I think I want the tamron 18-270

[WDWAurora]

Any thoughts? I have a nikon d5000, if that makes a difference. Other suggestions? We have the kit lens, a 55-200, and a 50mm. I'd like something more multipurpose. Any great prices on these? I'll need a lens hood, too, if it doesn't come with one, and I'm going to get a decent strap. We're taking DS on his first wdw trip soon, so I want to make sure we're all set!

 

[WDWAurora]

Any advice or experiences?

 

[mom2rtk]

I have the Canon version. It's nice to have that wide range at my fingertips. I have some wider aperture lenses, so hadn't really given it much of a chance recently. But over our vacation to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands this summer, I used the Tamron again for the extra reach. It really did great and I have no complaints. I think it's pretty well reviewed for image quality.

It does suffer from barrell creep, where the lens will not stay still when it's hanging from your neck. The zoom extends just from the weight and gravity. BUT. It does have a lock that allows you to lock it in the widest length. Once you get in the habit of doing that, it's fine.

I took this at 270 mm with it:


Custer State Park Prairie Dogs by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

A few months back I used the Tamron 18-250 on a Sony. I must preface this with the fact that all my long zooms are IF/zoom. I have never had a lens with lens creep. It drove me absolutely crazy. I banged it countless times. They do sell bands (rubber/vinyl) that help with this issue. As far as image quality, that was very good. I had no complaints with what it produced. My only complaint was with the creep. Any slight downward turn and it fully extended. If I owned that lens, I would definitely purchase the bands to keep it from extending/creeping.

 

[WDWAurora]

Not having had a lens with creep issues, is it more of an annoyance to have to readjust or is there a problem with that? I know, stupid question, but I guess I just don't get why creep is a huge deal since I haven't experienced it. I'm guessing we will put it away a good bit because of the ease with our bag, but I do have the crumpler disgrace in my amazon cart right now...I would also consider the sigma (and, technically, the nikkor). VERY tough decision!!

 

[WDWAurora]

Hmm...and it can be purchased for about $480 after rebate....price seems pretty good....

 

[mom2rtk]

That is a good price.

Is there a store in your area where you could put it on your camera and see what it feels like?

The only real problem is that it IS annoying. I have never tried one of the bands, but just got in the habit of locking it after using it.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Not having had a lens with creep issues, is it more of an annoyance to have to readjust or is there a problem with that? I know, stupid question, but I guess I just don't get why creep is a huge deal since I haven't experienced it. I'm guessing we will put it away a good bit because of the ease with our bag, but I do have the crumpler disgrace in my amazon cart right now...I would also consider the sigma (and, technically, the nikkor). VERY tough decision!!

Here is why it was a major annoyance for ME. For someone else it would probably not be an issue. I am used to setting my zoom at a certain focal length for a particular situation. In this case, I was at a surprise birthday party and at the last minute the wife of the surprisee handed me their camera and asked me to shoot candids of the party. Being inside I wasn't going to use any super tele so I set the focal length to about 35mm and started to shoot. Everytime I tilted the camera down the lens fully extended. That wasn't something I expected or had experienced before. So as I'm shooting I had to adjust my focal length for almost every shot. When I shoot at a racetrack (auto racing), I set my focal length to a spot on the track and forget about it and just worry about focus and composition. Again, its just me and the way I shoot. That lens creep caught me completely off guard. If I used it more, I might get used to it, but for the type of shooting I do, it's not a lens that works well. The photos that I got were very good and they were pleased with the result. I'm only pointing out that the all-in-ones have an issue with lens creep. There are fixes such as the use of the vinyl bands that cause a little resistance and prevent the creep. Just be aware of this issue.

 

[Wadecool]

Not having had a lens with creep issues, is it more of an annoyance to have to readjust or is there a problem with that? I know, stupid question, but I guess I just don't get why creep is a huge deal since I haven't experienced it. I'm guessing we will put it away a good bit because of the ease with our bag, but I do have the crumpler disgrace in my amazon cart right now...I would also consider the sigma (and, technically, the nikkor). VERY tough decision!!

A little OT, but if you haven't confirmed your purchase of the Crumpler, you may want to consider the Kata Reflex E strap. I like it better because it allows me to quickly remove the neck strap and still have great camera security because of the way the connector rings are designed. The neoprene strap is very comfortable as well.

 

[alloyd1170]

I have the Canon version and love it (despite the lens creep). It is my walk around lens (until I can afford an L lens). I used it on a Nat Geo sponsored Galapagos photo trip and again, was my go to lens for wide angle and zoom. You can check out my photos at www.alisonlloydphotography.com under the Galapagos gallery. The only other issue I have is that the switch to auto/manual focus no longer works (must have gotten banged or something during my travels). However, it is stuck in the auto focus mode, so not a huge deal for me.

 

[SC Mouse Fan]

I have had one for a while now and it pretty much stays one my camera. The lens creep is kind of annoying and I do lock the lens when I remember to. I have been pleased with the pictures I have taken with it. They have a new version out that is smaller and lighter. Pop Photo reviewed it in the June 2011 issue. I am sure it is more expensive than the old one. Here is an example from this weekend. You can find more on my flikr site.


2011 Festival of Flowers by SC Mouse Fan, on Flickr

 

[Mexidoc]

I have the D 5000 and recently purchased the tamron 18-270. I love it. It has some drawbacks that other have mentioned, most notably, not great in low light. However, it's one lens that covers 18mm-270mm. The nikon may be better but it's also almost twice as much. As for the lens creep, it does have a lock that locks it in the 18mm "closed" position. I would highly recomend this for a great everyday lens.