Tamron LD B003 18 mm-270 mm F/3.5-6.3 AF Di-II VC Aspherical IF Lens For Canon

I’ve seen more than a few complaints for this Tamron 18-270mm VC B003 Model. But, I use this lens on both Fuji S5 Pro, and Nikon D80 body, and I see no reasons to complain.

Complaints by others, namely the autofocus being slow, VC erratic at times, and some lack of performance, was a concern before I bought it.
But with the discounted rebates, I bought one just to see for myself.

I own both Nikon 18-200mm VR and this Tamron now, and I can say that there are not many sacrifices for this one over the Nikon.

Under the scrutiny of microscopic pixel-level details for large shots needed for poster prints, optical performance may be an issue with this Tamron.
Zooming into a portion of a large shot can show some chromatic aberration to some extent.
Having said this though, I have no issue loving the result of anything that’s to be used for internet sharing of photos, even wall paper sized, and colors are brilliant.
Focus and character is sharp all throughout the range, and very usable.

I have found that the extra 70mm on the long range is very useful when you got to get right up to the subject, but can’t physically get any closer.
The Tamron’s Vibration Compensation seems to work a bit better than the Nikon 18-200VR. The Tamron VC mechanism does make a noise for a split second as VC stabilizes the lens view, but once it’s on, it’s dead accurate and extremely stable. It’s really obvious when you look through the view-finder and compare with the VC switch on and off, while composing. I believe it when some say it compensates up to 4 stops.

As many report, the zoom ring does have a stiff spot somewhere about 30-55mm range, but it’s nothing to be bothersome unless you want to shoot videos on a modern video-capable camera.
For still shots, I can get it to just where I need it, and it’s not really an issue.

Autofocus is a tad bit slower than Nikon 18-200VR and noisier, but I’ve found this to be a very slight difference, and unless you’re chasing something moving very rapidly, that isn’t an issue with me either.
For action shots, I have a dedicated 80-200mm Nikon f2.8 AF-S, and for anything really important, I will lug around that 5lbs lens to get the shot. No ultra zoom with minimum aperture of f3.5~4 will come close anyway. But for everything casual, this lens will do the trick, and it really is useful for almost everything.

It’s really a trade-off, Nikon is better at critical shots, though for a category of lens like this, neither 18-200VR nor Tamron 18-270 would compare to a more serious and limited use lens.
Both of these lenses are meant to be all-around, single lens does all solution for travel and when equipment loads are an issue. As such, both are very competent and useful, and it is for those situations where traveling light and getting the shot is more critical than absolute image perfection for critical large print work.

Nikon “feels” more expensive, and it is actually today, by about $250. Nikon also is slightly sharper and less distorted throughout the zoom ranges.
Tamron however, bests the Nikon in range, and VC performance. Realistically, 95% of the time, I can be happy and constructive with either one, for their intended use.
But all said and done, with the Tamron reduced to under $500 in the marketplace, there is a strong reason for getting this as an alternative.

I still haven’t decided which to keep and which to give up. I love both the Nikon and Tamron…each having its forte.

I'm using this lens on a Canon T3i, I read through all the reviews and test camparisons and narrowed down to two Tamrons. The B003 is the first Mega Zoom only to be replaced recently by the B008 with Piezo motor focusing. With the optics being almost the same (I think the B003 has better)I went with the B003. The Lens is Awesome with 35mm eq of 28-430mm there is almost no need for another lens although I will invest in the B001 10-24mm to complete my system. Unlike previous reviews complaining of slow focusing and poor image quality, don't believe them. These reviewers obviously don't know how to handle a DSLR. Image quality is sharp and focusing is as quick as the Canon. The lens like any other shoots best at around <F8>, Auto program mode usually picks the fastest shutter and the widest apertures so you would be best to use Av priority and preset your F stops. The VC (vibration compensation) is the best by far much better than the IS in Canon models. I was able the hand hold at 1/8sec and still get a sharp pic. My suggestion is get this lens while its still available, it won't be for long, its $100 to 150 cheaper new than the Piezo model and you can pick up one used for under $400, even at $400 its a bargin. I am very critical about image quality and so far I have no complaints.

With such a wide focal range (18 to 270mm), this lens allows me to take a good range of telephoto (zoom) and wide-angle shots.

I am only an amateur photographer and just starting out, but this lens has been phenomenal for me. It's such a versatile walkaround lens; it has provided a good introduction to the two worlds of telephoto and wide-angle, without my need to commit first to the buying of lenses for each—something that would easily have cost $500-700 each.

This lens is helping me determine what lenses I should purchase next, and is thus helping me make very informed buying decisions while taking some pretty amazing pics.

Btw, I shoot with a Canon Rebel XSi body, and use of this lens was absolutely effortless, with no adaptors, etc. required.

This is one of the best all-round lenses out there. Very wide to strong zoom, it is the lens that is usually on my Canon 7D. Matter of fact, my husband and I both own this lens, and he uses it on his Canon T2i. Not a prime, and not super wide, so it isn't the sharpest lens in low light, but in bright sunlight it is tack sharp at f/3.5. Has a solid feel to it. VC is noisy when engaging and disengaging, and it sometimes has a problem focusing in low contrast (but many lenses share this problem). It is superb at a shallow depth of field, giving great bokeh. For the price, you can't beat this lens. If you want samples, most of the photos on pages 3-7 of my Flickr site were taken with this lens and a T2i:
http://www.flickr.com/pho​tos/horserider/

I bought this lens because my 300mm lens from Canon did not have IS (VC in the Tamron). The lens works great. I have not had any issues with the lens what-so-ever. It takes great pics and the range is incredible. The lens does tend to slide out if the camera is pointed down and the lock is not engaged, but it is called gravity. This really does not detract from the lens and I would purchase this lens again. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have.