When I review lenses I take a look at who they are built for. I realize not every DPS reader wants to lug around a 5lb lens worth a couple month's rent. While I love my main lens, it's not for everyone and I'd be a fool to tell you you should buy it if you just want a portrait lens.

The test results in the lab are a little disappointing from this lens, but it's still a good option for travelling light. The lens actually handles really well, and the VC stabilisation is very impressive.

Tamron Di-II lenses are engineered expressly for digital SLR cameras with image sensors commonly referred to as APS-C, measuring approximately 24mm x 16mm. Rendering an ideal image circle for APS-C sensors, Di-II lenses also include properties to optimize digital imaging performance.

The new PZD lens corrects another "issue" of the 18-270 VC: in the past, Tamron super-zooms have usually combined a very large zoom range with a very compact design. The 18-270 VC did not quite fit here, being surprisingly large for a Tamron zoom lens.