Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC Lens Review

[@clemarsanchezperetti806]

When i have any doubts with a lens....i always look for your review, even this one that´s 10 years old! Thanks!

[@throtol]

Chris, thank you. Great review. Unbelievably, your review is still relevant in late 2022. I purchased this lens for $70 for my Fujifilm X-T2 with Fringer EF converter. It works well and I had wanted a one stop lens so I am not carrying around expensive lens when I am in the hot rocky desert that is especially prone to drops and scratched.

[@paulgray1699]

The lens hasnt changed.

[@christopherfrost]

@unprofessionalvids Filmed in Jinju, South Korea, during their annual lantern festival. Check my other video of the lantern festival to see some interesting footage!

[@mwelumichael3542]

You speak very well. I could hear word to word. God bless you with the good work you do 👏🏾

[@VladimirHidalgo]

11 years later and this is still very useful :)

[@bhd812]

Best voice for reviews....the voice soothes you while you take in the information.

[@thongtranminh251]

watched dozens of your videos and this is my first time seeing your face! Good job reviewing things!!! Keep it up!

[@skwrttj]

Pretty good review... fair to the lens, and you point out the limitations of the lens without making it seem to be a dog... which super-zooms can be seen as if you don't look seriously at their weaknesses. If I were in the market for this lens, your review gives good points on which to make a decision. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the effort!

[@christopherfrost]

If you want a decent superzoom lens with VC (or OS, or IS, whichever the brand) go for the Sigma 18-200 OS ii. It's great

[@christopherfrost]

@Smurfed Thanks! Yes, it's nice for me to have the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 because it has a good constant aperture. Interestingly, you can see the variable aperture changing as I zoom in during the footage on the lake - you can see the light level changing. The only solution to avoid the visual change is to keep the lens stopped down to f6.3...ouch.

[@MIK2810]

This is by far the best review of this lens i have seen out of all of the reviews i have watched!

[@christopherfrost]

The zoom creep was like that out of the box, as a new lens. And why is there so much aberration in the corners? Do you think I added it myself to try and trick people? That's just what the lens does. I'm presenting you with the evidence. Check out any review of this lens on the internet if you don't believe me. And did I say the lens is cheap? I remember saying it's cheaply made. And that it's comparatively good value (which is different from being 'cheap')

[@christopherfrost]

@191675 Optically, it will be the same. I don't know about any other differences. It should be fine (if you get the Sony version of course)

[@christopherfrost]

@DaMatta11 That's a good question. The digital image sensor on a compact camera is much smaller than those on SLRs. So, the lenses can be made much smaller. It's easy to make a superzoom lens for a camera with a tiny image sensor. However, SLRs need much bigger lenses and it's much harder for manufacturers to make the lenses. A 720mm SLR would be huge!

[@1650million]

Great review. Loved your constant remarks about using the lens for video, something most reviewers are still forgetting to this day. Thanks man.

[@followchristwithme37]

In 2020, your video is still helpful. Thank you.

[@crBudgetWatches]

Yes I bought this lens years ago and lost it during a trip. I just bought a used one from eBay in mint condition for 130 usd. I have many other lenses but this one is my absolute favorite for one for all situations. Absolutely fantastic for the price specially current used prices.

[@chrisg2534]

Great review. Appreciate how you compare strengths and weakness as well as how diverse or limiting the Tamron lens can be. Thanks for the help

[@madaucer]

Definitely need to keep my eyes open for this lens, hopefully i can get one used. Great review, subbed!

[@coachrobwille4176]

Right on did you find one ?

[@christopherfrost]

Go with the Tamron. Consider the PZD version. The image quality will be about the same as the 75-300

[@christopherfrost]

@Snake2208x Don't be afraid of getting your camera sensor dirty while changing lenses. Sensors stay clean for a long time before they have to be cleaned, and it's not hard to have them cleaned. Pro photographers change their lenses 10 times a day - it should be fine. I don't know about Nikon lenses, but try the 16-85mm VR: it has a good zoom range without compromising too much optically. But the rule will always be: the longer the focal range, the lower the picture quality. Have fun!

[@christopherfrost]

@DaMatta11 It all depends on the individual sensor really. If they were both made using the same light-gathering technology, then a large 12MP sensor would likely perform far better in low-light situations. I would MUCH prefer to have that than a 16MP small sensor where low light images look terrible. That's why I wouldn't buy a compact camera. A larger sensor has another advantage - it can produce a much narrower depth of field, which makes your backgrounds nice and blurry.

