As a enthusiastic amateur photographer I wanted something else than my normal compact camera. I wanted some dimension. I’ve always had an eye on SLR cameras, particularly the Canon Rebel XT (EOS).
After experimenting with that camera and knowing its features I noticed one thing that missing with the provided kit lens: the ability to zoom! The kit lens is 18-55mm which is a fine lens but in certain situations I missed the powerful zoom of my compact camera. For example at car shows or races when the stock kit won’t get close enough on the subject.
So after a visiting a few photography shops in town I got me some expert advise from the local photographer he mentioned a new lens from Tamron. The Tamron AF18-200MM F/3.5-6.3 Aspherical XR DiII LD IF.
Now that’s a mouth-full of words, but what does it mean? According to the Tamron website, XR means Extra Refractive Index Glass, DiII means Lenses for Digital SLR Cameras Only, LD stands for Low Dispersion and last but not least IF stands for Internal Focusing.
So to basically sum up the DiII bla bla bla I quote:
“Di II: Lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers and inherit all of the benefits of our Di products. These lenses are not designed for 35mm film cameras and digital cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm.
At Tamron, our quest has always been to make the ideal zoom lens. As a result of this ongoing challenge, we have introduced the concept of our high-power zoom lens in the new AF18-200mm XR Di II for exclusive use with digital SLRs. Tamron’s original development of proprietary core technologies such as Aspherical element production, Multiple Cam Mechanism and Integrated Focus Cam design lend to the creation of the world’s lightest, most compact 11.1X zoom lens made for digital SLR cameras.”
So as we can see from the quote in the 200mm section it gives us a powerful 11.1X zoom now there’s something we all understand. But can you imagine that in pictures? No? well no problem here at OCMS we did it for you, I made a few photo’s to give you an idea what that magnification is.
| photo taken at 18mm | photo taken at 200mm |
|---|---|
If you still don’t understand you might want to check out the PDF sheet Tamron made for the lens here I recommend it it’s a great guide to understanding the basics of zooming.
Let’s have a little look at the lens itself. Included with the lens is a flower shaped sun hood (to reduce lens flares), and a lens cap.
The outer band which controls the focus has a printed surface containing measurements in focus distances in meters and Feet, as does the lower band that controls the zooming and displays the rough mm currently being shot. A good thing to know is that the minimal distance from the lens to an object has to be 45cms for it to focus correctly. Any closer and you wouldn’t be able to focus properly.
Now another great thing about this lens is that its compact, when in 18mm it isn’t much larger then the ordinary kit lens, yet fully extended it is a looker!
On 18mm its size without the hood is approximately 8cm and is roughly 15cm when fully extended. A 30ml perfume package is included in the photo to get a better perspective of its size.
Basically this is a good quality lens for the beginner or amateur photographer. It’s amazingly versatile and the best thing with buying this lens (and perhaps one of the main reasons why I bought it) is to keep from switching lenses in the field. Keeping one versatile lens attached prevents dust getting inside the camera and on the CCD sensor, one of the biggest disadvantages of digital SLR cameras.
Ok so we ruled out the dust part and changing lenses, but what about the weight? Comparing it to the kit lens this thing weighs a ton, 398g (14oz) to be exact. That added weight does give it a more robust feel, and for my own opinion provides more stability.
All of this is fine, you might say, but what about the price? All DSLR camera accessories and lenses come at a price, though this lens is still affordable when you think of it. Since this lens is more versatile, there is no need for seperate lenses for close-ups and zooming situations. Looking around on the web shops on the date this review you could obtain this lens for about 400$ (USD) or 450€ in Europe. It’s available for Canon, Nikon, Minolta and Pentax cameras.
Now I leave you with some random pictures taken with this lens. Nothing was edited (except for the watermarks), so judge for yourself.
| Netherland Hydrangeas | Netherland Hydrangea Detail |
| Car Show 1 | Car Show 2 |
| Car Show 3 | 17 inch Chrome Rim |
| Black Cat on Blanket | Bee on Backyard Flower |
All Images © copyright 2005 Daniel Pielage & OCmodshop