Tamron 18-200mm vs. 18-270mm lens

PauloMN

Looking for a bit of advice as to a new lens for my 550D. Currently have the 18-55mm kit lens, a Canon 55-250mm lens and a Canon 50mm f1.8 portrait lens.

I'm hoping to replace the kit lens and the 55-250mm lens with one of the Tamron lenses as I find I'm switching out lenses a lot depending on what I want to shoot.

Obviously (on paper anyway) it looks like the more expensive Tamron 18-270mm lens would fit the bill perfectly (and give me a shade more zoom also), but there's almost €250 between that lens and the 18-200mm lens from Tamron, and I'm wondering is the difference justified. I guess the focusing on the more expensive lens is faster/better, but would that justify the difference in cost?

Anyone had a similar dilemma and what did you pick in the end?

inkedpt

I believe the major difference, apart from the obvious focal range, is image stabilization, vibration compensation (VC) on tamron. Neither of this are fast lens, shooting in low light can present some challenge. The "extra" 70mm at f/6.3 will most likely produce a smother out-of-focus at 270mm if you're close enough to the subject.
I would open the wallet for the tamron 18-270mm just because of the VC, good news is... they're with a 60€ cashback.

Pat Dunne

I know it not exactly what your are looking for info on, but I hope the follow maybe of use. I just got hold of the Tamron 16-300 before Christmas. With all the usual crazy seasonal deadlines from work and home I have just managed to get to use it properly this weekend and I am very pleased with the results, I'm using it on my 70D.

Its very compact and easy to use, it has VC (Vibration Compensation) Tamron's version of Image Stabilisation, it focuses very quickly and quietly. I haven't noticed any major distortion yet on the shots I've deemed as keepers. I see it becoming my walk around lens

I'll post up a few examples later, as my internet connection is a very dodgy at present.

PauloMN

Thanks guys for the feedback, think I've decided on the better lens.

Pat Dunne

PauloMN wrote: »

Thanks guys for the feedback, think I've decided on the better lens.

What have you decided on?

PauloMN

Pat Dunne wrote: »

What have you decided on?

I've decided to get the 18-270mm (more expensive) one.

Only problem is the cashback deal expires tomorrow, and finding one is proving difficult. I've vouchers to use so I'm restricted as to where I buy and Argos are all out of them from what I can see. Might hold off a while.

PauloMN

Well I finally got the Tamron 18-270mm (waited for a price drop in Argos) and tried it out today. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. As per OP, I've been using the kit lens and a Canon 55-250mm with decent results, the only problem being having to switch them. Image quality has been fine from both.

But switching in the Tamron today and taking a variety of shots, I was really disappointed in the quality of the pictures, which was nothing less than appalling. They were so bad that I could clearly see how bad they are on the built-in LCD. Sometimes you get a bad shot that looks ok on the LCD, but when you get home and view them on a screen, they look bad..... well these shots look bad on the LCD.

They're so bad I think there's something wrong with the lens. I tried some test shots at home and the problem would appear to be the auto-focusing, it just isn't doing a good job. I can get ok shots when I turn off AF and manually focus, but tbh with what I want to shoot this is pointless really.

Anyone has similar experiences with third-party lenses? Is it possible I got a dud lens, one with dodgy AF? While I understand this is a compromise lens, it's not a cheap lens and tbh my point-and-click would get me better images than this lens is getting me.

inkedpt

Sorry to hear that. Some lens come out with issues, in your case seems to be either front or back focus. Had the same problem in the past with a sigma, went back to the shop and replaced it. Consider going to argos and replace the lens for a good copy or get your money back.
Good luck!

Pat Dunne

inkedpt wrote: »

Sorry to hear that. Some lens come out with issues, in your case seems to be either front or back focus. Had the same problem in the past with a sigma, went back to the shop and replaced it. Consider going to argos and replace the lens for a good copy or get your money back.
Good luck!

I'm with inkedpt on this one, it sounds like you might well have a dud on your hands. I've 4 different Tamron lenses and I'm very happy with them all.

Let us know how you get on with Argos.

jonathan mark

i have the 18/270 its ok 18/100-150mm in good light but fully extended the image quality isn't acceptable. that not to say tameron cant make good lens. just this one tries to do to much.

PauloMN

Meant to update the thread before. Went back to Argos and they changed the lens no problem. Much improved on first lens I got. Still not quite as sharp as the Canon lenses I have IMO but this one is usuable for sure. Must have been a dud.