Normally, I would only purchase Canon lenses for my DSLR due to the image stabilization and auto-focus; however, lenses made by Canon can tend to be very pricy. For Christmas, I received this lens as a gift. I always was under the impression non-name brand lenses were cheap, UN-reliable, and did not have the features an actual Canon lens has for the Canon DSLR. One of the first things I noticed when I unwrapped the lens was the 6 year warranty. The lens also came with a hood, (which I find extremely convenient and very useful). The lens itself is larger than the Canon therefore non of my filters will fit the Tamron, but, that is a minor detail. After reading the included information, I connected the lens to my Canon and gave it a few test shots. This lens performed FLAWLESSLY and with the quality of an actual Canon lens! The test photographs were clean and sharp. One of the nice features, you don't need to constantly change lenses for macro shots or for telephoto shots. This lens was described as an "All In One" lens and it lives up to its description. A similar lens made by Canon was priced at around $800 where the XR Di II LD was a modest $200. I studied this lens as close as I could, (just out of curiosity). I was really surprised at how well this lens was made. Unlike a review written by a Nikon owner, my lens has an external focus ring as well as an AF/MF switch on the left side of the lens. The lens also features a lens lock so it stays in place when putting the camera back into the bag. One of the minor drawbacks to the Tamron, Canon lenses feature a clockwise zoom where the Tamron features a counter-clockwise zoom which you need to get used to, especially when taking time sensitive photographs. Another drawback, the lens is produced in China instead of Japan or the United States, but, for the quality of the lens and the price, the drawbacks can be overlooked.
I am extremely impressed with the Tamron AF 18-200mm XR Di II LD and would recommend it to any of my friends who are professional, amateur or hobby photographers.
I am extremely impressed with the Tamron AF 18-200mm XR Di II LD and would recommend it to any of my friends who are professional, amateur or hobby photographers.