[@snowydarf]

Such a great review, hit all the points I was curious about. You are informative and again, hit the key points with good examples.

[@ejdotw]

Gosh, I swear I feel as though I owe you tuition. Thanks again for another amazing review, Chris. You're awesome!

[@jorgie1625]

dude you hit all the important questions!! impressive.. you make it easy for us NOVICE guys to understand!.. you need to do reviews for NIKON!!!!

[@NadirOnTheGo]

Does anyone know how the stabilization of this lens compares with the Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM C Lens? I am trying to pick between the 2 for wildlife videography for a 3 day trek in Indonesia

[@christopherfrost]

I think the 18-270 is very slightly better

[@NadirOnTheGo]

@@christopherfrost Thanks so much for responding! If you don't mind me asking another question, do you think the Canon EF-S Zoom 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6 IS has better stabilization than these two? I am trying to figure out it if spending the extra money on it is reasonable

[@christopherfrost]

@@NadirOnTheGo I can't remember, to be honest...these are really old lenses now! Take a look at my reviews and see what you can find out (sorry I can't help you more than that!)

[@NadirOnTheGo]

@@christopherfrost No worries. Appreciate the help :)

[@christopherfrost]

@CYNFELYN23 Yup...until March 3rd when I move back to the UK...can't wait to get some shepherd's pie...

[@christopherfrost]

@Jonnyriffic You need to buy the Canon version of the lens. You won't need an adaptor

[@michaeldidomenico7]

I have had this lens for 4 years, and in April I am taking to Italy for my trip. I have used this lens rarely, but I need the zoom feature it offers.

[@bydeyscyclingadventures8253]

I'm guessing for an amateur who wants an one stop shop for Disney this would be a good option?

[@_thethys_9174]

I think so, it's also good at sharpness ig

[@MyWuffi]

Great review. Well done. Especially since you're talking about all the problems of this kind of lens. thanks

[@risenmyson]

chris !! im so surprise with this video !! thank you so much ! i'm back here in Korea..

[@christopherfrost]

Well yes, I said that for a superzoom lens it's good...

[@rexcruciatus2036]

Another really great review, Chris!

[@Blonde7362]

Thanks Chris, very informative and simply explained.

[@DaMatta11]

@christopherfrost The models that have those lenses mounted have sensors of 16MP. The sensor resolution is the same or bigger then most of the slr's except of course some of those pro cameras 10 times expensives. I think in this case what matters is the resolution of the sensor not the size but i don't know and I can be wrong, what you think is better a big sensor of 12MP or a small sensor of 16MP? what are de disadventages of a small sensor?

[@pedrofsantos]

Thank you, the best review I've seen so far!

[@Rareparrot]

Hi Christopher - cant thank you enough for your reviews. I am trying to work out the best zoom lens to get (for my canon 500d) so appreciate all the time and effort you have put in to your different and current lens reviews. So far I think I will go Sigma. Cheers

[@glion69]

Great review,good looks and a very nice voice :)),,was fun watching your vid,,keep on reviewing...

[@regimantas94]

Very helpful review,thank you

[@Jorcap]

Thanks for the video, couldnt find a proper review video of it eather. Ty!

[@biker123cool]

great review chris. what do you recommend as a all in one lens tamron 18-200 or 18-270 . keeping in mind the best image quality and minimum distortion . i have canon 18-55 , 55-250 but its just too much load to carry around for quick holidays.

[@christopherfrost]

I haven't tried the 18-200. If you're looking for something low cost, then try the PZD version of this 18-270mm lens. It's smaller and a bit nicer

[@DaMatta11]

Fuji as superzoom lenses of 24-720 mm (equiv. to 35) on some camera models. I would like to know why slr's manufactors don't produce too zoom lenses like that or they want us buying lots of lenses instead of one..?

[@MarshaRandolph]

It seems if I am shooting a model who is standing still that I should activate (set to ON position) my VC button on my Tamron lens. But what if the model is slightly in-motion? Or if she is in full motion for instance; running towards you? What would be your recommendation for two scenarios while shooting hand-held photographs?

