Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di VC Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Tamron and the lens was released 2007.
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 2007 Tamron wrote this regarding Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di VC:
"An award-winning design is made even better by incorporating Tamron VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization technology. A 10.7x zoom that, when used on an APS-C digital SLR renders a picture angle range equivalent to a 43-465mm lens on a full-frame DSLR or a 35mm film SLR. Its Di lens properties allow it to function on full-frame and APS-C digital SLRs, as well as 35mm film SLRs. Engineered for extreme compactness, image quality is optimized through use of a combination of XR (Extra Refractive Index) and LD glass. Internal focusing contributes to responsiveness and maintains constant lens barrel length and Macro focusing brings small subjects into view crisply. The addition of VC (Vibration Compensation) to combat image blur induced by camera shake, sharper handheld results are assured—especially when conditions call for slower shutter speeds.
The whole experience of optical technology, which Tamron has accumulated over the years as the pioneer of mega-zoom lenses is integrated in this lens. Also Tamron has included its own VC image stabilizer ( Vibration Compensation) technology which delivers sharp photos in critical situations. Images captured under bad lighting conditions or using the tele-setting are now made with much less blur due to vibrations. Also panning moving subjects is no problem for VC, and does not require switching over to a special mode.
This 28-300mm covers a huge focal length area from 28mm of wide-angle up to 300mm super-telephoto. On digital cameras with APS-C sensors the lens corresponds to a full-frame tele-zoom of 43mm to 465mm! Of course the VC technology works throughout the entire focal length range and it particularly displays its full power at the tele-end where the camera is especially susceptible for vibrations.
The designation “Di” (Digitally Integrated Design) marks a generation of lenses, which have been specially adapted to the higher requirements of digital SLR cameras (APS-C and full frame).
Ultimate ultra-long-range zoom with advanced vibration compensation
Unleash the picture power of your digital SLR with this remarkable new compact, lightweight all-in-one zoom lens. Covering an impressive 10.7X, wide-to-long-telephoto zoom range on both full-frame and APS-C format digital SLRs it gets down to an incredible 0.49m(19.3”) at 300mm in Macro mode for dramatic frame-filling close-ups. And to optimize its outstanding real-world image quality we´ve built in our new high-tech, state-of-the-art VC (Vibration Compensation) system.
The cutting-edge 18-element 13-group design of the 28-300mm VC lens incorporates XR (extra refractive-index), LD (low dispersion) and AD (anomalous dispersion) glass as well as hybrid and GM (glass molded) aspherical elements to deliver exquisite sharpness and color correction over its extended range. The esteemed Di (Digitally Integrated) designation is your assurance of optimum digital and analog imaging performance. Capturing razor sharp handheld images just got a whole lot easier and better. "
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 constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 28-300 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each 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 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di VC
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-5,6.
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 28 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 300 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent 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 67 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 "DA20".
Images of Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di VC
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.
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- Has a built-in autofocus motor
- A lens hood is included
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di VC.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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