Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

The reason I ask for input on something here on UHH is because the pro reviews can be biased, especially if the reviewer receives compensation from a manufacturer. Then there are those who simply have a favorite and tend to downplay any other brand. However, the folks here are the ones who use this equipment on a daily or near daily basis and now what and how something performs, what the quality is, and can often say that the negatives mentioned in a review aren’t all that negative in the grand scheme of things. In other words, we here on UHH have a real world experience with something we use. Often the review is simply something like, “I have this item and love it.” Or sometimes it’s something like, “I got this item but was a bit disappointed in it.” At least I, or anyone who wants to know, can go into something with some practical knowledge.

Robert Bailey Loc: Canada

I bought five lenses this summer- two for an APS-C camera body,
and three for a full-frame body.
(I was replacing two Nikon "kit" lenses.)
I was primarily concerned with sharpness and wanted the aperture to be at least f 2.8.
I also considered the price.
I spent considerable time studying the Dxomark ratings
and followed their ratings in choosing the 5 lenses.
I ended up buying 3 Sigma lenses and 2 Tamron lenses.
I am thrilled at how good these new lenses are compared to the mediocre Nikon kit lenses
they've replaced.
I know other professional photographers who implicitly trust the Dxomark ratings.
In my experience, those who don't like the Dxomark ratings
are those who own lenses that are not highly rated.

SparkyNYC Loc: NYC & Coconut Creek,Fl

I have two topics up on this site showing images from my D5300 with the 18-400 lens
1-Short walk in Manhattan with my new Tamron 18-400
2-Crisp Light,New Lens-My Day at the Beach

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Seems to make nice images. They appear nice and sharp.

Motorbones Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

You kinda hit the nail on the head. "QUALITY"... What is a quality product?... It s a product that meets customer needs, expectations or requirements. No matter how effective, precise, or durable an item is, if it doesn't do what the buyer wants or needs it to do, it's not a quality product (workmanship and durability are usually part of the equation just the same). I don't believe in bashing anything that I haven't used (or reasonably attempted to use) at least three times. This is why I value the input from a broad range of people with varying back grounds, or the ones that actually use what I'm looking for... be they professional, amateur, or hobbyist. When I was inquiring about the D7500 before buying it. I read a lot of opinions from both sides of the table. Some made issues where they really didn't exist for me such as the number of card slots. One slot meets my need. General statements without explanation didn't have any value to me either. At some point, after reading both internet and Hedgehog opinions, the selection became crystal clear since I focused on what I was looking for in a camera. What do you want to do with it or rather what do you want or need from it becomes the paramount question.... BTW, I used to teach TQM in the Air Force (besides being a damn good Medic)....

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

😄😄

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

Thanks for the question and the discussion. I just got back from the camera store and am considering upgrading my Tamron 16-300 to the 18-400. I've been using the 16-300 as my walk around lens on my d7100 for several years and like it accepting the stipulations about softness of IQ at both extremes. Yes, it will never have the IQ of my Nikon prime 50mm or other higher end lenses but it more than makes up for it in versatility. If I didn't have the 16-300 I'd get the 18-400 no question about it but I'm still working on the upgrade. Expect to rent one pretty soon to see what I think before I buy. From the word of mouth reviews I seem to sense that the 18-400 is a better lens and I would like the additional reach more than the wider 16mm bottom end.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Get the Sony RX10 IV and you are DONE.

leftj Loc: Texas

I made the upgrade and am very happy.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I’m working with a dollar factor here, so that one is out.

Motorbones Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

I sincerely hope it'll work as well for you as it has for me...

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Whether or not a lens has “Macro” is not a factor for me, as I have zero interest in that type of photography. My primary needs are for the “long” end, and 400mm is better than 300mm, to me. Presently, I’m using the Nikon 70-300mm ED-IF AF f3.5-6.3. However, had Tamron’s 18-400 been out six months ago, I’d probably have bought that, instead.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

If you are just going to get a walk around lens like the 18-400, don’t sell your camera. It is a very good one. Just try to work around the weight issue somehow. I think the only way you are going to be really happy is if you get some very high quality lenses. GL!

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Well, you are right. I keep going around with this idea of going in a different direction, but I’ve got what I’ve got, and the likelihood of going on long hikes and needing a light camera is remote. My G16 works for that. I think I’m looking for convenience more than anything else, and such a lens would really fit the bill. Nice to dream a bit, though. Like my wife advises, start saving up for that lens!! LOL. Should someone, out of the blue, come up and offer me a ridiculous amount for my gear, I may not be able to resist parting with it, but until then.......................

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Have you tried KEH or Adorama/B&H? From what I have seen here, KEH gives the most money for used gear.