Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018 review

For provided lens Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC AF (Model B018, Nikon F) many thanks the store FOTIKA, where can I find many similar used ones. lenses for Nikon SLR cameras.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018. increase.

Browse Navigation:

  1. Browse Navigation
  2. In short
  3. History
  4. Main Specifications
  5. Assembly
  6. Stabilizer
  7. Focusing
  8. Image quality
  9. Sample Photos
  10. Prices / where to buy
  11. Alternatives
  12. My personal experience with the lens
  13. Results
  14. User Comments
  15. Add your review or question on the lens

In this review, I will abbreviate the Tamron AF 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018 lens - Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC... Here I am considering a version for Nikon DX cameras, at the same time the lens was produced for Canon EF / EFS cameras as well as Sony / Minotla A.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

In short

The Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is an inexpensive superzoom for Nikon, Sony and Canon cropped SLR cameras.

It is interesting for its very large and versatile set of focal lengths, good stabilizer, lightness and low price.

Among the shortcomings, we can single out things that are inherent in many similar universal superzoom: weak optical performance and low aperture at the long end.

Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is an upgrade from the old model Tamron 18-200 A14 (announced back in 2005) and at the time of writing this review (fall 2020) Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is still an actual model.

First of all, Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is intended to replace or become an alternative to the original Nikon 18-200 / 3.5-5.6GII DX VR, Canon 18-200 / 3.5-5.6 IS EF-S и Sony 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 AF DT.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

History

Tamron has always been the first or one of the first to create and is creating ever new lenses with a record zoom ratio.

A short digression into Tamron's super-zoom line of SLR cameras with an APS-C sensor:

  1. Model A14 Tamron AF 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 (IF) Aspherical LD ​​XR DiII Macro, February 2005. Country of origin Japan or China. The Pentax version has a metal mount; for Nikon / Canon / Sony / Minolta, the mount is plastic. In March 2008, an improved model appears for Nikon cameras Tamron model A14 NII with built-in focus motor, focus mode switch, 8 microprocessor pins and metal mount. Most likely lenses Sony AF DT 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 и minolta AF DT 18-200mm F3.5-6.3D use the same optical scheme and are copies of it.
  2. Model B018 Tamron AF 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VCAugust 2015.
  3. Model A18 Tamron AF 18-250mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Macro, September 2006. Country of origin Japan or China. In December 2007 an improved model appears for Nikon cameras Tamron model A18 NII with built-in focus motor, focus mode switch and 8 microprocessor pins. Most likely lenses Sony AF DT 3.5-6.3 / 18-250 и SMC Pentax-DA 1: 3.5-6.3 18-250mm AL [IF] и Samsung 18-250 1:3.5-6.3 use the same optical scheme and are copies of it.
  4. Model B003 Tamron AF 18-270mm 1: 3.5-6.3 Di II LD [IF] Aspherical VC MacroJuly 2008.
  5. Model B008 Tamron AF 18-270mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD, December 2010. Most likely the lens SMC Pentax-DA 1: 3.5-6.3 18-270mm ED SDM use the same optical design.
  6. Model B008TS Tamron AF 18-270mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZDSeptember 2016.
  7. Model B016 Tamron AF 16-300mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro, February 2014.
  8. Model B028 Tamron 18-400mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLDJune 2017.

There is still PROMASTER DIGITAL XR EDO AF Aspherical LD ​​(IF) 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 Macrowhich is a model Tamron model a14 under the brand Promaster.

Two lenses for mirrorless cameras stand separately:

  1. Model C001 Tamron Microphone 14-150mm F / 3.5-5.8 Di III, black or silver, June 2014, for cameras with Micro 4/3 mount
  2. Model B011 Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di III VC, black or silver, December 2011, for cameras with Sony E mount and Canon EOS M
  3. Model B061 Tamron 18-300mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (E+X) [Model B061], July 2021, for Sony E and FujiFilm X
Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Key Features Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC

Review Instance Name On silver bezel: Ø 62 Di ii Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II

