Tamron 18-400mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD

amazon Tamron 18-400mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD reviews

Tamron 18-400mm f / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD code B028 is the only all-in-one zoom lens available today for 1.5x crop DSLRs with a focal length of 18mm – 400mm for a zoom ratio of 22.2x. If converted to 35mm fullframe, the longest focal length would be equivalent to 600mm on Nikon or 640mm on Canon. Although the zoom range is relatively drastic, but this lens ensures a compact size compatible with body DSLR and especially with anti-vibration as well as close-up at the closest distance of 45cm .

Design

Just like the finishing touches of recent Tamron lenses, the 18-400mm f / 3.5-6.3 has a very smooth appearance and comes in contact with protective gaskets to ensure maximum moisture control. Dirt penetrates inside. Although made of plastic, the fineness of this tube is very good for the feel of hand on the hand is very strong and certainly in the state of collapse or zoom out.

When compacted, the lens has a uniform diameter from tail to tip of lens, I appreciate this design because it ensures the lens has a high finishing look and feel comfortable. , easier to manipulate. The size of the zoom is nearly twice as long as the zoom, ensuring that when you attach to the body without feeling the head down.

Occupying a large area in the middle of the lens is a large rubber zoom ring for good grip, although the zoom range is quite wide, but the journey of this zoom range is only about 90 degrees, that is encapsulated in 1 Our wrist rotates when changing focus from 18mm to 400mm.

Similar to the journey of the zoom ring, the journey of the focus ring is also very short only about 60 degrees for very fast focus from near 0.45m to infinity. This focus ring is located at the top of the lens and there is less chance of being touched.

On this tube, Tamron also equips us with 3 hard buttons to switch between the manual focus / autofocus mode, anti-vibration switch and the other one with the zoom key to prevent the lens from zooming in. The cases of strong movement when wearing the machine or holding the machine in the direction of the down.

This tube uses a non-72mm diameter filter which is quite common for users to take advantage of available filters.

where can you get a Tamron 18-400mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD online

Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom For Nikon APS-C Digital SLR Cameras (6 Year Limited USA Warranty): Buy it now

Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom For Canon APS-C Digital SLR Cameras (6 Year Limited USA Warranty): Buy it now

Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Zoom Lens with 3 UV/CPL/ND8 Filters + Tripod + Pouch Kit for Nikon DSLR Cameras: Buy it now

Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Zoom Lens with 3 Filters + Flash + Diffuser + Reflector Kit for Nikon DSLR Cameras: Buy it now

Optical quality

Inside the Tamron 18-400mm, there are 16 lenses divided into 11 groups, including aspherical lenses, spherical ash and low scattering lenses to correct spherical fading, Image retains sharpness, and optimal resolution, which limits the distortion of the image.

To put it this way, inserting a focal length from 18mm wide angle to 400mm telephoto angle into a lens of this size is a brave thing to demonstrate show power of Optical Tamron.

Not to mention that the lens also has the ability to focus at a distance of up to 45mm, this is the distance from the subject to the sensor, so you can imagine that when zoomed out, the length of this lens is approximately You can take close-up shots at a distance of only about 20cm from the lens

Distortion issues at the widest focal length, sharpness throughout the focal range, as well as image quality brought by this lens have been remarkably resolved by Tamron on this particular lens.

Another impressive feature of this lens is that in addition to the built-in HLD motor, space is limited thanks to its small size and arc shape to reduce the size of the lens. Tamron 18-400mm also equipped with effective VC anti-shake when shooting in low light or when shooting without tripods at telephoto focal distance as at 400mm.

These two factors have further enhanced the user experience of an all-in-one lens with such a zoom range.

Practical experience

The lens I borrowed for the Nikon, when mounted as the DX body like the Nikon D7100 used in this test, will give a focal length equivalent to 27-600mm when converted to 35mm fullframe. As I said above, this lens will meet all of our basic everyday photography needs.

Image Quality

The lens delivers generally good image quality across its zoom range, though performance can vary depending on the focal length. At the wide end (18mm), the lens offers sharp images with good contrast and color accuracy. As you zoom in, sharpness may decrease slightly, especially towards the extreme telephoto end (400mm). However, stopping down the aperture to f/8 or f/11 improves sharpness and overall image quality, mitigating some of the softness observed at larger apertures.

Distortion and Chromatic Aberration

The Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD exhibits some distortion, particularly at the wide end of the zoom range. Barrel distortion is noticeable at 18mm but is typically correctable in post-processing. Chromatic aberration is present but generally well-controlled, with minimal color fringing noticeable in high-contrast situations. The lens’s optical design effectively manages these aberrations, contributing to overall image quality.

Flare and Ghosting

The lens incorporates multi-coating to reduce flare and ghosting, but it is not entirely immune to these issues. Under strong backlighting conditions or when shooting directly into bright light sources, some flare and ghosting may occur. Using a lens hood can help mitigate these effects and improve image clarity in challenging lighting conditions.

