Nikon 18-200 DX VRII vs Tamron 18-270: I currently use a Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD AF Lens on a D7100 body. My brother purchased a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm...

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

I currently use a Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD AF Lens on a D7100 body. My brother purchased a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens but decided to upgrade to a full frame Nikon model with one of the trinity lenses without ever using the 18-200 (still in the box). He asked if I wanted to buy it from him at $150 off what he paid for it.

Has anyone personally used both these lenses head to head. I already have looked at reviews and most give the Nikon lens the edge. I would like personal experience from anyone that has it here on the Hogs. I probably will end up renting one before I have him send it to me but thought I would check out the vast knowledge here first.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

Revet wrote:

I currently use a Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di I... (show quote)

While I make use of the Nikon lens on my 12mp D200, I've read that it loses some of its clarity when used in conjunction with higher mp cameras. Can't say just how much is lost, or whether the same could affect other lens.

Lenf Loc: Strasburg,PA

I have a 18-270 on my D7000, and have almost worn it out, thinking of upgrading to a new one , since I use it so much.. Had an 18-200 Nikon but gave it to my son in law to use.. Never did an actual side by side , but I believe in these do series both would be very close ..

MarkD Loc: NYC

I've had both lenses. The Tamron may be a little sharper, especially if you will be shooting at 270mm and have to crop with the Nikon. The Nikon is better built. If you are rough on your gear, go with the Nikon. Otherwise I would put the $150 toward something else.

If you want to upgrade the Tamron, consider a Sigma or Nikon 18-300. I have the Sigma 18-300 and it's sharper than either the Nikon 18-200 or Tamron 18-270 VC PZD.

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

MarkD wrote:

I've had both lenses. The Tamron may be a little sharper, especially if you will be shooting at 270mm and have to crop with the Nikon. The Nikon is better built. If you are rough on your gear, go with the Nikon. Otherwise I would put the $150 toward something else.

If you want to upgrade the Tamron, consider a Sigma or Nikon 18-300. I have the Sigma 18-300 and it's sharper than either the Nikon 18-200 or Tamron 18-270 VC PZD.

Thanks to both of you. I will invest my money elsewhere!!!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Revet wrote:

I currently use a Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di I... (show quote)

I used the 180200mm when I had DX bodies. No complaints, but it's an old design, if that means anything. Read comparisons.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

I have owned both and had them mounted on my D300 and D7100. I found the Tamron to be a little soft in the corners when racked all the way out but mostly pretty good as a walk around lens. As someone else posted, I think the Nikon is built better. Never had a problem with the Tamron but the Nikon just has a more 'solid' feel. If you are looking to upgrade I would seriously look at either the newer Tamron 16-300 or Sigma 18-300. They both are sharper than either of the older lenses (I have owned all 4 of these) and my current choice is the Tamron 16-300. It's relatively small and lightweight and won't break the bank. The newer Nikon 18-300 is probably a good walk around lens as well but it's $900. If it were me, I would spend my money on one of these newer lenses for
a few more $$$.

YoungEsqr Loc: Minnesota

I love the 18-270 and just gave it to my wife and moved up to the Tamron 16-300, which I am enjoying.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

I

Revet wrote:

I currently use a Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di I... (show quote)

I own an 18-200mm Nikon and use it on my D7000. It pretty much stays there all of the time. Sometimes I wish I had the 18-300mm for the extra reach. Depends mostly on your shooting needs. If you are satisfied with your Tamron, forego the Nikon and get something totally different that allows you additional shooting options. For example, right now all of my lenses don't allow me reach beyond 200mm, so I will be looking for something like the Tamron or Sigma 150-600mm beasts. Good luck with your decisions.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

RKL349 wrote:

I br br I own an 18-200mm Nikon and use it on my ... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Me too. I love my 18-200. I bought a Sigma 18-250 first but it never was tack-sharp even after returning it for warranty service. I have a few other Sigmas and they have been great.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Revet wrote:

I currently use a Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di I... (show quote)

I have both lenses and like both. I used the Tammy on my D5000 and the Nikon came as part of a D7100 kit purchased at Costco about 1-1/2 years ago. I usually have the Tammy on my camera due to its greater length. If I know I won't need the greater zoom I like the Nikon since it doesn't extend out as far physically and I don't have to contend with zoom creep when carrying it. See if you can borrow the lens for a few days to see if it is something you really want.

Bill

Khaldac Loc: Olympic Peninsula

shutterbob wrote:

If you are looking to upgrade I would seriously look at either the newer Tamron 16-300 or Sigma 18-300. They both are sharper than either of the older lenses (I have owned all 4 of these) and my current choice is the Tamron 16-300. It's relatively small and lightweight and won't break the bank.

Will this lense work on older Nikon models, such as the D5000? The ads I see say "Nikon F-mount APS-C" but I'm not sure what that means.

Thanks!

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

wjones8637 wrote:

I have both lenses and like both. I used the Tammy on my D5000 and the Nikon came as part of a D7100 kit purchased at Costco about 1-1/2 years ago. I usually have the Tammy on my camera due to its greater length. If I know I won't need the greater zoom I like the Nikon since it doesn't extend out as far physically and I don't have to contend with zoom creep when carrying it. See if you can borrow the lens for a few days to see if it is something you really want.

Bill

Yes, I think that is what I should do. Since it is my brother, that will be no problem. From what I am hearing, the Nikon will not be a huge upgrade, if any at all, over the Tammy. I really like the Tammy, it has served me well.

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

Khaldac wrote:

Will this lense work on older Nikon models, such as the D5000? The ads I see say "Nikon F-mount APS-C" but I'm not sure what that means.

Thanks!

APS-C is simply a reference to the camera's sensor size. The D5000, as well as the current D5500, along with the D3000 series and D7000 series are all APS-C, or cropped sensor cameras. All of the lenses I mentioned are designed for these cameras. They are also called DX cameras. The lenses are not intended for use in a 'full frame', or FX camera. They will work, but generally only in 'cropped mode'. So, short answer, yes these lenses will all work just fine on a D5000.

Khaldac Loc: Olympic Peninsula

shutterbob wrote:

APS-C is simply a reference to the camera's sensor size. The D5000, as well as the current D5500, along with the D3000 series and D7000 series are all APS-C, or cropped sensor cameras. All of the lenses I mentioned are designed for these cameras. They are also called DX cameras. The lenses are not intended for use in a 'full frame', or FX camera. They will work, but generally only in 'cropped mode'. So, short answer, yes these lenses will all work just fine on a D5000.

Excellent, I learned something new today. It's a good day :) Thanks much for the response!

Michael