Can one lens really do it all?
Test drive this new zoom lens and see for yourself
Tracy Greene
Tamron Lens Review
I recently had the pleasure of shooting with the new Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II lens. From super wide angle at 18mm to an impressive zoom of 250mm, I found I could shoot just about anything I wanted without ever having to change the lens.
When taking pictures, I love to get really close to my subjects and capture them with a wide-angle lens. The resulting photo makes the viewer feel as though they are close to the subject. This lens was perfect for that at 18mm.
Of course, having a really nice telephoto lens is always important and this lens took care of that too. Other lens manufacturers have similar zooms you should definitely consider. Two advantages of the Tamron lens are its compatibility with cameras from Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sony, and the 250mm focal length. It really brings faraway subjects up close, and with an incredible macro setting it will also let you take a tight photo of something not so faraway.
The benefit of not having to change lenses is really nice when I'm photographing my family. I barely have enough time to get in the right spot to capture just the right moment, and if I had to change my lens on top of that I might miss the shot.
When shooting with a lens like this on your DSLR, keep in mind that although these new zooms are small and lightweight – this one weighing just under a pound – there are a few things you should do to greatly increase your percentage of sharp images when using the lens at 200-250mm.
• When shooting at 250mm, make sure your camera's shutter speed is at 1/250 sec or faster.
• Find something to brace yourself against, such as a wall or tree.
• Keep your legs spaced about shoulder width apart with your elbows tucked in.
• Place your hand under the lens to better stabilize it.
• Raise your ISO level. Going from ISO 200 to ISO 400 will make a big difference.
I found that virtually every possible photo opportunity was available with this lens, from super telephoto zoomed-in close-ups, to wide-angle close-up dramatic portraits, to macro flower photography.
Visit your local camera shop and see one of these lenses for yourself.