Bokeh and Depth of Field

The Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD’s variable aperture affects the bokeh quality and depth of field. At the wide end, the lens can achieve a relatively shallow depth of field, allowing for some creative control over background blur. However, the bokeh may not be as smooth or aesthetically pleasing as lenses with larger apertures. The lens’s 7-blade rounded aperture contributes to a reasonably smooth bokeh, though it may not match the quality of higher-end lenses.

Autofocus and Manual Focus

Autofocus Performance

The Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD is equipped with Tamron’s High/Low Torque Drive (HLD) autofocus motor, which provides fast and quiet focusing. The autofocus system performs well across most focal lengths, though it may experience some hunting in low light or low-contrast scenes. The lens’s autofocus speed is generally satisfactory for both still photography and video recording, though professional users may find it slightly slower compared to more specialized lenses.

Manual Focus

The lens offers full-time manual focus override, allowing for precise adjustments even when the autofocus system is engaged. The manual focus ring is well-damped and smooth, providing accurate control over focus adjustments. While the focus ring’s resistance is comfortable, it may not be as refined as those found on higher-end lenses.

Versatility and Use Cases

General Photography

The Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic applications. Its extensive focal length range—from wide-angle to super-telephoto—allows photographers to capture diverse subjects without changing lenses. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or wildlife, the lens’s zoom range provides flexibility and convenience.

Landscape Photography

The lens’s wide-angle capabilities (18mm) make it suitable for landscape photography. At the wide end, it captures expansive scenes with good sharpness and contrast. The lens’s performance improves when stopped down to f/8 or f/11, providing greater depth of field and sharper results. While the lens may not offer the ultimate sharpness of dedicated wide-angle lenses, it is adequate for most landscape photography needs.

Portrait Photography

For portrait photography, the lens’s telephoto range (up to 400mm) allows for creative framing and compression. The ability to zoom in on distant subjects provides versatility in composing portraits. While the variable aperture may limit low-light performance, the lens’s overall sharpness and color accuracy contribute to pleasing portrait results. Stopping down the aperture can improve depth of field and achieve better subject isolation.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The extensive telephoto reach of the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD makes it a valuable tool for wildlife and sports photography. The lens’s ability to zoom in on distant subjects without changing lenses is advantageous for capturing fast-moving animals or athletes. However, the variable aperture may impact performance in low light, and users may need to rely on higher ISO settings or faster shutter speeds to maintain image quality.

Travel Photography

For travel photographers, the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD offers a comprehensive focal length range in a single lens, reducing the need to carry multiple lenses. Its versatility allows photographers to capture a wide range of subjects, from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups. The lens’s compact design and relatively lightweight construction make it a practical choice for travel, though its size and weight may still be noticeable.

Comparison with Competitors

Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

The Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is a direct competitor offering a similar focal length range and aperture. It includes optical stabilization (OS), which provides additional assistance for handheld shooting. The Sigma lens is comparable in terms of zoom range but may offer slightly better image stabilization. The choice between the Sigma and Tamron lenses will depend on factors such as stabilization needs and personal preference for handling and image quality.

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR

The Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is a superzoom lens designed for Nikon APS-C DSLRs. It includes vibration reduction (VR) and offers similar focal length coverage. The Nikon lens provides effective stabilization and good overall performance, though it may be priced higher than the Tamron option. The choice between these lenses will depend on brand compatibility and desired features such as stabilization.

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a slightly shorter focal length zoom lens with image stabilization. It offers a more compact design but with a reduced zoom range compared to the Tamron 18-400mm. The Canon lens is a good option for those seeking a more portable superzoom with stabilization, though it may not cover the same range of focal lengths.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extensive Zoom Range: Covers a wide focal length range from wide-angle to super-telephoto, providing flexibility for various photographic situations.
• Versatility: Suitable for a broad range of subjects, including landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and travel photography.
• Good Image Quality: Delivers generally sharp images with good contrast and color accuracy across most of the zoom range.
• Compact Design: Relatively compact for a superzoom lens, making it easier to handle and carry.

Cons:

• Variable Aperture: The f/3.5-6.3 aperture range limits low-light performance and depth-of-field control compared to lenses with wider apertures.
• Softness at Extreme Focal Lengths: The lens can exhibit some softness and reduced sharpness at the extreme telephoto end (400mm), which is typical for superzoom lenses. Stopping down the aperture helps improve sharpness but may not completely eliminate the issue.
• Distortion and Chromatic Aberration: Some distortion (especially barrel distortion at the wide end) and chromatic aberration may be noticeable, though these issues are generally manageable with post-processing corrections.
• Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: The autofocus system, while generally reliable, may not be as fast or accurate as those found in higher-end lenses, particularly in low-light conditions or complex scenes.