On the case: B018

Basic properties
  • B018 - model identifier
  • DIII (Ddigitally Iintegrated II) - the lens is designed for use on DSLR cameras with an APS-C sensor, in this case Nikon DX
  • VC (Vvibration Compensation) - built-in image stabilizer with separate switch (only in lens versions for Nikon and Canon)
  • IF (Iinternal Focus) - internal focusing
  • AF / MF - focus mode switch
  • LD (Low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • ASL (Hhybrid Aspherical elements) - hybrid aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • MLC (Multi-Lyesterday Coating) - multi-layer coating of optics
  • ZL (Zoom Lock) - zoom ring lock
  • RD (Rrounded Diaphragm) - rounded diaphragm
  • MR (Moisture Resistant) - splash-proof with rubber lens mount
Front Filter Diameter 62 mm
Focal length 18-200 mm

  • EGF for Nikon DX (APS-C) and Sony APS-C cameras is 27-300 mm
  • EGF for Cannon cameras with APS-C sensor is  29-320 mm
Zoom ratio 11.11 X (often rounded to 11)
Designed by for cropped digital cameras of the Nikon DX line. Also model B018 exists for Canon EF / EFS and Sony A cameras
Number of aperture blades 7 rounded petals that form a fairly even hole
Tags
  • focal lengths for 18, 35, 50, 70, 135, 200 mm
  • hood attachment mark
  • bayonet mount mark
Diaphragm
  • 18 mm F / 3.5-F / 22
  • 35 mm F / 4.5-F / 29
  • 50 mm F / 4.8-F / 32
  • 70 mm F / 5.3-F / 36
  • 135 mm F / 5.6-F / 36
  • 200 mm F / 6.3-F / 40

The lens does not have an aperture ring (G - lens type for Nikon cameras)

MDF
  • 0.49 meters at 180 mm focal length
  • 0.5 meters at 18 and 200 mm focal length
  • 0.77 meters at 35 mm focal length

maximum magnification ratio of 1: 4 available at 200mm

The weight 400 grams (stated and matches my measurements)
Optical design 16 elements in 14 groups of which:

  • ASL (Hybrid aspherical elements) - 1 hybrid aspherical element (combination of glass and plastic)
  • LD (Low Dispersion) - 1 special low dispersion element

Optical design Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC

Clickable Image

Lens hood Petal plastic hood supplied. The hood can be installed in transport mode.
Manufacturer country MADE IN VIETNAM (made in Vietnam)
Price
Instructions See
Period Released since 20 August 2015

Note that the Tamron B018 lens is also available for Canon EF / EFS and Sony / Minotla A. It is also important not to confuse the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC Model B018 (from this review) for cropped SLR cameras with the model Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di III VC MODEL B011 for mirrorless crop cameras with Sony E mounts and Canon EOS M.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Assembly

The zoom ring is rubberized, very wide and comfortable, but rotates quite tightly.

The front lens does not rotate during focal length changes. The retractable body frame (trunk) consists of two plastic sections. The focusing ring is not rubberized, but pleasant to use.

Near the mount is rubber compressor, which protects the mount from dust and moisture. Lens uses plastic bayonet mount.

The Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is manufactured in Vietnam, like many other lenses from Tamron.

Despite the huge zoom ratio, Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC has a fairly compact size and low weight, which is only 400 grams. Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC - the easiest lens with a focal length of 18-200 mm and built-in image stabilization. Touch the lens assembled efficiently.

The Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC has a nice body design with a silver stripe between the focusing ring and the zoom ring. The focus and zoom rings are dark ash gray, the rest of the body is classic black. Many Tamron lenses are available with this design, such as Tamron 16-300VC, 18-270B008TS, 28-300VC, 70-300 VC A030 etc..

There is a bayonet mount mark on the body and a mark for quick installation of the hood. The lens uses the supplied plastic hood (model unknown), which is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the focusing ring is lost. When the focal length is changed, the hood moves with the front of the lens. Due to the huge variation in focal lengths, the lens hood is most effective at 18mm focal length.

When the focal length is changed, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens barrel like a pump - drawing in and out air (video on this topic). This behavior of the rear lens can increase the amount of dust that accumulates in the camera. In Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC this effect is very pronounced. The expelled air is felt by the eyes near the optical viewfinder on some cameras.

Frame (trunk) for Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC does not spontaneously change its size under its own weight. But perhaps such an unpleasant phenomenon may begin over time. To avoid this, there is a 'LOCK' focal length stop on the lens barrel (the so-called 'zoom lock'), which firmly fixes focal length at a value of 18 mm. To fix the lens trunk, you must first set the 18mm focal length. In the fixed value, a red bar is visible near the button.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Stabilizer

Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC can use built-in image stabilization. The stabilization function is inherent only in lenses for Canon and Nikon, for Sony cameras the lens is produced without a stabilizer.

