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Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

Started May 31, 2021 | Discussions
Ralph McKenzie Senior Member • Posts: 2,121
Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

I'm looking at the Tamron 18-270 mm telephoto lens as an all purpose walk about lens. Anyone here currently using one, and if so what do you think of it?

http://akiwiretrospective.com/
Fuji HS20EXR,S5700
Canon 700D, EF-S 18 - 55 mm

 Ralph McKenzie's gear list:Ralph McKenzie's gear list
Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR Canon EOS 600D Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
Canon EOS 700D (EOS Rebel T5i / EOS Kiss X7i)
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Digirame Forum Pro • Posts: 41,857
Re: Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

I see that no-one has responded to you so far today.  I have not used this lens.  But I researched this a long time ago.  What I remember about this superzoom, is that the images were OK.  But for better images, not exceeding something like 8x zoom was generally better.  So I decided to initially use two cameras and lenses with them attached.  One camera had the 18-55mm lens and the other camera had the 55-250mm lens.  That combination is what I used to go from 18mm to 250mm.  It was a two lenses solution instead of a one lens solution.  But people will use that Tamron 18-270mm lens because the convenience factor is more important to them.

I haven't read recently anything about that lens.  I would suggest reading more up-to-date reviews about that lens before deciding.

OP Ralph McKenzie Senior Member • Posts: 2,121
Re: Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

Thanks Digi.

I get the feeling that the multi purpose telephoto lenses dont get as much consideration as perhaps they should. If like me you are on a very tight budget buying a bag full of primes is never going to happen, the sheer cost even if they are 2nd hand just puts them out of reach.

There doesn't seem to be too many reviews of the Tamron from the past couple of years but I will keep looking.

I have had the 55-250 before and I like it but I want to avoid having to swap lenses when I need more reach, nor do I desire to have two camera bodies as well.

I've given serious consideration to going with the Sony RX10, but for my astrophotography purposes that wont work. Being able to mount a camera to an astronomical telescope is a must for long exposure deepsky work.

Hence the enquiry re the Tamron.

As an impending retiree, one month to go ( Wahoo ) budget is going to be the overriding factor. In other words having one lens to do most things is going to be, for me at least, the most cost effective choice.

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http://akiwiretrospective.com/
Fuji HS20EXR,S5700
Canon 700D, EF-S 18 - 55 mm

 Ralph McKenzie's gear list:Ralph McKenzie's gear list
Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR Canon EOS 600D Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
MikeJ9116 Veteran Member • Posts: 6,958
Re: Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

If you are looking at super zooms I suggest checking out the Sigma versions.  I used a Sigma 18-250mm Macro for a number of years.  Its IQ was fairly good but no EF mount super zoom is going to be all that great.  The convenience is very addicting though.  IMO, the Sigma super zooms have better build quality than Tamron super zooms.  I think IQ is a little better too.

I'll mention a super zoom lens that is pricey but it is by far the best super zoom lens made, IMO.  It is the RF 24-240mm.  I have one I use on an R camera and the IQ, sharpness, AF speed etc. is outstanding.  Its IQ is very close to the EF 28-300L lens.  When paired with the RP camera it is a very formidable setup for around $1,100.  This might be more than you care to spend but will deliver very impressive results for a 10X lens solution.

VanA Contributing Member • Posts: 593
Re: Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

I have this lens and use it with my Canon SL1.

I wanted to get a superzoom  for the SL1 but wanted to keep it light and small.  The whole rig is small and lightweight and is able to fit in a small camera holster.  The lens is pretty good for a superzoom as I've shot indoors in a car museum.  The VC works very well and I was able to get sharp images indoors without a flash at  ISO 800 to 1600.   It is the perfect zoom for going to the zoo having a relatively long range in a small physical size. Carrying a lightweight kit like this all day made it easy on the neck and shoulder.

Having a fairly small filter size (67mm)  makes it easy to carry a polarizer and an ND filter in the pocket of the holster zoom.

I will sometimes bring a pancake Canon 24mm STM lens and that fits it the holster as well.  This way I can have a prime with a f2.8 for low light shooting.

No, it won't match the IQ of zooms with shorter ratios or primes but it can hold it's own when it comes to image quality.  If you shoot a stop or two down from the maximum you can get impressive results.

OP Ralph McKenzie Senior Member • Posts: 2,121
Re: Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

Thanks VanA, It seems like it would be a good addition for my rig, and apart from the 55-250 STM which I have had in the past appears to be the closet match in performance to the STM lens.

-- hide signature --

http://akiwiretrospective.com/
Fuji HS20EXR,S5700
Canon 700D, EF-S 18 - 55 mm

 Ralph McKenzie's gear list:Ralph McKenzie's gear list
Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR Canon EOS 600D Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
Deviantfotografer
Deviantfotografer Senior Member • Posts: 1,003
Re: Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

I have this lens, and have used it since it practically came out, and I love it!!! Its great for travel and shoots where you are not sure which lens to use.... you can start with it and move on to like a prime lens!!! take care!!!

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Jarrod M Campbell
Check out my Website @:::
www.jarrodcampbell.com

 Deviantfotografer's gear list:Deviantfotografer's gear list
Kodak EasyShare P880 Olympus FE-180 Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 Canon PowerShot SX130 IS +20 more
OP Ralph McKenzie Senior Member • Posts: 2,121
Re: Tamron 18-270mm ... any good?

Thanks for the feedback. Pretty much convinced that this is the all purpose lens I will settle on.

-- hide signature --

http://akiwiretrospective.com/
Fuji HS20EXR,S5700
Canon 700D, EF-S 18 - 55 mm

 Ralph McKenzie's gear list:Ralph McKenzie's gear list
Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR Canon EOS 600D Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II
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