Tamron 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Tamron and the lens was released 2006.
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 2006 Tamron wrote this regarding Tamron 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II :
"Experience the great power of a 14X zoom range with Tamron’s 18-250mm*— a single lens capable of shooting both wide angle and telephoto scenes. At nearly 14X, Tamron’s lens is the world’s most powerful zoom and delivers all the photographic freedom of this enormous range in a single, compact lens. *Like a 28-400mm lens in 35mm format."
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 18-250 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 29-400 mm if you have a Canon camera or 27-375 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.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Tamron 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
- Read more about the autofocus motor and the importance of this part
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 250 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.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
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.
Together with the lens there is a lens hood included but we have unfortunately no further information on model etc so feel free to contact us if you know more.
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 (430 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 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II .
| Build Quality |
 
|
| Image Quality |
|
| Autofocus |
|
| Sharpness |
|
| Versatility |
|
| Value |
|
| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
Best deals on Tamron 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II
Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.