This is the full Tamron 18-270 PZD review. I’ve written a pre-review of this lens before Christmas and most of you have been pretty excited about this lens.
I ordered the Canon
Amazon has been pretty quick in shipping the lens to me. It was a pleasant delivery that I got when I arrived home from vacation 
Shot Using Canon EOS 7D and Tamron 18-270 PZD Lens
I have played with it for a couple of days now and have enough data to write a full review.
Before we start, let me answer a quick, nagging question that most of you would want me to answer fast: Is this lens worth the update from the old version?
The answer is: YES. This update is similar to Tamron’s success with their Tamron 70-300mm VC lens.
In my pre-view, I was only expecting minor upgrades such as quiter autofocus, smaller dimension, lighter weight, etc.
However, after testing the lens, I know Tamron did MUCH more than that, especially in the optical design.
The Tamron 18-270 PZD outshine the old version by a far margin. The image quality is now more contrasty and sharper (though the Tamron 17-50mm VC is still sharper).
Distortion seems to have been fixed as well, especially at the wider angle. Vignetting and chromatic aberration has been improved greatly.
In terms of autofocus, they added the PZD (Piezo Drive Mechanism) that makes autofocus much faster and dead silent. My guess is that they want this lens to be a good lens for shooting video for your DSLR.
What’s even more, Tamron updated the VC features on this lens. It gives you 2-3 stops extra in low-light situation.
If you’re looking for a great, compact all around lens AND an excellent lens for shooting video as well, this is the lens to get.
I am saying goodbye to my old Tamron 18-270mm VC lens and this new Tamron 18-270 PZD will be my walk-around lens from now on.
Keep on reading to see the full Tamron 18-270 PZD review test and sample images.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Tamron 18-270 PZD Review – Specs
Back to: Menu • Introduction
The specs is very similar to its predecessor, the 18-270mm lens. The newer version has smaller dimension and lighter weight, as well as faster autofocus and newer optical design.
Other than the above differences, everything else (zoom range and focal length marking) is pretty much the same.
Official Name:
Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD LD Aspherical IF Macro
Focal Length Markings:
18mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 100mm, 200mm and 270mm
Features:
AF – Autofocus. The lens can automatically focus on your subject.
Di-II – Specially designed for cropped sensor DSLR. You shouldn’t use this lens with a full frame camera.
VC – Vibration Compensation. This is a mechanism to combat hand shake. Allows you to take sharp picture at slower shutter speed. Just like the previous version, I can still get a sharp image at 1/25th of a second with this lens.
PZD – Piezo Drive Technology. Basically this allows the lens to autofocus faster and quieter while maintaining a small and compact size. This is the first Tamron lens that has this feature.
LD – Low Dispersion Glass to reduce chromatic aberration at the telephoto end.
Aspherical – Minimize the lens’ aberration and distortion.
IF – Internal Focusing. Lens will not change dimension during autofocus. Front element will not rotate, so you can use a polarizing filter with no problems.
Macro – I guess Tamron still likes to confuse user with this macro term. They *STILL* call their non-1:1 Macro lens “Macro.” Anyway, this is not a real 1:1 macro lens and I wouldn’t recommend using it for macro photography. The term “Macro” here means this lens can focus closer to the subject, but not 1:1 (the image size in the sensor is equal to the subject’s actual size). I really hope they eliminate this term in the future.
Full Technical Specs (from Tamron’s website):
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 13 / 16 |
| Angle of View | 75°33′-5°55′ |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22-40 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 19.3 in. (0.49m) |
| Filter Thread | 62mm |
| Weight | 15.9oz (450g) |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | ø2.9 x 3.5in. (ø74.4 x 88mm) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 1:3.8 (at f=270mm MFD 0.49m) |
| Available for | Canon, Nikon and Sony |
Optical Performance
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Tamron 18-270 PZD Review – Sharpness
Center sharpness is very high on 18-200mm range. It is noticeably sharper than the older version. It is still a bit weak at the extreme telephoto end of 270mm (though still better than the older version). The old trick still applies here. To get the maximum sharpness, shoot at f/5.6 when you’re at the wide end (18-34mm). And from 35-270mm, shoot at f/8 for maximum sharpness.
Border sharpness is considerably high from 18-200mm. Starting from 200 to 270mm, the border sharpness started to soften a bit at the widest aperture (f/6.3). Stopping down to f/8 will fix this problem.
See the full sharpness test for this Tamron 18-270 PZD review below.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/3.5-4 | f/5-6.3 | f/8 | f/11 |
| 18mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| 24mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
| 50mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
| 100mm | n/a | Excellent | Great | Great |
| 200mm | n/a | Great | Great | Great |
| 270mm | n/a | Great | Great | Great |
Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/3.5-4 | f/5-6.3 | f/8 | f/11 |
| 18mm | Good | Great | Great | Good |
| 24mm | Good | Great | Great | Good |
| 50mm | Good | Great | Great | Great |
| 100mm | n/a | Good | Great | Great |
| 200mm | n/a | Good | Good | Good |
| 270mm | n/a | Good | Good | Good |
Distortion
The barrel distortion at 18mm is still visible, but much less than the older version. I still wouldn’t recommend using this lens for professional architecture photography.
