tonyjag Loc: Bolton, Ma.

I am getting used to a new Tamron 18-400 on a D7500. Taking into account the limitations of a superzoom lens, it has gotten favorable reviews from most experts on-line and good reports from UHH. But I don't recall anyone mentioning that it has no distance scale at all on the focus ring. All of my other lenses, including a Tamron 16-300, have one with a nice window, reading out in both feet and meters. Why did they leave it out on the 18-400? Perhaps because the total angular range of the focus ring is only about 40°. Or maybe it's significant focus breathing?

Although newer than the 16-300, it also does not have full time manual override. On the other hand, it is compatible with the Tap-In Console. Overall, i like it so far.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I already had a Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 G2 for which I learned how to use the Tap-in and how to tune a lens before I bought the 18-400mm. The first thing I did with the 18-400mm was test it and tune it - all 24 table entries of 3 distances and 8 zoom factors and I am getting good results with it. Is it tack sharp - no, but you wouldn't expect a zoom with that kind of zoom factor at $650 new to perform like a professional lens. Is the IQ acceptable - yes, more than acceptable for a walk around lens. The VR is excellent. Yes, it is quirky as the focus ring spins when AF is active, you have to flip the AF switch to manual if you want to manually override AF, and it doesn't have a distance scale and you have to remember to lock the zoom so it doesn't zoom out by itself when carrying your camera lens down. It is so convenient it stays on my D7200 and I use it for family stuff like vacations, trips to the zoo, ..., and more casual events where I don't want to carry a lot of gear with me. I like it.

tonyjag Loc: Bolton, Ma.

Thanks. I also did all 24 table entries via the Tap-In console with good results...see:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-604962-1.html

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

It does has significant focus breathing in my experience. I don't find the lack of a a scale a major impediment, but some people might. It's unfortunate that manual override is missing, but the focus ring is probably not good enough quality for manual focus anyway. The main issue for me is the softness at 400mm, although it is sharper than the 16-300 at 300 mm.