Tamron AF28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR DiVC

Current superzooms are nothing like the large, bulky lenses that first appeared on the scene close to 20 years ago. Today’s models are more compact and lightweight, yet cover a more extensive range and deliver far better optical quality.

Tamron’s 28-300mm is one of the most sophisticated superzooms on the market. Designed to work with Canon, Fujifilm or Nikon DSLRs, it covers an extensive range from wide-angle to super-telephoto. On a full-frame Canon (EOS 5D & EOS-1DS series) or FX-format Nikon (D3 or D700) it has a focal length of 28-300mm, while when used with DSLRs with an APS-C size sensor, the effective focal length is 43-465mm (Nikon/Fuji) or 46-480mm (Canon).

This enormous focal length range means that it offers the ultimate in convenience, as it covers most shooting situations in one lens. Not having to change lenses also reduces the risk of dust entering the camera body and eventually settling on the sensor. However, there is a price to pay for this convenience; namely a relative loss in optical quality due to the complex optical arrangement associated with this type of lens, and a relatively slow maximum aperture, which increases the risk of camera shake. Tamron has looked at addressing these problems by incorporating a number of features in the 28-300mm.

To keep the lens relatively compact and maintain optical quality,  the 28-300mm boasts XR (Extra Refractive-Index) glass elements, a GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) element, hybrid aspherical elements, an LD (Low Dispersion) glass element and an AD (Abnormal Dispersion) glass element. Internal surface coatings for minimising ghosting and flare, as well as multi-coated elements to prevent internal reflections, are applied to further improve quality. As for reducing the risk of pictures being ruined by shake, the Tamron boasts a Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism that is claimed to allow photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than normal.
We tried the Tamron on a number of Canon EOS bodies, including the full-frame EOS 5D and EOS-1DS MkII, as well as the EOS 400D, which uses an APS-C sensor. The zoom ring is very wide and has an easy-to-grip rubberised coating. Its action is a little stiff at first but with use it does loosen a little. The manual focus ring is located at the front and is also a good size, with a nice smooth focusing action.

The barrel features a focus distance scale, an AF/M switch and a VC on/off control, as well as a zoom lock to stop the lens extending when not in use. In general conditions, AF works well, locking on the subject with little hunting. While it may not be as quiet as a Canon USM or Nikon Silent-Wave lens, it’s not at all noisy and focuses with a quiet whir. It does struggle somewhat in low-light to lock on, especially at the tele-end of the zoom, no doubt because the minimum f/6.3 aperture was limiting light to the AF sensor. However, using the AF assist beam of the integral flash helps alleviate this problem. The Tamron delivers a very good performance in terms of image sharpness. It’s best at the wide-angle end, as you’d expect, but while sharpness does drop as you zoom towards the telephoto end, it’s still good at 300mm.

The lens is without doubt helped by the VC system, that allows you to take shake-free images, while not having to raise the ISO rating too high. We found the VC system to perform better than expected, with images at three stops slower than normal having no signs of shake. Images show good contrast and while there is some distortion at 28mm, it’s not so evident beyond 35mm.

VERDICT
The Tamron 28-300mm represents a very good proposition for anyone looking for a versatile and capable superzoom. Those with APS-C sensors may be swayed more towards an 18-200mm zoom as it offers more wide-angle options, but the Tamron has the added benefits of its extra length at the tele-end and the integral stabiliser. In terms of convenience and performance, it offers much for the money and is a good buy for those looking for an all-in-one option.

Handling: 4/5
Features: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5