Tamron 18-400 mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD review - Summary

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Tamron 18-400 mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD

7 November 2017

Arkadiusz Olech

11. Summary

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Pros:

Very universal focal range,
Good image quality in the frame centre,
Proper correction of longitudinal chromatic aberration,
Lack of problems with spherical aberration,
Sensible coma correction at the shortest focal length,
Low vignetting at longer focal lengths,
Efficient image stabilization.

Cons:

Weak image quality at the maximum relative aperture on the edge of the frame and across the whole focal range,
High level of lateral chromatic aberration at 50 and 400 mm,
Significant distortion at 18 mm and in the 35-100 mm focal range,
A bit too high astigmatism,
Slow autofocus which needs further calibration.

There’s no doubt – in the segment of amateur mega zoom lenses Tamron are beyond compare. Currently they offer two models which cannot be found in rival companies’ line-up and which are able to satisfy any amateur photographer. If you like wider angles of view you should get interested in the 16-300 mm model, optically a very sensible device. If you care more about longer focal lengths you can get the 18-400 mm model, perhaps not as optically good as the 16-300 mm one or other 18-300 mm rivals but is focal lengths range is the widest and its image quality in the frame centre would be difficult to criticize seriously.

Of course any demanding fan of photography would spot the flaws of the tested lens. If you prefer good image quality across the frame and a better, more efficient autofocus unit it would be more sensible to divide the 18-400 mm range into two lenses. Still keep in mind the fact that you’ll have to spend more money and your devices won’t be so universal.