Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens
The Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD is a 18–270mm f/3.5 lens designed for Canon EF, Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $154.02 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens
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Lens Overview — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
Key Features — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
15x Zoom Range: Covers 18mm to 270mm, providing wide-angle through long telephoto reach in a single lens without the need to swap glass.
APS-C Format Coverage: Designed specifically for APS-C sensor DSLRs, with image circle and optical corrections optimized for crop-sensor cameras.
Optical Image Stabilization (VC): Tamron's Vibration Compensation system helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting, especially useful at longer focal lengths.
Piezo Drive Autofocus (PZD): Ultrasonic-type piezo drive motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus well-suited to everyday stills and candid shooting.
f/3.5–6.3 Aperture Range: Opens to f/3.5 at the wide end and stops down to f/6.3 at the telephoto end, as is typical for variable-aperture travel zooms.
Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both autofocus and manual focus modes, giving photographers direct control when precision is needed.
Lens Specifications — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Landscape, Portrait, Wildlife |
| Lens Type | All-in-One / Travel Zoom |
| Format | APS-C |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 18–270mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 62mm |
Description — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
The Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is a zoom lens engineered for APS-C format DSLR cameras, offering a focal length range from 18mm to 270mm — one of the broadest available in a single lens for this sensor format. The maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end provides a solid foundation for general-purpose shooting, while the optical image stabilization helps counteract camera shake during handheld use across the zoom range. Shooters can take advantage of both autofocus and manual focus modes, adding versatility across different shooting scenarios.
The lens features a 62mm filter thread, making it straightforward to pair with commonly available screw-on filters. Weighing just 450g, it keeps your kit manageable without sacrificing reach. It is offered in both Canon EF and Nikon F mount versions, ensuring compatibility with the two dominant DSLR ecosystems.
For APS-C DSLR photographers who want a single walkabout lens capable of covering wide-angle to long telephoto, this Tamron zoom is a practical and lightweight option.
Pros — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
- ✓Exceptionally wide focal length range of 18mm to 270mm covers wide-angle through telephoto in one lens
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps maintain sharpness during handheld shooting
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus for flexible shooting control
Cons — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end narrows significantly toward 270mm, limiting low-light performance at telephoto lengths
- ✗APS-C-only format means the lens cannot be used on full-frame DSLR bodies
- ✗A zoom range this broad typically involves optical compromises compared to shorter-range or prime lenses
Reviews — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
Videos — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC Lens Review — Christopher Frost
Frequently Asked Questions — Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
Which camera mounts is this lens compatible with?+
The Tamron 18-270mm is available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts. Both versions are designed for APS-C format DSLR cameras on their respective platforms.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens includes optical image stabilization. This is particularly helpful when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths within the 18–270mm range.
Can this lens be used on a full-frame DSLR body?+
No. The lens is designed specifically for APS-C format cameras, as indicated by the Di II designation in its name. Using it on a full-frame body would result in significant vignetting.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The lens has a 62mm filter thread, which is a common size and compatible with a wide range of circular filters available from various accessory makers.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports autofocus as well as manual focus, giving photographers the option to switch between the two depending on their shooting needs.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 450g, which is relatively compact considering its 18mm to 270mm focal length range, making it a practical travel companion for APS-C DSLR shooters.