Tamron 18-270 mm experience with the Di II VC PZD

The analog SLR photography and the brand Nikon I was faithful for more than two decades, but the size and weight of the small digital superzooms have changed that. But now I have returned and got myself Nikon's smallest and lightest SLR, the D3100. They existed in a set with the Nikon DX 18-55 VR and DX 55-300 VR for Christmas well below 800 euros. For the price offer camera and lenses excellent performance.

Now, however, Tamron announced a new lens even at the end of which should cover the entire range from 18 to 270 mm with significantly improved quality. And that is precisely the weakness of Nikon sets, it is always just the wrong lens on it. So I bought the Tamron 18-270 PZD at Amazon.fr, unfortunately it could be but - so far - not register with Tamron (which is necessary for the guarantee).

The lens is slightly lighter than the Nikon 55-300, but only slightly greater than the Nikon 18-55, subjectively it looks therefore rather similar to the wide-angle zoom. High and of the operation there against the Nikon lenses no notable differences, at least it does not cost too much as the two Nikons together.

The crucial question is therefore, the new Tamron 18-270 PZD can replace both Nikon lenses as' Always drauf' Lens? When it comes to light weight and compact dimensions (traveling or sports), then the answer
After 300 test shots a clear 'yes'. The new Tamron makes very good pictures, easy to operate, is extremely quiet and has a quick, accurate autofocus and an effective image stabilizer.

Still worth a closer look. The Nikon 18-55 is much sharper at 18mm in daylight as in flash photography. In wide-angle, the Tamron is therefore only second choice.

By contrast, the considerably larger and considerably heavier Nikon DX 55-300 telephoto zoom direct comparison can neither 110 nor 270 mm offer sharpness advantages. Even little advantage in the light intensity can be seen, the Tamron needed in an evening light at 270 mm Aperture 6.3 and 1/125 sec ISO 500, the Nikon 300 mm Aperture 5.6 and 1/125 sec ISO 400. The difference of 100 ISO is In view of the good noise performance of D3100 rather insignificant. Both lenses deliver thanks to image stabilization in this exposure time and the long focal length flawless results. Another positive development is also the neutral color reproduction, here are hardly any differences between the Nikon lenses and Tamron determine.

There remains the operator. Again, there is between the Nikon DX 55-300 and the Tamron no notable differences, both have a pleasant rotational resistance, the sun visor is a little fummeliger than the Tamron at Nikon. As a result, therefore, in my opinion beats the Tamron at the telephoto end, the Nikon lens.