There is a VC ON / OFF stabilizer operation switch on the lens. The stabilizer works almost silently.

The manufacturer does not indicate the effectiveness of the stabilizer. In practice, the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC compensates for about 2-3 steps in shutter speedwhich is quite good. I was able to take pictures of stationary objects from hand to hand without any problems shutter speed 1/20 second and 200mm focal length. If you try, you can take a good picture even at 1 / 10th of a second and 200mm focal length. Generally, the stabilizer works well.

Nowhere is it indicated whether the stabilizer can track the movement of the lens during panoramic shooting. Unlike the original Nikon 18-200 / 3.5-5.6GII VR, the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC does not have a choice of Active / Normal stabilization modes or the like.

It's important: Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC version for Sony A cameras does not have VC function.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Focusing

The lens uses a quiet DC motor (conventional micromotor) for focusing. Everywhere it is written that the motor in this lens gives silent focusing, in fact, there is no getting away from a small focusing noise. During actual operation with the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC lens, there is a particular difference with ultrasonic Nikon SWM micro motors not felt.

Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is analogous to Nikon lenses AF-S / AF-I, Nikon SWM... The Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC has no focusing issues in Live View.

The lens will automatically focus on all Nikon DSLR cameraseven on amateur series models Nikon DXthat do not have a built-in focus motor: D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600as well as mirrorless cameras Nikon Z with adapter FTZ / FTZ II.

When used on a camera Nikon D3200 with unpretentious Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system the lens behaves well, rarely makes mistakes with focusing, has no problems with accuracy.

Auto focus speed medium (closer to high).

Focusing at Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC internal - when focusing, neither the front nor the rear lens rotates, and the lens itself does not change its size when focusing.

During auto focus focus ring rotates and it cannot be touched.

In manual focus mode, the focus ring rotates approximately 60 degrees... When the end positions are reached, the focusing ring rests and does not rotate further.

The lens has no focusing distance scale or depth of field.

The minimum focusing distance depends on the focal length, at 200 mm it is only 50 cm (the distance from the camera matrix to the subject). With this MDF, the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 4. Thus, the lens allows you to shoot amateur 'close'.

It's important... The lens has a very pronounced 'Focus Breathing' effect (changes in the angle of view during focusing). When focusing on an MDF at 200mm focal length, the effective focal length is approximately 100-150mm. On the net you can find opinions that this is not a real 200 mm lens, the catch lies in the fact that the focal length for the lens is indicated at infinity during focusing.

Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC has focus mode switch 'AF / MF'. For manual focusing, the lens must be set to 'MF' mode. Unfortunately Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC does not support continuous manual focus control by type Nikon M / A or Canon FTM.

When changing the focal length, focusing is lost. The lens is not parfocal.

The effect of F / 6.3 on focus:

The instructions for most Nikon cameras indicate the threshold for the maximum relative aperture of the lens with which correct auto focus will be available. Most Nikon cameras are designed for lenses only. no darker than f / 5.6. For example, camera Nikon D3200 и D40used to take test shots should theoretically not work correctly with this lens. But still, as my practice has shown, in conditions with good lighting there are no particular problems with autofocus, even on cameras that are not designed to work with lenses with F / 6.3. The Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC goes beyond F / 5.6 at 135mm focal length.

You can find a list of Nikon cameras whose focus sensors can easily focus with lenses with a maximum aperture of F / 5.6-8.0 here. At the time of writing, there were only three Nikon DX SLR cameras with this feature: D7100, D7200, D500. In Live View, the restriction on F / 6.3 may not work.

The same remark applies to cameras from other manufacturers. Unfortunately, Tamron only makes its super zooms at f / 6.3 on the long end.

Important: Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is a third party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with new Nikon cameras that will be presented after the announcement of this lens. Details on this issue have been reviewed by me here.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Image quality

Previous Model Tamron 18-200 A14 in its optical scheme, it had a whole bunch of special optical elements: 3 aspherical, 2 low-dispersion and 1 element with a high refractive index. The B018 model uses three times less special optics. There is only 1 hybrid aspherical element (a combination of glass and plastic and there is nothing wrong here) and 1 low-dispersion element. Apparently, all efforts to optimize the lens were thrown into the fact that for a little money the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC would have an image stabilizer.

The Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC was introduced when there were already many cameras with very high pixel density sensors (24 MP for models Nikon D5200, D5300, D3200, D3300, D7100, Canon 750D, 760D, Sony a77, a65). But I don't think that Tamron 18-200/3.5-6.3 VC was designed with the ability to show good results with these sensors, I assume that Tamron 18-200/3.5-6.3 VC did their best and tried to get the most out of the available developments.

The main disadvantages of the image:

  • strong distortion at 18 mm, small distortion across the entire focal length range. The distortion is unified and is well corrected by the profile for this active
  • low sharpness at the edges and corners of the image at almost all focal lengths
  • strong vignetting at 18mm and f / 3.5 and 200 f / 6.3
  • lean bokeh

The main advantages of the created image:

  • good contrast over the entire range of focal lengths
  • very good control of chromatic aberration in the center of the frame
  • good sharpness in the center of the frame at open apertures in the range of 18-50 mm, acceptable sharpness in the range of 100-200 mm
  • even circles in the blur zone due to rounded aperture blades
  • good resistance to back and side light

For Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC, there is a lens profile in popular RAW converters, which makes it easy to automatically correct some distortions.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

 

Sample Photos

Examples on Nikon D3200, DX, 24 MP with AA filter. Converting original RAW files with the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility. APS-C sensor with high pixel density allows you to check the lens well for resolution.

Important: the final result of images with Nikon cameras is greatly influenced by the settings Picture Control, which is responsible for the options for managing snapshots. If you correctly configure it right in the camera, you can very quickly get a good result in JPEG. Likewise, you can easily and quickly develop / convert original RAW ('.NEF') images with even better results. For example, you can use the original free Capture NX-D utility (link to download from the official site) and in just two or three clicks significantly improve the final image result. You can easily get a pleasant picture with good sharpness, color and tonal transitions, remove some of the optical imperfections of the lens (for example, some aberrations). These are simple and very important points that can radically change the final result and the impression of a particular lens. Of course, the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is not optically brilliant, but with such simple manipulations you can get a pleasant result. Native software from Nikon does not have a Russian-language menu, and therefore you can use third-party RAW converters, for example, Adobe Lightroom. Thoughts on how to easily batch convert files using a lens profile in Lightroom are explained here.

Original RAW photos (12-bit '.NEF') can be download from this link (25 files, 500 MB).

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Prices

Prices for Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC lens in popular online stores can look at this link.

Alternatives

Below is a list of all hyper-zooms for SLR or mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor and a range of focal lengths greater than or equal to the classic 18-200 mm.

Tamron (different mounts):

  1. Model A14 Tamron 18 200/3.5-6.3 AF (IF) Aspherical LD ​​XR DiII Macro, February 2005. Country of manufacture Japan or China. The version for Pentax cameras has a metal mount, for Nikon / Canon / Sony / Minolta the mount is plastic. In March 2008, an improved Tamron Model appears for Nikon cameras. A14 NII with built-in focus motor, focus mode switch, 8 microprocessor pins and metal mount.
  2. Model B018 Tamron 18 200/3.5-6.3 AF Di II VCAugust 2015.
  3. Model B011 Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC, black or silver, December 2011, for mount mirrorless cameras Sony E и Canon EOS M
  4. Model A18 Tamron 18 250/3.5-6.3 AF Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Macro, September 2006. Country of origin Japan or China. In December 2007, an improved model appears for Nikon cameras Tamron model A18 NII with built-in focus motor, focus mode switch and 8 microprocessor pins.
  5. Model B003 Tamron 18 270/3.5-6.3 AF Di II LD [IF] Aspherical VC MacroJuly 2008.
  6. Model B008 Tamron 18 270/3.5-6.3 AF Di II VC PZD, December 2010. Country of origin China or Vietnam.
  7. Model B008TS Tamron 18 270/3.5-6.3 AF Di II VC PZDSeptember 2016.
  8. Model B016 Tamron 16 300/3.5-6.3 AF Di II VC PZD Macro, February 2014.
  9. Model B028 Tamron 18 400/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD, June 2017.