From 50mm to 270mm the light pincushion distortion seen on the previous version has been greatly reduced and should be of no concern.
See my distortion test image for this Tamron 18-270 PZD review below.
Vignetting
Vignetting is apparent on 18mm (f/3.5), 200mm (f/5.6) and 270mm (f/6.3) but they are all much less compared to the old version. Stopping down to f/5.6 on the wide end and to f/8 on the telephoto end will reduce vignetting dramatically.
See my vignetting test chart for this Tamron 18-270 PZD review below.
Chromatic Aberration
This new lens has a much better Chromatic Aberration control. From 18-200mm, Chromatic Aberration is not an issue. It is only visible at the extreme end of 270mm.
The problem can be corrected via post processing or by stopping down to f/11 when you shoot at 270mm.
See the full chromatic aberration test on this Tamron 18-270 PZD review below.
Chromatic Aberration Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Negligible
(4) Very Low
(3) Low
(2) High
(1) Very High
Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/3.5-4 | f/5-6.3 | f/8 | f/11 |
| 18mm | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| 24mm | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low |
| 50mm | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low |
| 100mm | n/a | Low | Low | Low |
| 200mm | n/a | High | Low | Low |
| 270mm | n/a | High | Low | Low |
Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
Plastic, Made in Japan.
Zoom Ring
The zoom ring is very smooth and responsive. The zoom lock mechanism from the earlier version still exist on this lens. This is a very handy feature to have especially when transporting the lens as it prevents zoom creep.
Focusing
The IF (Internal Focusing) mechanism prevents the front element from rotating. So, using a polarizer won’t be a problem. The autofocus speed much faster compared to the older version and dead accurate.
At 270mm, when the maximum aperture drops to f/6.3, the autofocus tends to hunt when shooting in low light. Switch to manual focus in this situation.
For Nikon user: This lens has a built in Motor, which means it can autofocus with cameras with no internal focusing such as Nikon D40
Vibration Compensation
The VC feature works well just like the older version. I can still get sharp pictures at 1/25th of a second.
Compatibility
The Di-II acronym means that this lens can only be used for cropped sensor DSLR. You cannot use this lens for a full frame DSLR (such as Nikon D3
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Below are some sample shots that I took for this Tamron 18-270 PZD review. Click on any thumbnail to open the image.
Get the best price online from Amazon: For Canon
Conclusion
Back to: Menu • Introduction
The Tamron 18-270 PZD is simply much better than its predecessor (the non-PZD version). Tamron has done a good job making a lightweight, compact and sharp lens that’s also good for shooting video (due to its silent and fast autofocus).
What’s even better is that this new version has a much improved optical performance. It has better sharpness, contrast, distortion control, vignetting control and chromatic aberration control compared to the old version.
If I can name one drawback it will be the price. At around $650, this is not a cheap lens to get. However, if you’re looking for a premium, all in one, lens solution for your DSLR, then spend the money and you won’t be disappointed.
See my conclusion below for the summary:
Drawbacks
- More expensive than its predecessors.
- Chromatic Aberration on 270mm. Shoot RAW and correct in post-processing or stop down to f/11 to fix this problem.
Positives
- Excellent optical quality throughout the zoom range, much improved compared to the old version
- Better distortion control compared to the old version.
- Better vignetting control compared to the old version.
- Better chromatic aberration control compared to the old version.
- More compact and lightweight compared to the old version.
- PZD mechanism works like a charm. Autofocus is now silent and fast. A perfect all in one lens for shooting video (the autofocus noise won’t get recorded).
- Image stabilization (VC) features works superbly.
- Extremely convenient 13.9x zoom ratio.
- Overall, this lens is a travel photographer’s dream lens.
Good For
- All in one lens solution for beginner.
- Travel lens.
- Everyday photography in bright light.
Not So Good For
- Serious or professional photography who demands the maximum optical quality from a lens.
- Fast moving subject in low light.
What Others Are Saying…
by “John Helzer”
MUCH improved over the last model! The AF and image quality issues have been dramatically improved in this model. The PZD autofocus works great and is very quiet. I recommend this lens for anyone needing a carry-around lens…
Click here to read the full review
by “Vance”
Couldn’t be more pleased! I enjoy photography but am not a professional. There is no doubt this will be the lens on my camera 90% of the time. The size, weight, range and build quality will simply allow me to take my camera more places and allow me to frame more pictures…
Click here to read the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the Tamron 18-270 PZD lens from Amazon (best price online):
Just in case Amazon doesn’t have it in stock, you can try B&H Photo (Canon, Nikon) or Adorama (Canon, Nikon).
You might also check out the related lens review below.
Hope you’ve enjoyed my Tamron 18-270 PZD Review!
This is the full Tamron 18-270 PZD review. I’ve written a pre-review of this lens before Christmas and most of you have been pretty excited ab…
This is the full Tamron 18-270 PZD review. I’ve written a pre-review of this lens before Christmas and most of you have been pretty excited ab…
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
Tags: tamron 18-270 pzd, tamron 18-270 pzd review, tamron 18-270mm pzd, tamron 18-270mm pzd review
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