don't pixel peep. If you don't zoom in to 1:1, and like to share photos on tablets/screen/physically - you won't be disappointed.

EDIT: For an a77 I would choose a better lens though... I mean... you're dishing out a ton of money for an awesome sensor... might as well get a lens that'll showcase the camera eh?

Whether it's a good lens depend on the use you intend to put it to. Personally I would not use it on an a77 as the IQ is probably not a match for the camera's potential, and as you mention video you will probably hear the focus gears in your recording.

The Tamron/Sony 18-250 has undoubtedly better IQ and the 18-270 will deal with the focus noise issue as well.

There are people who are fans of the Sigma 18-250, which is cheaper but larger, IQ is probably about the same.

I think one of these lenses (not the 18-200) is a good addition to anyone's bag.

good shooting

tom

The Tammy 18-200 is now the grand-grandfather of the travel zoom family. Tamron/Sony 18-250 are said to be of the same optival design, only the AF gear ratio is different. The Tammy 18-270 is the newest design. But the non-stabilized Sony version costs the same as the in-lens stabilized Canon/Nikon versions. You pay a lot for nothing. In contrast the new designed Sigma 18-250 will have in-lens-stabilization in the Sony version too.

When I use my SAL 18-250 for certain purposes where lens change is difficult I set my A700 to half resolution (6Mpix), I don't think one needs more. There is a album 'balloon travel in Cappadokia' in my personal gallery.