Monday, August 16, 2010

Tamron’s 18-270VC Di II






Tamron 18-270 VC Di II Lens…
All in One Versatility and a Superb Value!
By Andrew Shippin

How many lenses will let you switch between taking pictures of a delicate flower and then without swapping lenses, let you take great wide angle shots of your family standing in front of a historic site, and finally zoom in on that distant wild animal? Not many, which is where the “all in one versatility” of the Tamron 18-270 VC Di II lens comes into its own.

Since its debut in 2008 Tamron’s 18-270VC Di II has been one of the top sellers for both Tamron and Penn Camera. It has won numerous awards from such notable publications as Outdoor Photographer, Digital Photo, Popular Photographer and many others.

Designed for Digital SLRs with APS-C size sensors it features an amazing 15x optical zoom (approx. 28-420mm in 35mm terms) and a very useable macro that lets you close focus as tight as 19 inches. The Vibration Control (VC), which is arguably one of this lenses most redeeming features lets you shoot under an amazingly wide variety of lighting conditions. Even if it’s a moderately cloudy day most people can still hand hold the lens because of its very effective Vibration Control, as can shooters who are looking to take candids without having to worry about using a flash.

This unique balance of value, sharpness, reliability, and over all versatility is why many professional travel photographers have picked one of these lens. As well as other photographers who are just looking for that “one good lens” to take on vacation. Another popular use for this lens is with amateur outdoor sports photographers, who need to be able to zoom out across the field, and then at a moment’s notice drop back for close in action.

Additionally, because it has a built in motor, it will work very nicely on the newest generation of Digital SLR cameras. Available in both Canon and Nikon mounts it works very well with both brands. Another cool thing about this lens is that it comes with Tamron’s SIX year warranty at no extra cost!

Conclusion:
If you are looking for good value in an all-around lens with above average performance the Tamron 18-270VC is a hard one to beat.

Suggested Penn Camera accessories for the Tamron 18-270VC:
Promaster Digital UV filter,
Promaster Digital Polarizing filter,
Lens Pouch,
This lens also qualifies for the Mack USA NO FAULT Damage Protection Plan.


Suggested sites for learning more about the Tamron 18-270 VC Di II:
www.tamron.com/B003special/index.html
www.flickr.com/photos/penncamera/
http://bit.ly/d3fux6


Tech specs:
Complements of Tamron’s website

Lens Construction (Groups/Elements): 13/18

Angle of View (APS-C size equivalent):
Diagonal: 75°33'-5°55' Horizontal: 65°36' - 4°55' Vertical: 46°21' - 3°10

Diaphragm Blade Number: 7

Minimum Aperture: F/22 ~ F/40 18mm-270mm)

Minimum Focus Distance: 19.3in.(0.49m) (entire zoom range)

Macro Magnification Ratio: 1:3.5 (at f=270mm, MFD=0.49m)

Filter Size: ø72

Weight: 550g (19.5oz)*

Diameter x Length: ø3.1 x 3.9in. (ø79.6 x 101.0mm)
Included Accessories are the petal shaped lens hood, front and rear lens caps.