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.

Review of the first 15x superzoom lens for APS-C format DSLRs, and it includes Vibration Compensation for sharp-shooting even at slow shutter speeds.

Zoom range; Price; Vibration Compensation feature; Light weight

Slow maximum aperture; Needs to be used at mid-apertures for best quality

This isn't the only improvement to the lens, though, as it is now 24% smaller than the old model, therefore taking up even less space in your travel bag. Superzooms are a popular choice for photographers wanting an all-in-one lens when transporting a full kit bag is impractical.

Sometimes great, sometimes pretty ordinary. Unfortunately more of the latter than the former. My older Tamron 18-250mm 3.5-6.3 is a much better lens. I'd like to use this lens more (because of the convenience) but I just can't rely on it.

Inconsistent image quality (mainly focus

Great all-round package

The 18-270mm is not a new focal length for Tamron, as the brand produced one before that coveted the title of the world's longest focal length range for SLR cameras. But this latest release introduces a newly developed AF motor called the Piezo ultrasonic motor (PZD) that delivers faster, quieter...

Announced early in December 2010, Tamron's 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD lens introduces a new PZD (Piezo Drive) ultrasonic motor that delivers faster and quieter autofocusing. Claimed as the world's most compact, lightweight lens with a 15x zoom ratio it is designed for DSLR cameras with APS-C...

You want a general-purpose zoom lens that covers most types of subjects; You'd like a lens that requires no readjustment when you fit polarisers and graduated filters; You're happy to shoot and process raw files to optimise imaging performance

You need close focusing and macro capabilities; You want a lens for a camera with a 36 x 24 mm sensor; You need a lens with excellent flatness of field for architectural photography and copying

The Tamron 18-270mm offers good value for money, considering it covers such a wide range of focal lengths in one lens. Photographers will need to consider the trade-offs for the low price compared to camera brand lenses from Canon and Nikon, which include soft images at full magnification as well as...

Compact design; 15x equivalent; Lightweight for an all-in-one lens

Fringing and chromatic aberrations quite visible on images; Loud autofocus; even louder image stabilisation system

This is an 18-270mm zoom lens that is image stabilised. Tamron calls it "The Ultimate All-In-One Zoom: Longest, Steadiest Lens On Earth", which is one of those records made to be broken. It is available in Nikon and Canon mounts.

The sheer versatility of this lens makes you overlook its weaknesses; It is a pleasure to be able to walk around with a lens that replaces a bag full of lesser range zooms and primes.

Auto focus is slow, particularly at the long end of the range; It is not suitable for fast moving subjects; There is noticeable distortion which is just acceptable at wide angle, but the pincushion effect at the long end is so bad that it demands correction in software; Zoom creep is irritating

The many reviews I have read about this lens tend to be a little harsh. It's far from perfect, but it gives you an incredible reach in a very small and light format. Autofocus is fast, color rendition and general image quality is predictable.

Small; light; fast autofocus; good stabilization

Dust got in between the two first glass elements at the back of the lens after 8 weeks

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Fast / accurate auto-focus; Image quality; Nice Bokeh; Rugged; Strong Construction

Heavy; Lens Creep; Slow Focus