[@balacau]

Not many reviews on youtube for the lens; I certainly agree with you there. It has recently been announced that there's a version of the 18-270mm Tamron to be released for the Sony a-mount although the date for release is not known as of yet. A real shame, I could do with a lens that could replace my Sony 18-70mm kit lens and perform the bulk of tasks which my 75-300mm lens takes on, in one package! Nice review though, thanks.

[@Brhoooom2009]

very nice bro.... l love film making and Zoom video ... should i buy Tamron 18-270 or sigma 18-200 ? canon 18-200 is expensive for me ! and could you please put focus speed test ??

[@myhealthtoo]

What do you think of D750 I currently have 500d and i am missing every shot of my son in sport even in still shots .

[@karensegura4983]

Christopher Frost Photography I need an all-around lens for sports photography, what do you recommend? I was thinking of the Sigma 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM for Canon instead of this one.

[@SuricatB]

Hello Christopher Frost Photography , I would like to know how this lens compares to my current Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 (non-vc, old version)?

[@Smurfed]

Great review chris. That thing is versatile but wow is that focus slow compared to a canon's USM. Also one thing to note, this lens has a variable aperture which is also why it isnt meant for filming since your settings will change as you zoom in and out. Go with a lens with a fixed aperture if filming.

[@beavertown2006]

You always have great reviews. Wish you will review Tamron 16-300 in the future.

[@magnusconsul]

OK you have raised some valid points, some minor , in fact as a good all round lens for amateur photographers who may have space issues when out and about, this is great value for money and quite practical.... so I brought one and I am one very happy choppy, !

[@christopherfrost]

Animal, a telephoto lens. Nature, a standard zoom lens (18-55). What you'll want to get depends on so many things.

[@ralentinavamirez]

Could you please tell me if there are any similar lenses that might be a little cheaper? I'm looking for a new lens, and this one caught my eye. I'm just wondering if there are any others. Thanks (:

[@floex831]

I ran into your channel by accident, but I really love your reviews they are actually objective unlike many other channels. The third party lens reviews are what I really like, obviously you are a Canon user which there is nothing wrong with but I would like to see some Nikon reviews as well. I formally am requesting that you review the Tamron SP 70-200 2.8. Thank you very much, I absolutely love your channel.

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks man! That's really kind of you and I'm glad you like the channel. If I can find the new Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC for hire, I might review that.

[@UnauthorizedCreations]

I am going to be purchasing this lens for making cooking content. I'm looking forward to it.

[@haneefsheikh]

How abaut Tamron 18-200 lens? please make a on 18-200 lens too if you not made yet.

[@christopherfrost]

Look on my channel

[@_krish]

Nice review. I like the way you explain. I have a question about sigma 18-250mm hsm lense. I want this lense for my canon 60D. Can you help if it is better or is tamron 18-270 is better for 60D.

[@TheNwarBudakBudak]

i would really like to see the 18 - 200 tamron review btw..

[@elliemajelly99]

Hi thanks really good review! will this lens fit on my canon rebel t3? what would you say is better for wedding photography, this lens or the sigma 18-250mm? thanks!

[@raduz123]

I use my DSLR mostly for filmmaking and am considering this lens, are there any multi purposes lenses you would recommend over instead of this for an on the go filmmaker, gigs, events, parties etc

[@christopherfrost]

They'll both do the same thing, and they'll both fit on your camera. You should consider using a better camera and the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS, if you're considering regularly shooting weddings

[@RCM797]

Great review the best Iv watch and very help full for me great job

[@stevens37y]

Hi, do you think the Sigma 18-200 DC II is better than the Tamron 18-270 DI II PZD or the Sigma 18-250 DC Macro (newest version)?

[@bimbi654]

Wow great review. I just seen this lens Ata goodwill. I am sitting on my car thinking of buying it. They are asking 14 dollars for it.

[@ncs2000]

would you recommend the one with piezo drive over the non-piezo drive version?

[@user-j23]

Can this work with canon m6 mirrorless? I have the adapter

[@Maxime.26]

Hello ! I'm french. Videos about this Lens don't exist in french. I don't understand this video.. Can you tell me the positive and negative points about this Lens ? Il it a good lens ? Thanks

[@christopherfrost]

I'm sorry - I get about 10-20 questions every day and I don't have time to write down an entire review for you :-(

[@Darkc0w]

Thanks very much for the review, although your camera is a Canon, I'm assuming that the results will be similar, if not the same.

