Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD
Announced June 23, 2017
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Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD offers an expansive 22.2x zoom range that makes it a highly practical all-in-one travel solution. While it provides impressive reach and effective image stabilization, users should expect compromises in optical sharpness and focus precision at the extreme telephoto end.
Weighted from 9 reviewer scores
Pros
- Effective vibration compensation for handheld shooting
- Extensive 22.2x zoom range for telephoto reach
- Compact and portable design
- Moisture-resistant construction
- Affordable value for the feature set
Cons
- Soft image quality and chromatic aberration at long focal lengths
- Mechanical issues including zoom ring resistance and lens flex
- Focus ring ergonomics and lack of full-time manual override
- Inconsistent or problematic autofocus performance
- Distortion and vignetting at the wide-angle setting
- Launch price $649 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3
- Mount & coverage Canon EF, Nikon F APS-C
- Stabilization Optical IS, 2.5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 45 cm (0.34x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 705g (1 lb 8.9 oz) · 79 x 121.4 mm (3.11 x 4.78 in)
Expert Reviews
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For those after an all-in-one lens suitable for travel, safari and a multitude of different uses it’s certainly worth a closer look.
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While the lens designers have pulled off a first and a feat in getting the awesome 18-400mm focal length range into a light, compact and affordable body, image quality has been set aside.
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I'm really quite impressed with the lens's sharpness at 400.
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For the Bridge camera user moving up to the larger format of a lightweight DSLR, or indeed for anyone wanting to travel light without constantly changing lenses, the appeal of an 18-400mm lens is plain enough.
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Mechanically, the Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD lens is a lot better than you would expect based on the reasonable asking price.
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This lens is the superzoom of choice if you want maximum telephoto reach – and it performs rather well, considering its massive 22x zoom range. However, Tamron’s 16-300mm has a slightly wider angle of view, is smaller and lighter in weight, and better value for money.
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The Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD covers an incredible zoom range, from wide angle to super telephoto, and while it doesn't match lenses with shorter ratios in image quality, it betters them in convenience.
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For overall performance and image quality, the Tamron performs as well as other superzoom lenses like the Sigma 18-300mm and Tamron’s own 16-300mm, despite its extra-long maximum focal length.
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Ultimately there were a number of things I really liked about this lens. The small size and super-zoom focal length make it a very practical tool to have in your bag. At $649.00 USD, it’s also a great value.
User Reviews
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