Review of the Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II LD IF

When we originally tested this lens back in June of last year it was the longest of its type, though Pentax has caught up. To achieve that length Tamron has used 16 elements in 13 groups, including a Low Dispersion (LD) optic, an Anomalous Dispersion (AD) element and two hybrid aspherical elements. A new set of coatings has also been added, including internal surface coatings on plural lenses and multi-layered coating on single elements. Despite its small stature and reasonable price the lens handles well, with fast and quiet AF and a solid yet fluid zoom action. Macro capability is claimed, with focusing down to 45cm (common to most of these lenses) though it‘s not ‘true’ macro, offering a 1:35 magnification ratio.

Image Quality
The 18mm end displays good resolution exceeding the Nikon and only just falling short of the Sigma OS lens. In the centre of the frame the CA control is among the best on test, matching the Pentax but losing its kudos towards the edge and corners as fringing rises to about two pixels. Similarly, at 250mm the central control impresses, but deteriorates at the corners. Resolution at the long end is average.

Price (ESP): £230
www.intro2020.co.uk

What We Like:
Length, good 18mm res, good central CA control

What We Don't Like:
Poor corner CA control

Features: 17
Design: 18
Performance: 16
Image quality: 16
Value: 17
Score %: 84