Tamron Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD

[cayars]

Does anyone have the Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical IF Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR camera?

I'm going to purchase a Nikon D200 but can't make up my mind on the Tamron Lens or the Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II Autofocus Lens.

I know a lot of people have the Nikkor lens and it gets good reviews but I can't help wonder how good the Tamron lens will be when matched up with the Nikon. It's 50mm longer and a few hundred bucks cheaper.

Anyone have experience with this lens?

Thanks,
Carlo

 

[VoidRaven]

I've seen a lot of images out of the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens and I must say it's pretty impressive. That aside, I have not seen or heard anything about the Tamron model. I would suggest going with the Nikon lens simply because of the VR feature and solid build. I'm sure Tamron has some strong lenses, don't get me wrong. But if you have the budget for the Nikon glass then go for it. If not, then give it a shot. Look around for some reviews too.

I'll see if I can find a link to some samples of shots from the Nikon lens.

 

[cayars]

I am picking up a Nikon 105 VR macro lens specifically for tank shots.

I'm quite aware of what the Nikon 18-200 lens can do but really want to know how well the Tamron lens compares to the Nikon quality (picture) wise at the same zoom settings (i.e. at 18mm, 100mm, 200mm). Does the VR work just as good on the Tamron or would I be giving up something, etc...

I'm sure the Nikon lens is built better then the Tamron but what the Tamron has going for it IMHO is the extra 50mm zoom and it's less then 2/3 the price. I'm not really worried about the price but DO WANT the best all around good lens for general picture taking. I've had a Tamron telephoto lens on my 35mm film camera and I took beautiful pictures with it. No compaints from me on that lens picture wise or build wise.

 

[VoidRaven]

From what I read, unless I am reading the wrong thing, the Tamron does NOT offer any kind of VR feature.

The extra 50mm really isn't a selling point to me, but that's me and not you. I do understand your point, especially on price. If you have had success in the past with the lenses then go for it. I've never used such lenses but if they produce good quality then heck, I might even look at one...though I would much rather have the VR capability.

 

[maroun.c]

Does the VR work just as good on the Tamron or would I be giving up something

AFAIK Tamron does not have a VR.
I would still go with the Nikon despite the fact of the additional 50mm. Those wide angle telephoto lenses are the hardest to make without ending up with softness on the edges. and I would trust Nikon a lot more on that than Tamron. As for the macro button on the 18-250 It is just something that allows the lens to focus closer but image quality will be nowhere near macro lenses. check the magnification ratio of that lens. the 18-200 coupled with some closup lenses can give yo usimilar results. I did not compare both lenses But I'm sure the 18-200 would perform better. At least you will be gaining te VR.
Now to buy it unfortunately you have to find it first.

 

[cayars]

I've found a bunch of online places that have both the D200 and 18-200 lens in stock so that's not a problem.

My local Circuit City even has them in stock.

Carlo

 

[awd2k]

the shorter the "range" (18/200 vs 18/250mm) the better results you will get. i would definitely go for the Nikon lens.

awd2k

 

[BlueCorn]

Also, keep in mind that on your 1.5x crop sensor 18mm really isn't all that wide. You might want something wider at some point depending on your shooting tendencies.

If it were me I'd buy the Nikon over the Tamron . VR (or IS in my case) doesn't make that much difference to me as virtually everything I shoot is on a tripod.

 

[cayars]

Nikon glass it is then.

Thanks to all who helped.

Carlo