John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I have a SIGMA 105mm macro. Can't fault it optically but do find the thread to be coarse, making fine focusing a bit more of a faff than it need be. I wonder if the after market products have a less stringent policy towards tolerances. Have to say the 15-85 EFS CANON which normally sits on my 60D is no better with a barrel that can slide in or out in a stiff breeze. But the 'L' series lenses I've got are superb both in movement and fineness of thread.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"WD-40, which is basically fish oil, will destroy the lens and void your warranty. Call Tamron tech support and ask."

This is false. WD-40 is made from petroleum products.
I would not use it either on the Tamron lens. Best bet is to call Tamron for advise.

ggenova64

I have the same issues with another Tamron Lens (E-mount F/3.5-6.3 18-200mm VC).

Tamron reps told me the same thing, "will become smoother and less resistive/tight in zooming in/out." never happened.

This is the reason why I am skeptical in buying Tamron Lenses!

newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas

We got our lens in April ahead of the trip to Ireland. It was a little tight at the beginning but has loosened up. I don't notice any softness at the long end. The lens has been on the camera since April including a trip to Ireland, Annapolis and shooting around town.

hjc

Have the lens for about a year. Have not incurred that, or any other, problem. Love the lens as it provides a wide range of focal lengths, is convenient, easy to use and not heavy. It also saves weight by not having to take other lens when traveling. Must be careful to hold it steady, or use a mono pod or tripod when the lens is fully extended to 400mm, which is the case on any long lens. I have had pretty good results hand holding it or bracing myself occasionally. Taking an tripod, or even a mono pod while traveling, however, can be inconvenient when traveling, depending on the type of traveling, particularly with a tour / group. Use it with my Nikon D7200. Recently took it with me to Spain and Portugal with great results and will be also taking it next month to Northern Italy. Overall, great lens!

As an aside, couldn't figure out why, on a few occasions, the pop-up flash kept popping up and then the flash going off when taking a picture. The reason, the wide brim on my hat to protect against the sun caused a reduction in the light being picked up by the camera. The flash filled in close shots, which I did not like the results of, and of course did nothing on longer, landscape shots. Removing my hat cured that. Live and learn!

Largobob

I would not use WD-40 on any of my lenses....BUT...... (From SNOPES.COM)

As for the claim the “basic ingredient” in WD-40 is “fish oil,” it’s a common rumor and one that is easily propagated (because cans of WD-40 spray include no ingredients list), but a glance at the composition information included in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for WD-40 aerosol indicates the product is primarily petroleum-based, with the main ingredient being “solvent naptha, petroleum, medium aliphatic” (also known as Stoddard Solvent):




solvent naphtha petroleum, medium aliphatic, > 60%

petroleum base oil as paraffinic distillate, heavy, solvent-dewaxed (severe), 15% to 25%

corrosion inhibitor unregulated, 1% to 10%

wetting agent unregulated, 1% to 10%

fragrance unregulated, 0% to 1%

carbon dioxide, 2% to 3%

PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

I have had mine for a couple months and I have been very happy with it. I don't think you want it too loose, or it would "creep" on you. Don't put any lubricant on it, as it has already been said here, call Tamron and get their feedback.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

Have that lens with no problems and love it. I did have a problem with another Tamron and their customer service is great. Contact them if this is something that is a concern of yours. They will take care of it.

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

I too have the same problem, or is it? Spoke with a Tamron service tech and was told that this is normal for this lens 18-400. I believe that it will never get easy to zoom in and out, just the way the camera is produced. I have used it to shoot kids football games and have zoomed thousands of time....still as if the lens just came out of the box. Guess we just have to live with it! Give Tamron a call and see what type of response you get from them, good luck buddy.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Mine zooms fine

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Not as smooth as the L series by Canon for sure.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

I have the same lens and it has become my favorite lens. I just went to see my granddaughter compete in a 4H horse show on Saturday. It took great shots, even at the far end.

paulavr56

I've had the tamron 18-400 for about 6 months, and yes, it does get looser. Drove me nuts in the beginning. Enjoy your new lens, it's one of my favorites.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Had the same problem with a lens on my camera. Something is probably out of round and you’ll have to send it back or just exchange it. I had to have mine repaired.

WJShaheen Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ

Maybe he meant, "snake oil".