[@p382742937423y4]

Hey, there you are. Ik never actually Saw you in your reviews. Nice to meet.

[@HackingDutchman]

Is it normal that the image stabilisation system in this lens makes a bit of noise? Every time I use it, it makes a noticeable sound. However, the AF makes no sound at all.

[@christopherfrost]

That's weird, on my lens the IS was quiet but the AF made noise.

[@HackingDutchman]

Christopher Frost Photography I made a fault, I mixed it up, it's the AF indeed that makes the sound..... Something else is that when I release the shutter button is that the image, when I look trough the viewfinder is moving a bit, I think that the image stabilizer turns itself off or something, but is that normal for this lens?

[@MaceyJoyDahili]

I want one. But will this be a good replacement for my canon 1100D kit lens? I have a 7D which is why I badly have to change the lens. :/

[@machia-mw1lm]

18-135 STM a better choice Chris ? Better than the Canon 18-200 as well ?

[@redhillmedia]

Hi I have the Sony A57. Can't decide on the tamron 18-270pzd or the latest Sigma 18-250. Which is best?

[@GauravMedikeri]

Hey chris, I have a canon 600D with a kit 18-55 on it. Wanna upgrage & im confused between 2 choices in my budget - Tamron 18 - 270 mm F/3.5 6.3 Di II VC PZD or Tamron SP AF 70 - 300 mm F/4-5-6 Di VC USD. What do you suggest?

[@christopherfrost]

I'd much rather have the 18-55 and the 70-300 combined :-)

[@GauravMedikeri]

But what about the motor difference? Is the PZD better or the USD? Can you just briefly tell me why you'd prefer the 70-300?

[@Snake2208x]

@Snake2208x or maybe a combo, since i have nikkor 18-55, then complete it with 55-200mm xD well what would you recommend me??? thanks again!!!!

[@angelicasalud8833]

is it normal to have difficulty in auto focus of this lens? it is really hard to establish a stable focal point in auto focus and i can't get any good picture with auto focus because it does not allow me to capture unless focus is locked

[@christopherfrost]

Either there is a problem with your lens, or you're doing it wrong somehow (or it's a camera problem). Sorry!

[@Snake2208x]

Hi Chris! i hope you answer my question, im an amateur photographer, recently bought a nikon D5100 with the standard lens kit nikkor 18-55mm, i want a lens with superior optical range, this one interested me but there's just too many optical flaws that it doesn't worth the convenience of having a 1 for all purpose lens (yes, im that lazy xD well more afraid of getting my CMOS chip dirty), what lens would you recommend that haves nice zoom capabilities and doesn't have much optical downsides? tnx

[@SiaSofieRenee]

which lenses would you recommend for animal and nature photography?

[@sebastianpalmaywildlife]

Hey Chris, would you recommend this lens for wildlife, I’m beginner but would it be good? Thnx, also thank you for all the reviews!!! Great job

[@christopherfrost]

Nah - it's a very old lens now. Try the Canon 55-250 STM, or even better, the new 70-300mm with nano USM

[@sebastianpalmaywildlife]

Christopher Frost Photography thank you for the reply and the tip, also thank you for your reviews they are great!!!!!!!

[@dandanu2526]

I don't know how to update this lens firmware...

[@rklmbd2934]

Hi. I realise this is a pretty old review but never having owned Tamron I'm hearing a lot about PZD drives interfering with VC (stabilisation) - that you need to focus, wait, then shoot. Have you experienced this? I watched a few other of your Tamron reviews and didn't see that you noticed it.

[@christopherfrost]

+RK LMBD Hmm, never noticed that myself

[@livinginsongs]

i've got a second hand tamron 18-270 too but it is the 2008 version (model b003), and it've started to malfunction quite oftern. I am considering upgrading to b008, the successor to b003. I don't know if it prevails over b003 in terms of picture qua.lity? I've heard that b008 experiences chromatic aberration, yet my b003 rarely has that problem. Thanks

[@acaftermath]

livinginsongs i just bought the b008. what is the diameter size for filter? 72mm?

[@myhealthtoo]

How does it compare to 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII ? Do you still use or have images from your 500D??

