TAMRON - 16-300 mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Canon EF-S - Black - B016E

Product Information

Focus breathing, which refers to the reduction in focal length at closer focusing distance, appears to be a constant problem that has no fix. While it won’t always affect image quality, it may become problematic when dealing with smaller subjects like birds.

A generous helping of chromatic aberration is to be expected with a superzoom. There's strong magenta/green towards the edges at wide-angle, reducing to low levels through 50-100mm, before returning with a vengeance from 200-300mm. Canon DSLRs won't correct for it in JPEGs (Nikon DSLRs will try to) but it can be neutralized very effectively in your average Raw conversion software, provided you don't mind putting in a little time on a computer. Vignetting So if you’re looking for a lens that you can take anywhere with you and will be suitable for almost any conditions you encounter then I can’t go past the Tamron 16–300 mm. From the same viewpoint, the extraordinary 18.8x focal length range zooms in to reveal small details. The Tamron is not so sharp at the longer 300mm end (450mm equivalent), though it's mostly the edges that suffer andthe centrestays acceptably crisp. CA is prominent in this uncorrected image. We give Tamron some credit for providing the lens movement a boost by releasing the Zoom Wide Angle Telephoto 28-200mm in 1992. It was specially designed for 35mm cameras (see our full list of the best 35mm film cameras) and universally regarded as the first high-ratio zoom lens. Since then, interchangeable lenses have been released, with the latest ones offering a whopping 33x zoom range. I had expected to write at length on the subjects of vignetting and curvilinear distortions, but on the darkening of corners the lens has rather disappointed me. While some fall-off in illumination is detectable in technical subjects, in the real-life situations in which I’d expect this lens to be used that darkening is not really noticeable.

This is actually the first time that we are reviewing a Tamron lens here on LensVid and we were quite pleasantly surprised by the good build quality of the 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD. Despite the fact that this is not a professional (or even semi pro) lens, it was pretty well made (it is manufactured in China), the zoom and focus rings feels good with nice tolerance and feel (the focus ring is narrow but doesn’t have any unpleasant movement like we have on the old Nikon 18-105mm for example). The 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD has a metal mount unlike some cheap kit lenses. Closest focus distance is 39cm, which is very close for a lens that covers up to 300mm and focusing is performed internally. The 67mm filter thread does not rotate, which should make this lens ideal for use with graduated filters and polarisers. A petal shaped hood is supplied with the lens, which attaches to the front via a bayonet fitting.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM– This lens comes with two fluoride low dispersion elements. It has an incredibly fast autofocus system and excellent image stabilization, hence sharper images in the long-range. The carrying strap helps with transportation, especially since the lens weighs nearly 6 pounds.

Conclusion - Pros

In the DSLR sector, Tamron faces superzoom rivals in every camp, and some of the designs are notably similar. Alphabetically, the Canon EF-S 18-200mm 3.5-5.6 IS looks a little 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-end reach with its Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G AF-S DX ED VR. The Pentax SMC DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM bears more than a passing resemblance to the superseded Tamron 18-270mm. Not to be outdone, Sigma joins the up-to-300mm superzoom club with its revamped 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM C, and Sony has the DT 18-250mm F3.5-6.3. Angle of view The Tamron AF 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD has a closest focusing distance of 39cm / 15.3in and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9 at 300mm focal length, so it doubles up as quite a handy macro lens.

Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR– Highlights include a fast ring-type ultrasonic autofocus, updated stabilizer, four extra-low dispersion elements, sealed mounting plate, and super ED element.Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro vs Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR vs Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f3.5-6.3G ED VR: Nikon options just have the edge I will begin with the worst – chromatic aberration. Coloured fringing is one of the more difficult optical problems to correct after the event – and beforehand too, it seems – yet it is one of the more obvious to the eye and therefore one of the most objectionable. There are some aberrations I can live with, but I find purple and green glowing edges around high-contrast areas very difficult to accept. This refers to the opening through which light enters into the lens. A smaller hole will allow more light to go through than a wider one. The result is a shallow depth of field that makes it easier to shoot in darker conditions. When shopping, consider purchasing a lens with the smallest aperture possible. Low dispersion lens Chromatic aberration– We did notice quite a bit of CA on some of our images and this is definitely one of the weaker points of this lens.