Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II Review

Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Tamron and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category superzoom lenses. A superzoom lens gives you a wide zoom range, from a wider field of view (wide angle) to a more narrow field of view (telephoto) and is usually appreciated as an all-in-one travel lens.

Product description from Tamron

At launch 2005 Tamron wrote this regarding Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II :

"The 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II blends optical performance, convenience and versatility in the world´s lightest, most compact 11.1x zoom for digital SLR cameras. Precision optics and a collection of Tamron technologies work in concert to deliver outstanding image clarity, and the freedom of wide-angle-to telephoto shooting with just one lens. Fewer lens changes means your DSLR´s image sensor is exposed to picture-degrading dust less often, safeguarding consistent image quality. Streetscapes and confined interiors come to life at 18mm. Far away subjects are reined in easily at 200mm, which is made even more powerful by the inherent crop factor of APS-C-sensor DSLRs—a benefit that causes magnification equivalent to a 310mm lens on a full frame (36mm x 24mm) digital or 35mm film SLR. Of course, every focal length in between offers the continuous framing control to apply personal preference to every shot.

Due to its very big focal length range this 18-200mm is suited as a standard lens for practically all photographic situations. Especially when travelling, its ultra-compact and light construction offers perfect photo fun. From wide-angle to telephoto- you can master many photographic situations with this lens. The18-200mm Di II lens stands in the tradition of the legendary range of Tamron mega zooms and has a 11.1times zoom corresponding to an equivalent of 28-300mm when compared to full frame cameras. The18-200mm Di II works with innovative XR glass (extra Refractive index) to optimize the optical performance in the whole focal length range. This design reduces several aberrations to an absolute minimum and at the same time ensures a more compact construction. Moreover, three aspherical hybrid elements are used to avoid spherical aberration as well as two LD (Low dispersion) glass elements to compensate for chromatic aberration. The result is a versatile zoom lens with outstanding optical quality. It reaches a magnification ratio of 1:3,7 and, hence, is suited also for macro shots, with a minimum focus distance of only 45 cm. Experience the versatility of this lens which sets a new norm in standard lens coupled with a fantastic price performance ratio.

Please note that Di II lenses are made for the exclusive use on digital SLR cameras with image sensors smaller than 24mm x 16mm. Di II lenses cannot be used together with a full format or 35mm SLR camera, as their image sensors are not able to cover the entire area of full format resulting in dark corners of the (i.e. vignetting becomes noticeable).

Please note: The 18-200mm became available with a built-in motor for the Nikon D40, D40X and D60 (Model A14NII) from March 2008. The A14N model which had been available up until March 2008 is only compatible with the D40/D40X/D60 in the MF mode due to the fact it doesn´t have a built-in motor. "

Product description from Tamron at launch 2005

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.

The lens has a focal length of 18-200 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 29-320 mm if you have a Canon camera or 27-300 mm if you have a Niko camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-6,3.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 18 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 200 mm the brightness is f/6,3. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. 

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 62 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "AD06".

Images of Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • A versatile lens for those who own their first DSLR camera
  • An impressive focal range
  • A lens hood is included
  • Light weight (398 gr)
  • No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • No built-in image stabilizer
  • Poor aperture value with its f/6,3
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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