Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro

Last update: Review by SLRGear (added on 21 June’07)

The Tamron 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is a lightweight, compact and ultra high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized imager sensors.

Overall Rating: | Latest Price Info

>> REVIEWS (last update: 21.06.07)

SLRGear reviews the Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II and writes;
“We tend not to expect much from “vacation” zooms, so were pleasantly surprised by the Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical IF Macro AF. It maintained good center sharpness across its entire focal length range, softness in the corners was average to better than average, and things flattened out nicely when we stopped it down just a bit. Other optical characteristics are in line with the rest of the field, and its build quality was quite good for its price range. All in all, a very nice lens, a great lens to bring, if you’re bringing only one!”
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PopPhoto reviews the Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II and writes;
“SQF data came in at Excellent for all focal lengths, a surprising development, considering that the 18-200mm (like most 11X superzooms) drops into the Very Good range at the long end. In DxO Analyzer 2.0 tests, we found Visible barrel distortion at 18mm (0.72%) and Slight pincushion distortion at 35mm, 100mm, and 250mm (0.18%, 0.22%, and 0.16%, respectively). These numbers are also noticeably better than the 18-200mm…An impressive optical achievement, the industry’s first 13.9X digital-only zoom hits a trifecta by expanding zoom range, utility, and optical performance. ”
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PPMag reviews the Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II and writes;
“…Tamron’s AF18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 lens is a well constructed zoom lens that delivers tremendous value with its versatile focal length range and optical and mechanical performance that exceed what you might otherwise expect based on its modest price.”
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PhotoReviewAU reviews the Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II and writes;
“Overall, the Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens represents a good choice for photographers who want a single, all-purpose lens for their DSLR cameras. Although its performance can’t match the standard of the best prime lenses - or even zooms with a more limited focal length range - it is an outstanding performer for a long zoom lens. It’s also fast enough to be useful for travellers, who will appreciate its compact size, light weight and excellent handling characteristics.”
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User reviews of the Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II @ FM;
“The 18-250mm has very good image quality at 18mm. I was worried about vignetting, but was really not evident at all when I tested it on the daytime sky. As expected with such a wide zoom range, it’s seems a trite soft at maximum magnification compared to my 70-200L, although nothing a little unsharp mask can’t take care of. Plus, one has to remember remember that on an APS-sized chip, you’re shooting at 400mm. High shutter speeds or a tripod are in order!..Overall, a pleasant surprise. If you need a compact walk-about, hiking, or casual shooting lens, this is the one. I great third or fourth lens for the experienced shooter, or a versatile starter lens for the beginner who will be shooting in mostly in daylight.”
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>> SAMPLE PHOTOS (last updated: 16.04.07)

- Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II Sample Photos: @18mm, @200mm, @250mm

>> PRESS RELEASE

September 2006 Photokina in Cologne, Germany: Tamron announces the new AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (Model A18), a lightweight, compact and ultra high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized imager sensors. This new AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is the ultimate high power zoom lens boasting the world’s greatest zoom ratio(*1) of 13.9X, a milestone that Tamron, the pioneer of high power zoom lenses, has achieved by commanding its technologies to further expand the capabilities of high power zoom lenses.

（*1) As of September 2006. Based upon Tamron’s research of lenses for exclusive use with digital SLRs equipped with APS-C sized image sensors.

The new zoom lens covers up to a 250mm telephoto focal length, the longest focal length among zoom lenses that start with an 18mm wideangle focal length available on the market for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras. Thus, it provides an impressive telephoto effect that is entirely different from the effect obtainable at 200mm on conventional high power zoom lenses. The new zoom lens will satisfy the expectations of photographers that are used to the 300mm tele-end of Tamron’s AF28-300mm Di (Model A061) when used on a digital SLR camera.

Di (Digitally integrated)-II lenses are designed for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras having APS-C size imagers. Di-II lenses are not designed for use with 35mm film cameras nor digital SLR cameras with image sensors larger than 24 x 16mm. The ratio Tamron uses to convert 35mm focal length equivalents is 1.55X.

Delivery date, prices and more information on this model will be available at Photokina 2006.

For further information please contact UK importer & distributor:
INTRO 2020 Ltd. Priors Way, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 2HR
Tel: 01628 674411. Fax: 01628 771055

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