Tamron extends utility lens range
Tamron's 18-270mm 'utility' lens now available
Images provided by Camera-Warehouse.com.au
---
Since the introduction of Nikon's AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens two years ago, the 'utility' type lens, with it's focal length ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, has gained significantly in populararity. Similar lenses were subsequently introduced by Tamron and Sigma, and Canon has recently joined the party (somewhat late) with their new EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS lens, too.
This type of lens is particularly suitable for travelling, or any time when space and weight might be at a premium. The broad focal range makes it an ideal alternative to the bulkier and heavier twin lens kits available as standard with most popular digital SLR cameras. The lens moves from wide-angle to telephoto ranges without needing to be changed, which takes time and adds to the likelihood of introducing dust to the sensor...not to mention the risk of dropping the lens.
The only disadvantage was the sacrifice of up to 100mm in focal length of the 200mm utility lenses compared to the 75-300mm telephoto lens available in some twin kits. Perhaps realising this limitation, Tamron was quick to introduce an 18-250mm focal length and Tamron's new AF 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 DI II VC LD (IF) Aspherical Macro lens (pictured) narrows this gap even further (how long before they produce an 18-300mm lens, I wonder?).
Initially released in Nikon and Canon mounts, Pentax, Olympus (Four-Thirds) and Sony mounts will quickly follow, no doubt. This lens currently retails for around $900 in Australia.
