So I came across an ad for the Tamron 18-270 in the latest issue of OP. It seems like the perfect thing which I was looking for. The reasons this lens appeals to me is the wide range of focus, the 72mm filter size so I can use the filters I already own, the vibration compensation, and the price. However, there are a few things that concern me.. First, the fact that it is a Di-II lens bothers me. It won't affect me now, but I wouldn't like to have a useless lens later down the road if I eventually upgrade to a camera with a full-frame sensor (but that is not really a deal breaker, as I could always Ebay it or whatever if that time comes). Second is that I read over some of the reviews left on the B&H website and, while they are mostly positive, one of the things that stands out is reports of the motion throughout the zoom not being smooth and is described as sticky. There is also a few reports of lens creep, and slow AF at the long end of the focal range or in lower light. While the creeping wouldn't really be a big issue, as some creativity with a roll of painter's tape could take care of that, the slow AF would be bad.
In short, I would like to know what you guys think about this lens. Do any of you own it or have you used it? What do you think of it? I would like to have some more elaboration about this lens than the small blurbs left in the reviews. Is the crunchy zooming over-exaggerated? How is picture quality? Is AF problematic? Is there vignetting? Does it have internal focusing (possible deal-breaker, I like to use a polarizer a lot)?
My wife uses a Nikon D200 and she is also interested in the lens. If it turns out to be a gem we may end up buying two.
Thanks in advance for all of your help, it's much appreciated!
James
That right there was enough to kill the deal. It was a 28-200, so I had bought it thinking like you, it would be a one lens that would cover everything, but found that unless I was outside in good light, I rarely pulled it out of the camera bag.