schneiss Loc: Long Island NY

After all the fuss I kept the tamron 18-270 for Africa. Shots are ok but shots at full 270 are not sharp and corners are sometimes vignetted. Will have to learn to pull back on full 270mm shots.

schneiss Loc: Long Island NY

After all the fuss I kept the tamron 18-270 for Africa. Shots are ok but shots at full 270 are not sharp and corners are sometimes vignetted. Will have to learn to pull back on full 270mm shots.

1Libby

Just joined this group and searched the topic of this lens, which I purchased and it arrived today! So far, it is awesome. I've been reading many of the posts and am looking forward to learning from this group.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

I got a used 28-270 Tamron recently and am having much the same problem with mine. The images just aren't clear when maxed at 270 and I am rather disappointed with it. It's leaving me perhaps wanting that 18-400 for my trip to Ireland later this year so I can travel with that lens and one other when we go. Just hoping the IQ is better than the 28-270.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Have had mine for quite a while now and am happy with it. I bought it for vacations where I want to spend more time with the family than with my camera gear and don't want to lug a lot of glass around with me. I am pleasantly surprised with the IQ, but I did tune mine at all 24 Tap-In table entries. It does have a couple of quirks, like the focus ring (smaller and in front) turns when the lens focuses and you need to flip the switch to manual for manual focus. I like how light it is, the phenomenal zoom range, AF speed and lock is fine and, as mentioned earlier, IQ surprising good. There is some distortion and CA, but LightRoom takes care of it. IMHO, a great walk around lens for those times when you want to capture memories and maybe a little beyond.

1Libby

I'm reading and learning about this lens as fast as I can; this is the first digital camera that I have owned. (Yes, I'm old; I learned with a Yashika-D in Journalism school at college in the 70's). You lost me when you were referencing the "IQ" and said that you did "...tune mine at all 24 Tap-In table entries". Can you tell me where I can learn about that? Is it just best to search YouTube or is that something that is particular to my lens? Thanks for any direction you can provide.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Both Sigma and Tamron have devices that match your camera lens mount, but plug the lens into a computer USB port so you can adjust the lens through the embedded processor. Download their apps and you will be able to adjust the AF points (front or back) at different distances and focal lengths as well as customize VR. The 18-400mm tuning table has 3 distance entries and 8 zoom factor entries - 24 points. Other lenses have less entries. For example, the Tamron 85mm f/1.8 prime portrait lens can be tuned at 3 different distances. I have Nikon, Tamron, and Sigma glass. Out of the box Nikon glass is very close to dead on and needs very little tuning, which is a good thing because Nikon does not have a programming device like Tamron and Sigma, just a single point AF fine-tune in mid to higher end camera bodies. Tamron and Sigma glass can usually benefit significantly from tuning. The good news is that they can be tuned. The bad news is that there is a learning curve and then it does take time and effort to dial a lens in, but once you've got it, you will get the most the lens has to give.

1Libby

Clearly I have a lot of reading to do....didn't know that a lens could be connected to a computer, which is why your post made no sense to me regarding modifying AF settings. I am copying and pasting this and will get on it this week. Thank you!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I would spend my time learning camera functions and shooting. And shooting...

The last thing you need to concern yourself with is spending time playing with your lenses. Somehow, millions manage to survive without the new tuning rage. I'm sure some benefit, but it should not be an immediate priority with your endeavors. Have some fun!

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I am retired on a fixed income so I have to be very careful with my purchases. After a lot of research I bought a Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 G2 for birding, which is my passion. I was disappointed with the lens and thought I wasted $1300. Ended up sending the lens and my camera body to Tamron for matching. When they came back I was still not satisfied. After a lot more research I bought a $50 Tamron Tap-In and learned how to tune. After tuning all 18 points, I am getting excellent results with the G2. So I saved a bunch a money on the lens and learned a new set of skills, which have improved my knowledge of how my camera, especially AF, and lenses work. Tamron and Sigma make some excellent glass, but I am sure to let those who are contemplating Tamron and Sigma lenses that they sell the Tap-In and the USB Dock for a reason.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I did not say it was useless, but rather it's the latest fad that many feel is unnecessary. Many will also concede that learning their camera and refining their technique is always worth the time invested. Blaming equipment is something that comes with the hobby.

1Libby

I understand. Right now, There are several functions on this camera that I still just do not know and I am mostly shooting on auto when I see something that I need to shoot in an instant and don't have time to think it through. I need to think back to learning with my Yashica-D when we just had to look at the sun (couldn't use a light meter) and developed my own B&W, and ended up with some great shots that I was proud to claim. It's just been so many years that I feel like I'm starting over, and this camera feels way over-engineered. I've just got to learn and gradually use all manual functions. But, I've got to say, that I am loving this lens...I live on a lake, and a great blue heron hangs out in front of my house, so I'm waiting to catch him.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

The Tamron 16-300 is a good all in one walk around lens but its not very sharp at 300mm, or at the edges of images, and has less than stellar contrast. This is not a put down of the lens. Its one of the better examples of its type. The Tamron 18-400 also has its limitations but it betters the previous 16-300 in a few significant ways other than its greater reach. It has less distortion. Its also sharper at the long end as well as sharper at the edges as various focal lengths. It also has slightly better contrast. However, if image quality is paramount, neither of these Tamron lens is the best choice compared to many lenses with shorter zoom ranges.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

I decided to take the leap on the 18-400 this week. B&H had the lens for $100 off, plus they were throwing in the TAP-in Console and a UV filter. Got it in last night and can't wait to start using it to see how it does and then see what I might be able to do with the TAP-in console.

1Libby

So far, the image quality of the 18-400 is better than I expected. I'm taking it to a deer preserve tomorrow and hope to catch some deer and turkey early in the mornings.