Promaster (various mounts):

  1. PROMASTER 18 200/3.5-6.3 DIGITAL XR EDO AF Aspherical LD ​​(IF) Macrocopy Tamron model a14 under the Promaster brand. Japanese assembly

Sigma (different mounts):

  1. Sigma 18-200mm/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC, February 2005.
  2. Sigma 18 200/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC (+ -HSM) OS (Optical Stabilizer)September 2006 velvet or smooth black body. The HSM motor is only available on Nikon camera lenses.
  3. Sigma 18 200/3.5-6.3 II Zoom DC HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer)October 2011.
  4. Sigma 18 200/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM MACRO | C (Contemporary, Optical Stabilizer), January 2014.
  5. Sigma 18 250/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer)January 2009
  6. Sigma 18 250/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC Macro HSM OS (Optical Stabilizer)June 2012.
  7. Sigma 18 300/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM MACRO | C (Contemporary, Optical Stabilizer)September 2014.

Quantaray (different mounts):

  1. Quantaray 18 200/3.5-6.3 Dio Multi-Coated, copy of Sigma 18-200mm/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC (2005) branded as 'Quantaray'
  2. Quantaray 18 200/3.5-6.3 Dio OS (+-HSM) Multi-Coated, copy Sigma 18-200/3.5-6.3 Zoom DC (+-HSM) OS (2006) under the banner of 'Quantaray'.

Nikon (F):

  1. Nikon 18 200/3.5-5.6G DX VRNovember 2005.
  2. Nikon 18 200/3.5-5.6GII DX VRJuly 2009.
  3. Nikon 18 300/3.5-5.6G DX VR, June 2012.
  4. Nikon 18 300/3.5-6.3G DX VRApril 2014.

Sony ('A' or 'E'):

  1. Sony 18 200/ 3.5-6.3 AF DT, A mount, most likely uses an optical design Tamron model a14.
  2. minolta 18 200/3.5-6.3AF DT Dmount A is likely to use an optical circuit Tamron a14
  3. Sony 18 250/3.5-6.3 AF DT, A mount, since 2007, most likely uses Tamron Model A18 optical design.
  4. Sony 18 200/3.5-6.3 OSS, E-mount, May 2010
  5. Sony 18 200/3.5-6.3 OSS LE, E-mount, May 2012
  6. Sony 18 200/3.5-6.3 PZ OSS, E-mount, September 2012

Hasselblad (Sony E):

  1. Hasselblad E 3.5-6.3/18 200 OSS copy Sony 18-200/3.5-6.3 OSS, September 2012

Pentax (K):

  1. Pentax 18 250/3.5-6.3 AL SMC DA [IF], October 2007, most likely uses Tamron Model A18 optical design.
  2. Pentax 18 270/3.5-6.3 ED SMC DA SDM, September 2012, most likely uses an optical design Tamron model b008.
  3. Samsung 18 250/ 3.5-6.3, with a Pentax KAF2 mount, 2008, (most likely uses the Tamron Model A18 optical design.

Canon (EFS):

  1. Canon 18 200/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens EF-S (Image Sbabilizer), August 2008.

Samsung (NX):

  1. Samsung 18 200/3.5-5.6 ED OIS i-Function, Samsung NX mount
Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

My experience

I really liked the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC. Low cost and great opportunities. Lightweight, small and very cheap superzoom with good stabilization. The price / performance ratio of the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is much higher than that of the original Nikon 18-200 / 3.5-5.6GII.

By the way, dxomark ranks this lens as one of the worst lenses they've tested. Of course, the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC does not optically shine, but I did not reveal anything criminal about it. It should always be remembered that the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC has a very high zoom ratio, which makes a serious impact on the image quality, primarily on the resolution. In terms of sharpness, the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is indeed a weak lens, but not a single sharpness the photographer is fed up.

If I needed such a superzoom, then first of all I would look at SIGMA 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM MACRO C (Contemporary, Optical Stabilizer). But the cost of Sigma is significantly higher.

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018

Results

The Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is a lightweight and compact superzoom. Possesses good image stabilization. Optically, the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is a weak lens, but overall it has a very good price / performance ratio.

