- Lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers
- Not designed for conventional cameras and digital cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm
- Concept of our high-power zoom lens
- For exclusive use with digital SLRs
- Most compact 11.1X zoom lens made for digital SLR cameras
Product Description
The new AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO is a high power zoom lens for exclusive use with digital (APS-C size) SLR cameras that inherits the product concept of the existing AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR zoom lens. Even two years after its introduction, the current AF28-300mm is still a much loved and highly evaluated by photographers around the world as a representative model of high power zoom lenses. With the market influx of digital SLR cameras in recent years, the use of high power zoom lenses has become increasingly popular since high power zooms provide the convenience of handling many photographic scenes and the capability of shooting ultra telephoto shots without changing lenses. The popularity of this focal length led Tamron to initiate the development of new zoom lenses to further meet the needs of digital SLR photographers. The result is the successful development of a new zoom lens exclusively for use on digital SLR cameras. The wide to ultra tele focal range of this lens will allow digital SLR camera owners to enjoy digital photography with comfort and convenience. Dedicated for Digital SLR CamerasBy incorporating an optical design for exclusive use with digital (APS-C) SLR cameras, this high power zoom lens provides the focal length equivalent to Tamron’s 28-300mm (when converted to a 35mm format). Therefore, you can meet almost all photographic opportunities with this single zoom lens without changing lenses. When paired with the SP AF11-18mm zoom lens, simultaneously introduced by Tamron at Photokina, you can enjoy thoroughly digital SLR photography with the combined focal length coverage of 17-300mm.Optical System Uses Special Glass and is Optimized for Digital SLR Characteristics in order to Enhance Optical Quality in a Compact DesignThe new AF18-200mm high power zoom lens from Tamron features an entirely new optical design using XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass in an innovative way in order to optimize the…
William Porter @ 12:42 pm
Before purchasing my Pentax K100D, I had for years used all three models in the Canon Powershot S-series of “superzoom” fixed-lens cameras (S1, S2 and S3). I like my Pentax digital SLR a lot, but after I purchased it (and sold my Canon) I really missed the Canon’s versatility. I have recovered most of that versatility with this Tamron 18-200 DiII lens, which is good at the wide angle end, good in the middle and pretty good at telephoto as well (I like to shoot birds) and which even provides some macro capability. This is now my default all-purpose lens. It’s not the best choice for low-light shooting, but if the light’s decent or you can use a flash, this is a good lens, takes good photos, and is a very good value. To do noticeably better than this, you will have to pay a lot more and probably give up the versatility, too.
I give the lens a rating of 4 stars rather than 5 simply because, by nature, this is a bit of a compromise lens. If you don’t need the versatility – if for example you don’t really need focal lengths over 70mm – then you can get a lens with slightly superior image quality for the same price or even less (perhaps much less if you buy used). The Pentax 50-200 may be slightly sharper in the telephoto range. My Sigma 28-70 F2.8 is faster in its range (the Tamron’s max aperture is 3.5). And while it’s fine for my needs, this lens deserves to be called macro only in a generous sense. But as a total package, it’s hard to beat.
P. Neis @ 2:11 pm
I’m happy with it. Worth the price. It’s compact and lightweight. Can do portraits at 18mm and zoom over birds and distant subjects. It is also reasonably good for macro photos – tried it in some butterflies and small insects.
Problems: Needs a lot of light. Cannot control aperture manually in the lens (most people may not care about that).
Skibum @ 3:12 pm
This is a great lens and I am extremely pleased with the results I am getting. Sharpness and clarity are on par with the more expenses lenses made for the high end cameras(I compared mine with a Nikon D80 18-200mm).
I bought it because it is such a hassel to carry a lot of lenses. Changing lens carries the risk of getting dirt and lint inside the camera body. If tiny particles get on the mirror, they will show up in the pic and have to be removed with a computer. Even though I have a Pentax K10D, I simply did not want to take that risk. The lens hood is a bit cumbersome to put on, bit I solved that with a rubber collapsable hood. I don’t think that problem should take away a star.
Another great feature about this lens, when using manual focus, it flashes little red “dots” when you go past the correct focus point. After discovering that feature, most of my shooting is done manually, except for fast action stuff and moving objects. Macro and scenery are all manual now.Pentax K10D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
William A. Miller @ 3:44 pm
I received my Pentax K10D for Christmas in 2007. It came with the Pentax 18-55mm lens. I like telephoto capabilites, so, I purchased a Tamron 70-300. Both lenses work well for their basic function. On a recent vacation, I was attempting to photograph a stage play from the audience position. The 55mm was too short and the 70 was too close to frame the pictures I wanted. When the 18-200 was announced, I put it on my Christmas list in 2009.
My first experience with the 18-200 was at an event in the multi-purpose room at my grandsons elementary school. I took many pictures of the event without flash. The only disadvantage I can name is that you must accept longer exposure times due to the lens speed for indoor lighting. Outdoors, I have had no issue with the lens speed taking pictures of the grandkids playing at the park.
K. SUN @ 3:52 pm
This is a very versatile low-end zoom lens with good image quality. For its price, I have to say it is great!