Tamron 18-270mm lens

[Chuckabutty]

Originally Posted by freddieg

If you're needing fast focus, Sigma's Hypersonic motors are pretty fast in their lenses. I have a couple of them and they are both fast and quiet. I have to admit I don't have Sigma's long zoom; I think they make an 18-250, if I'm not mistaken, which has a hypersonic motor.

My Nikon VRs do an adequate job of focusing as quickly as I need. I was thinking more along the line of carrying one less lens because I take my bag with me wherever I go. Right now I'm carrying the camera with the Nikon 18-200 VR lens, a Nikon 70-300 VR lens, a Tamron 11-18 wide angle, a Nikon 50mm f/1:4, a Sigma 105 macro, and a Rokinon 500mm mirror lens. And this doesn't take into consideration the Nikon flash, the extension tubes, the 2x multiplier and other bits and pieces. Doing away with the 70-300 lens would lighten the bag somewhat if the 18-270 came close to replacing it. From what I have learned, here, I think I'd best keep the long one and save a wad of cash, especially as Christmas is just around the corner.

[freddieg]

That sounds like a wise decision. BTW, I also have the Nikon 18-200 VR and I use it most of the time as my general walkaround lens. I think it covers most of my general shooting situations for my non-pro shooting, and it makes for much lighter carrying.

[MarkD]

If you want to lighten the load, why not leave the 500mm home if you don't use it a lot?

[Chuckabutty]

Originally Posted by MarkD

If you want to lighten the load, why not leave the 500mm home if you don't use it a lot?

I thought about that, Mark, but the day I do, something will happen where I really need it and won't have it. I even keep a tripod and a Trekpod in the truck so I'm covered for just about anything. I also keep a point and shoot with me for quick shots on the road where I can't use the DSLR. (And, no, I don't take my eyes off the road while I snap pictures). You're right, though. It's unlikely that I'll need the 500mm during my regular day, but it would be like leaving home without my pants.

[MarkD]

fred and I both mentioned the Sigma 18-250 OS. It has the HSM motor that focuses very fast. It could replace both the 18-200 VR and 70-300 VR and you have the 500mm mirror lens if you need longer. It sells for $529 at B&H. You could order it from them. Try it and if you don't like it, you can return it. If you do like it , you can sell the 18-200 VR and maybe the 70-300 VR. The 18-200 VR would cover most of it and both lenses would cover all of it.

[Chuckabutty]

Originally Posted by MarkD

fred and I both mentioned the Sigma 18-250 OS. It has the HSM motor that focuses very fast. It could replace both the 18-200 VR and 70-300 VR and you have the 500mm mirror lens if you need longer. It sells for $529 at B&H. You could order it from them. Try it and if you don't like it, you can return it. If you do like it , you can sell the 18-200 VR and maybe the 70-300 VR. The 18-200 VR would cover most of it and both lenses would cover all of it.

I did some digging around and found one man wrote positively about this lens. He compared it to his 70-200 Sigma non OS which was less sharp. He also said that his Nikon 18-200 VR was not as sharp. From all I read on it, this is a good all-around lens and at a very good price. I'm glad I sought your opinions because I am persuaded toward this lens. It is going to be my next lens purchase. Thanks for all the advice, everyone.

[Chuckabutty]

Originally Posted by MarkD

fred and I both mentioned the Sigma 18-250 OS. It has the HSM motor that focuses very fast. It could replace both the 18-200 VR and 70-300 VR and you have the 500mm mirror lens if you need longer. It sells for $529 at B&H. You could order it from them. Try it and if you don't like it, you can return it. If you do like it , you can sell the 18-200 VR and maybe the 70-300 VR. The 18-200 VR would cover most of it and both lenses would cover all of it.

Well, I did it. The lenses are on their way to Adorama. They did offer me very good prices on the lenses, which means I'll be able to get the Sigma 18-250 OS and have some cash left, too. I feel empty with my lenses all gone, and only a Phoenix 100-400 AF and 500mm mirror lenses for an emergency.

I'll post my results when after I tested it out. Boy, it's just like Christmas!

[jeff5897]

I think you will want to view the original size photos taken by 18-270 lens,
http://english.sellpower.net/modules..._mm2=&B1=Query

you can compare the sharpness of the photos with Nikkor 18-200 VR
http://english.sellpower.net/modules..._mm2=&B1=Query

[Chuckabutty]

Originally Posted by jeff5897

I think you will want to view the original size photos taken by 18-270 lens,
http://english.sellpower.net/modules..._mm2=&B1=Query

you can compare the sharpness of the photos with Nikkor 18-200 VR
http://english.sellpower.net/modules..._mm2=&B1=Query

We are also looking at an extra $100 for 20mm more of focal length. When you look at my original post you'll see the difference between 200mm and 270mm, and it isn't much. So the difference between the 250mm and the 270mm would hardly seem to be worth the extra cash.

Looking at all those photos it seems they could have been taken with just about any zoom lens. All the pictures - both Nikon 18-200 and Tamron 18-270 - look pretty good. The only way I could make a better choice would be to have a hands-on trial of both lenses. I do feel inclined, though, toward the Sigma.

Thanks for the info

[MarkD]

To me the deciding factor between the the Sigma 18-250 and the Tamron 18-270 is the difference in focusing speed. If it's important, the HSM motor in the Sigma is significantly faster than the Tamron according to the tests and user reviews that I've read.