Tamron Releases 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 with Piezo Electric Motor; Serious Enthusiasts Cry

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.photographyblog.com/news/tamron_18-270mm_f_3.5-6.3_di_ii_vc_pzd/' target='_blank'>http://www.photographyblog.com/news...3_di_ii_vc_pzd/</a><br /><br /></div><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1292247761.usr15670.jpg" /></p><p>So uh, yes. Now the 18-270mm (which translates to 27-405 in 35mm equivalent terms for APS sensors) is updated with a piezo electric motor for its autofocus (like those found in Nikon AFS and Canon USM lenses), you finally can have a lens that is fast enough to track in sports photography! Or maybe not. I am sure this lens will be popular with the casual crowd, and those upgrading from their superzoom compacts, but I suspect most serious amateurs will steer away from this one. If you want one, it will be available in Nikon and Canon mounts from 20th December in Japan, which means rest of the world in January earliest, and in Sony mounts at a later date. No word on a US pricing, but UK price is &pound;650.</p>

[ptyork]

I think the better news is that the old model can be had for CHEAP now. I just picked up the old version for $375 (including a $150 rebate) plus a free photo backpack ($99 normally). No, it isn't going to be a lens that I keep on the camera (my 17-55 f/2.8 is my #1 go to lens). Nor is it going to be my fast action telephoto lens (right now that's my Tokina 50-135 f/2.8, though I'm probably going to be looking at a 70-200 at some point). BUT, I do think it'll be a great lens for outdoor travel and nature shots. It's got good reviews for outdoor image quality, a well regarded stabilization system, and the zoom range can't be beat. I won't be "proud" to show it off, but I'm pretty sure I'll be satisfied with it...definitely a worthy replacement for the very mediocre 28-135 kit lens that came with my 7D.

It'll be interesting to see the reviews for this new one. It's MUCH smaller and lighter. I just have to feel that they won't be able to squeeze the same image quality out of fewer elements. But we'll see. I'm FAR from an expert here.

[ptyork]

FYI, it's $649 USD at Amazon (pre-order). A $20 bump from the prior version's regular price.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

I'm sure it'll sit well with the casual crowd, like I said. But I think there's going to be enough compromises that I won't want to use this for my serious shoots (likely to be less good going from 100mm to 270mm).

Also, how did your 7D come with a 28-135? It should be a 15-85 or a 18-135.

[ptyork]

(likely to be less good going from 100mm to 270mm)

Got mine yesterday and did some test shots in moderate light. Amazingly, it equaled or outperformed the Tokina 50-135 at every shared zoom range. Of course the Tokina was wide open (not it's most flattering aspect), but it does make me wonder if I made a mistake with that lens. Even when stepped down a stop, it still didn't improve dramatically in comparison to the Tamron. Down at 55, I added in my Canon 17-55 and it really made me appreciate how good that lens really is. MUCH sharper, especially wide open. Brighter colors. Far zippier focus. Just plain better.

But again, all moderate (indoor, indirect) light, so I'm not too worried. I think it'll work out for the walkaround shots that I want it for. And it'll be my only stabilized telephoto (for now), which is much appreciated since my hands are no longer rock steady. Of course, when I come to something really special, I'll have other choices in my backpack, but lens changes are such a pain when traveling.

Also, how did your 7D come with a 28-135? It should be a 15-85 or a 18-135.

Another case of ignorant Americans getting stuck with shoddy kit lenses. Almost all kits sold here are the 28-135mm's. You can find the 18-135 if you look hard enough, now, though you couldn't when I bought mine. You cannot find the 15-85 at all, which is sad since that's a great little lens and by far the best kit choice.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

I have the least steady hands in the world. You should see how much the camera shakes. I can still pull off shots a stop down from the 1/focal length limit.

Surprising the Tokina's not doing well. It's rated quite highly. Maybe your copy is slightly defective?

Now I know where all the 28-135s are going! Sorry to hear about that.