New Tamron 18 - 400 3.5-6.3 Lens: I currently use a Nikon 80 - 400 4.5-5.6 lens, it is very heavy difficult for me to use without tripod, considering buying the much lighter Tamron...

DMF

I currently use a Nikon 80 - 400 4.5-5.6 lens, it is very heavy difficult for me to use without tripod, considering buying the much lighter Tamron 18-400. While I will use a tripod when I can, the weight of the lens would allow me to hand hold. Does anyone have experience with this Tamron lens? Doug

PeterDragon Loc: Harlan, KY - Kona, HI - Phoenix, AZ

No experience with the lens, but some good reviews. I'm looking at this lens also.

Jim

DMF wrote:

I currently use a Nikon 80 - 400 4.5-5.6 lens, it is very heavy difficult for me to use without tripod, considering buying the much lighter Tamron 18-400. While I will use a tripod when I can, the weight of the lens would allow me to hand hold. Does anyone have experience with this Tamron lens? Doug

DMF

Thanks Jim, will continue to check reviews. Doug

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-491438-1.html

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-491504-1.html

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

DMF wrote:

I currently use a Nikon 80 - 400 4.5-5.6 lens, it is very heavy difficult for me to use without tripod, considering buying the much lighter Tamron 18-400. While I will use a tripod when I can, the weight of the lens would allow me to hand hold. Does anyone have experience with this Tamron lens? Doug

Hi DMF, In answer to you question, the ONLY lens I have and use is a Tamron 16/300 mm f 3.5-6.3 . I do not have a tripod at this time, (but I am in the process of getting one,) and I take ALL my pictures hand held. Look at some of my previous posts, and judge for yourself if you can use this Tamron lens without a tripod. Of course, a tripod is unquestionably better than hand held. But you can still use it without.
Hope this helps you out.
Rich...

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

DMF wrote:

I currently use a Nikon 80 - 400 4.5-5.6 lens, it is very heavy difficult for me to use without tripod, considering buying the much lighter Tamron 18-400. While I will use a tripod when I can, the weight of the lens would allow me to hand hold. Does anyone have experience with this Tamron lens? Doug

You have a great lens which is sharper then the Tamron 18-400.

I have used the new version of the Nikon 80-400. Took this dog and lion pictures with it when I used that lens

For outdoor birds in flight I use the Nikon 200-500 and enjoy this lens.

I sold my Nikon 18-200 and bought the Tamron 18-400. Very well made Lens. I had no issues with it. Third picture is with that lens.

Nikonman44

DMF wrote:

I currently use a Nikon 80 - 400 4.5-5.6 lens, it is very heavy difficult for me to use without tripod, considering buying the much lighter Tamron 18-400. While I will use a tripod when I can, the weight of the lens would allow me to hand hold. Does anyone have experience with this Tamron lens? Doug

Yep and I am a solid Nikor man but have to admit that as I need new or other lengths I have favored the Tamron family. The 18 400 is easy to use and does a fantastic job and the cost is not too heavy either.

Let us know what you decide and then, more important, what did you think after getting it.

jedcardio

I have the 18-400 and find it excellent specially for travel

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Most recently Tamron held a workshop on landscape photography here in Miami and I was in attendance. They were showing and allowing to use many of their lenses and among them was the 18-400.
I saw pictures made with the lens during the presentation on landscape photography and indeed they were of excellent quality.
I do not see how you could go wrong with it if that is what you need. I use my old Nikon 80-400 AF-D often and I am very pleased with its optical abilities. Yes, it is heavy.

DMF

Appears Tamron performs well, I will check the Nikon lenses, as mentioned likely too heavy for my budget. I sincerely appreciate all of the help, feel much more comfortable making a decision. Doug

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

DMF wrote:

I currently use a Nikon 80 - 400 4.5-5.6 lens, it is very heavy difficult for me to use without tripod, considering buying the much lighter Tamron 18-400. While I will use a tripod when I can, the weight of the lens would allow me to hand hold. Does anyone have experience with this Tamron lens? Doug

If you are fussy about IQ, and do not need the short end, I would recommend looking at the new Sigma 100-400 - about the same size and weight I believe.

3dees

I was looking at the Sigma 100-400. Tamron is coming out with their own 100-400 by nov. it offers a tri-pod mount albeit for extra $. I would love a Sigma or Tamron 150-600 but with my back problems, I'm trying to hold down on the weight. the Tamron with a converter might suit my needs.

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Have had it on order with ADORAMA for a few weeks. Just received a notice from my CC company that ADORAMA just charged for the lens. I'll be shooting with the 7D MKII and post as it goes along. I'll be shooting landscapes and sports action....hope it is a keeper?

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

For a lens designed for a crop sensor camera, this 18-400mm lens has received a lot of fanfare on this forum. Almost every other day it is mentioned.

DMF

Nikon does not appear to have a comparable lightweight lens. All of your help has made this decision much easier. Sincerely appreciate all. Doug