[@christopherfrost]

Are you serious? You're asking me to compare this Tamron superzoom with Canon's best, legendary, £1,500 fast telephoto zoom lens...

[@myhealthtoo]

Christopher Frost Photography And how do you find 6D i heard focusing is not good.

[@MartynTottMovies]

Thanks, this was a really well balanced review Chris. I also found a short film using the same lens on a T2i which was absolutely incredible. I tried to paste the link but it wouldn't let me, it's by a user called 'Andyax' on here (youtube) and titled 'Canon 550D/t2i + Tamron 18-270 mm testvideo'.

[@ayhancapan]

First time i see you :D I consider buy one of it for my a6000. And i have to get an adapter.

[@adrianread8451]

I own a Nikon D5100 bought as a package with a Nikkor 55-200 DX AF-S lens ..I really like the idea of the Tamron but can anybody tell me if this would be a worthwhile upgrade from the Nikkor .

[@JWallaceDesignsLLC]

Dude this is the first time I’m seeing your face!

[@keanedm3108]

Sony E mount available for this model?

[@TheShyn0]

i saw that u have very good ideas about tamron lenses, i have tamron 18-270 mm di II VC PZD My question is that when i turn on VC , the lens produce sounds , is this normal ? I have nikon d7000

[@christopherfrost]

It's normal for it to make a quiet sound

[@hwraabe2]

Nice work. Thank you very mich!

[@Lizerator]

Looking pretty young there, Christopher Frost.

[@vladimirlastname2682]

Top review mate. Would you say there is a better alternative in this price range or is this the best for money as many buyers on amazon say?

[@christopherfrost]

This is a very, very old lens now (and a very very old review). Take a look at my comparison video of superzoom lenses on my channel :-)

[@keithspillett1950]

Superzooms are certainly useful - I have a Sony 18-250, which is optically pretty good - but, as you say, you can't beat primes or shorter range zooms if you want absolute quality. Nice videos by the way...

[@kasunrajapaksha1849]

+Christopher Frost Photography In terms of sharpness, which one is better at 18mm. 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR LD Aspherical (IF) 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC

[@christopherfrost]

Don't know really

[@Snake2208x]

@christopherfrost Ok!!! i'll look into the 16-85mm VR, thanks a lot!!!

[@Artemz23]

Which is best for my nikon D5100? tamron 18-270pzd or the latest Sigma 18-250.?

[@ManFree1021]

Hi Chris, i have a quick question. My gf is thinking of purchasing this lens to replace her Canon 18-55 kit lens, I know this is of course a more versatile lens, but how does the image quality compare? thanks

[@christopherfrost]

The Tamron's image quality is worse. I'd recommend the Canon 18-135 STM, or the Canon 15-85mm

[@ManFree1021]

thanks :-D

[@ManFree1021]

is it the problem of this specific lens? or is it a general issue for superzoom lenses?

[@christopherfrost]

Samuel Hung That's quite a typical issue for superzooms

[@ManFree1021]

ok, thank you :-D, great video and q&a, you are awesome :-D

[@reballuk]

bought the lens as you recommended and it's very sharp and nice color, since i use it for videomaking autofocus is not needed and i use follow focus. i hate the fisheye effect personally but with practice i managed to find techniques to reduce the effect for example shooting at 1080 and croping to 720p makes less round edges, also not panning and tilting, in steadycam shots while subject is bang in middle and 1meter away you won't tell it's fish eye :) result super cheap ultra wide lens :D

[@SMHasibulHoq]

I see a thing about this lens, when I click at 270mm towards the blue sky, the photo gets to be darker slightly all around the four corners, even at 18mm when I attempt to adjust exposure, it gets terribly darker!!! How to get rid of it?, Bro!!

[@christopherfrost]

+S.M. Hasibul Hoq That's vignetting. You'd have to get rid of it using some kind of editing software

[@spboy66]

What better in terms of picture sharpness: Tamron 70-300 VC or Tamron 18-270mm VC ?

[@christopherfrost]

The 70-300

[@Ai-iw4qp]

+Christopher Frost Photography i've boaght the 18 - 270 vc... on the 70d well i get some good resultes??

[@Ai-iw4qp]

+Christopher Frost Photography btw it is b008e something like that orderd it from amazon

[@christopherfrost]

Try it, and you'll find out! Don't expect too much from it...

[@অনিকসাহা]

Petkovski