Tamron 16-300mm F3.5-six.iii Di II VC PZD Macro review
$629/£450

Of the numerous incarnations of Tamron's famous superzoom concept that nosotros've seen over the last couple of decades, the latest 16-300mm F3.5-half dozen.3 Di Ii VC PZD Macro looks like one of the bigger steps forward. Information technology offers a lot more than the incremental increase in focal length that has characterized most of its predecessors, starting at eighteen-200mm with the first version for APS-C format cameras in 2005, rising to 250mm, so 270mm, and now upwards to 300mm.

This time though, the focal length range also extends wider, from 18mm to 16mm (28mm to 24mm equivalent), bringing serious wide-angle capability to the superzoom category for the first time. A couple of millimeters improvement over the previous Tamron 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Di Two VC PZD may not sound like much, just it makes a very useful difference at short focal lengths and the extended range now sets a new record with a whopping 18.8x zoom ratio. Closest focusing distance has also been reduced to earn the 'Macro' designation (even if it's hardly macro in the true sense of allowing i:one reproduction).

Additionally, the new lens has had a thorough mechanical overhaul with several welcome changes. The PZD (Piezo Drive) auto-focusing and VC (Vibration Compensation) epitome-stabilization systems are both improved. The focusing ring is better positioned close to the camera and it no longer rotates during car-focusing. The build quality goes up a notch as well, with 'moisture-resistant' construction. Both size and weight have increased slightly, simply it's still a very handy package.

Headline features

  • Course-leading 16-300mm focal length range (approx 24-450mm equivalent)
  • Swift and quiet PZD ultrasonic-drive autofocus
  • Effective VC (Vibration Compensation) in-lens image stabilization
  • Close focusing to 0.39m, maximum magnification 0.34x
  • Weather-resistant build
  • Meaty size (for focal length range)
  • APS-C format just, in fittings for Canon, Nikon and Sony DSLRs

In the DSLR sector, Tamron faces superzoom rivals in every camp, and some of the designs are notably similar. Alphabetically, the Canon EF-S xviii-200mm 3.5-5.6 IS looks a picayune behind the curve these days, though it's a proven good performer. Nikon has a history of occasional cooperation with Tamron and matches the long-cease reach with its Nikkor 18-300mm F3.v-6.3G AF-S DX ED VR. The Pentax SMC DA eighteen-270mm F3.five-6.3 ED SDM bears more than than a passing resemblance to the superseded Tamron eighteen-270mm. Not to be outdone, Sigma joins the up-to-300mm superzoom club with its revamped 18-300mm F3.5-half-dozen.iii DC Macro Bone HSM C, and Sony has the DT xviii-250mm F3.5-half-dozen.3.

Angle of view

This is what superzooms are all almost - one lens, that goes from wide-angle, through the standard focal length range, and on to a very respectable telephoto. Tamron has even merchandise-marked the term 'all in i' and its 16-300mm lens leads the course with an xviii.8:i zoom ratio.

Tamron 16-300mm F3.v-6.3 Di Two VC PZD Macro compared to Tamron xviii-270mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD

Tamron 16-300mm F/three.v-vi.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-half-dozen.3 Di II VC PZD
Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size APS-C / DX
Focal length 16–300 mm 18–270 mm
Prototype stabilization Yes
Lens mount Canon EF-S, Nikon F (DX), Sony/Minolta Alpha Canon EF-S, Nikon F (DX), Sony/Minolta Blastoff DT
Aperture
Maximum aperture F3.5–half-dozen.3
Minimum aperture F22–forty
Aperture band No
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Aperture notes Circular diaphragm
Optics
Elements xvi
Groups 12 13
Focus
Minimum focus 0.39 yard (15.35) 0.49 1000 (19.29)
Maximum magnification 0.34× 0.26×
Autofocus Yep
Motor type Ultrasonic Micro-type ultrasonic
Total time transmission Yes No
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yeah
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 540 one thousand (1.xix lb) 450 g (0.99 lb)
Diameter 75 mm (2.95) 74 mm (2.93)
Length 100 mm (three.94) 88 mm (three.46)
Materials Plastic barrel, metal mount
Sealing Yes No
Colour Blackness
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Ability zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 67 mm 62 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod neckband No
Other
Notes Sony version will non have image stabilisation, and will be called '16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di Ii PZD Macro'