10 main advantages:

  1. low price ($ 200 for Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC versus $ 600 for Nikon 18-200 / 3.5-5.6GII)
  2. wide range of focal lengths
  3. compact body size at 18 mm focal length, small diameter of the front filter
  4. record low weight (lightest in its class)
  5. effective built-in image stabilization
  6. internal focusing, fast enough focusing speed
  7. small MDF, good maximum magnification ratio 0.25 X
  8. lens focal length 18 mm, rubber mount
  9. the optical design uses 2 special elements (LD + ASL)
  10. confident sharpness at f / 8 in the center of the frame in the range of 18-50 mm. Good contrast and light resistance.

10 main disadvantages:

  1. small angle of rotation of the focusing ring (only about 60 degrees)
  2. focus ring rotates during autofocus and cannot be touched, no M / A mode or similar
  3. little noise from the focus motor, DC focus motor (not ultrasonic)
  4. low aperture at the long end, negatively affects the quality of focus with some cameras in difficult shooting conditions
  5. Perceptible air pump effect during focal length changes
  6. plastic focus ring (not rubberized)
  7. tight zoom (perhaps the problem only comes with time)
  8. plastic mount, no focusing distance scale and other useful marks
  9. strong Focus Breathing effect reducing effective focal length at focusing distances close to MDF
  10. in general, the quality of the created image is rather poor

For the lens from the review many thanks the store Fotika, where can I find many similar used ones. lenses for Nikon SLR cameras.

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.

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Comments: 12, on the topic: Tamron 18-200mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC Model B018 Review

  • Yuriy75

    I own a sim miracle under Canon, while it only infuriates. Better 18-55 f4-5.5 stm + 55-250 4-5.6 stm

    • after all

      what exactly infuriates? that you own a DSLR and there is no need to rearrange the lens?

  • norfolk_s3d

    I would like to add.
    After a couple of years of operation, I always have to press LOCK: the camera hangs on the belt with the lens down and when I walk briskly, the trunk goes out.
    At 10 megapixels D80, the lack of resolution was not noticeable, at 24 megapixels D7100 you can see soap - I would have estimated the ceiling of the lens at 12 megapixels (usually this is enough for photos from trips, but not always).
    I fell into the snow together with the camera - it doesn't clog up under the bayonet, the protection works.
    PS that the focusing ring is not rubberized, I noticed only after reading the review.

  • Andrey Vyunenko

    I took one for Avito. Outwardly as good as new. But autofocus does not work. Gives an error message. I will fix😊

  • Andrey Vyunenko

    I think that the Vietnamese quality makes itself felt!

  • Ruslan

    It is necessary to consider for whom this lens was created - for the “ordinary user”. In this case, there are all the advantages: a cheap, convenient focal range, sufficient photo quality for viewing on a computer and printing in small format to an album. For those who consider themselves to be professionals, they definitely need a set of heaped up fixes, and not a "plastic travel-zoom".

  • Alexey

    Please tell me from those who had experience with this lens and the previous model - Tamron AF 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 (IF) Aspherical LD ​​XR DiII Macro A14 (there is a review here)

    Isn't the A14 better in the picture?
    After reading the conclusions for this model, it seems to me that it began to lose to the previous version, although a stabilizer appeared.
    I have Canon550d, I took it under astrophotography, well, and shoot like this ... Sometimes I would like to bring it closer, but the staff one is ... weak in this. I would like something universal (without fanaticism, but not quite so ...)

  • Andrei

    The price / performance ratio of the Tamron 18-200 / 3.5-6.3 VC is much higher than that of the original Nikon 18-200 / 3.5-5.6GII.
    I fully agree with the opinion of Arkady. I was convinced by my own experience. I was lucky, I bought it on Avito - accurate and sharp enough.

  • Andrei

    Addition!
    On the Nikon D3300 camera
    Tried on the same carcass
    Tamron 16-300 - Soap and Slips.
    Nikkor 18-200 (II) - precise, sharp, heavy, with a deep trunk and no solidity.

  • norfolk_s3d

    I photographed macro recently and noticed a slight focus shift: at 105mm and f / 11 at a distance of ~ 1m, the focus goes about a few millimeters further compared to f / 5.6.
    If you do not shoot every little thing, it is unlikely to be critical.

  • Igor

    Good morning, Arkady. It is a pity that you do not have a review of a similar lens for Sony E (Di III). Are you planning to do it? What is your opinion in a nutshell about the Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Di III VC?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      the circuit is newer, the optics are better

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