Recommend Upgrade for Tamron 18-270?

[Just Dave]

I purchased a Tamron 18-270 lens with my Canon 7D several years ago. It seemed a good low-budget general-purpose lens for my first DSLR. Since then, I've also purchased some filters, including a pricey ND filter for movie shooting in bright snow. [I live and shoot at Lake Tahoe.]

Unfortunately, my lens seized up and, rather than service it again, I'm now considering replacements to step up the image quality a bit. Most replacements - even the newer version of the same Tamron - aren't compatible with my 72mm filters and I'm not familiar with the step-up/down ring thing, so was avoiding it. In the Canon world, the only ideal replacement I see is the discontinued 35-350, which usually sells on eBay for between $350 and $650 - my budget is $450. Also, the 35-350 doesn't have VC.

Any recommendations?

• Non-Canon alternatives?
• Step-up/down ring with a particular Canon or non-Canon alternative?
• Better source of used camera gear than eBay?

For my budget, I'm definitely thinking second-hand.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[ed rader]

one thing I would never do is size a new lens to filters I already own. that's a backasswards approach, imo.

 

[Suave]

Do you absolutely insist on having one lens?

 

[canonaimer]

Sigma 18-300 uses 72mm filters, is actually a pretty sharp lens.

 

[Jon_T]

If single long range zoom (aka vacation zoom) is your higher priority (than IQ) then just check the various reputable camera gear online stores that have a good return policy, i.e., B&H Photo, Adorama, KEH, etc. Also B&H and Adorama provides free shipping if you're in the USA and no sales tax if you're outside of NY and NJ -- need to take in consideration when comparing prices.

At the time of this post at B&H Used Lenses HERE they have:

Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. AF (IF) Macro Lens
Condition: 8+ for $199.95

Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. AF (IF) Macro Lens
Condition: 9 for $199.95

Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD AF Lens for Canon
Condition: 8+ for $276.95

Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD AF Lens for Canon
Condition: 9 for $286.95

Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD
Condition: 8+ for $409.95

Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO Lens for Canon
Condition: 9 for $439.95

Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO Lens for Canon
Condition: 9+ for $449.95

Can read the DPR Tamron 16-300mm review HERE.
On your 7D the 16mm would provide a wider 25.6mm equiv. 35mm FOV whereas the 18mm provide a 28.8mm 35mm FOV.

With Canon 7D (1.6X crop factor) the 16-300mm will provide an impressive 25.6-480mm equiv. 35mm FOV zoom range.; providing overall IQ is OK for your photog needs.

NOTE! use a "Step-down" ring will result in vignetting at the image corners; hence not a good choice.

Newer Tamron long zooms have a smaller 62mm or 67mm filter size so you will need the proper "step-up" to use your 72mm filters.

The newer Tamron 18-270mm lens has 62mm filter thread so you would need to get a 62mm-72mm step-up ring; e.g., HERE.

The Tamron 16-300mm lens has 67mm filter thread so you would need to get a 67mm-72mm step-up ring; e.g., HERE.

Cheers,
Jon

 

[Just Dave]

one thing I would never do is size a new lens to filters I already own. that's a backasswards approach, imo.

Okay, so I'm doing it all wrong. What's your SOP, then? Do you use step-up/down rings? Do you accumulate filters in multiple sizes? I can understand this approach, even for an amateur like myself, until we're talking about a $400 variable ND filter. I can afford ONE. Do you trade your filters somewhere?

Thank you.

 

[Just Dave]

Do you absolutely insist on having one lens?

No, not necessarily, but I like the convenience. I also have a 50mm prime and a fisheye, but don't need the variable ND with those - I don't shoot movies with 'em. [Actually, I wouldn't mind shooting some fisheye footage - I shoot mostly action stuff - but there's no getting a filter on those anyways.]

The real problem is my $400 variable ND filter. I need to make it work with whatever lens(es) I end up with. Or replace it. I just can't afford to own multiples.

 

[Just Dave]

Sigma 18-300 uses 72mm filters, is actually a pretty sharp lens.

Can't beat the price, either! I'll check it out.

Thanks!

 

[Just Dave]

Great info, Jon. Thank you!