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. The sharpness at 16mm and maximum aperture are outstanding, and peak sharpness is attainable at f/1.8. However, it reduces considerably towards 70mm, and some clarity at the edges of the frame is noticeable. Chromatic aberrations are an issue at 300mm and highly visible along the edge of the frame. While its macro performance tends to reduce at 300mm, this lens holds up nicely considering its wide zoom range. From architecture and portraits to close-ups and landscapes, this lens does a great job. Optical distortions are noticeable in the middle of the range, but these are easily fixable during post-processing. All in all, the Tamron 16-300mm is a nice upgrade from other cheaper kit lens. It offers stunning image quality and all-in-one versatility that travelers so much desire. 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.

aperture blades with a cicular diaphragm (This circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture, f/3.5.) This is fairly encouraging, as due to the shutter speed issue mentioned previously, the performance of superzooms like this using the wider maximum apertures is going to be more important to many photographers than the smaller minimum apertures. The Nikon and Canon versions of the lens have Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) system, and these and the Sony-fitted model (which will be introduced at some time in the future) feature the so-far excellent Piezo Drive (PZD) near-silent and fast AF motor.Although those who will only really be sated by the absolute sharpest of lenses may not be overly excited by this lens, those who value convenience will find this lens is more than adequate for general photography. The compact size, light weight and splash proof construction make this lens an ideal travel companion, and the lens' ability to focus down to 39cm makes frame-filling close-ups possible.

Stabilization ensures consistent, sharp images in handheld photography while eliminating the need for faster shutter speeds. Autofocus The other two switches are to toggle the AF/MF and VC on/off. The AF/MF switch on the side of the lens makes it easy to switch between the two focusing systems. 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.Mediocre image quality wide open with a lot of Chromatic aberration (stopped down there is a significant improvement at f/9-f/11). Here are a few images we shot with the Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD using our Nikon D7100. Images were not changed in any way besides a cropping. 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. The overall build quality and finish are impressive. Its zoom and focusing rings have a great feel.

As the lens weighs less than the Nikon D7100, just a little more than the Nikon D5300, less than a Canon EOS 700D, and less than the Sony Alpha A77 II, you can see why a compact all-in-one zoom would make an ideal lens for those who like to travel light, but still take their DSLR with them. Previously to get this range you would need to look at carrying an all-in-one zoom lens plus a wide-angle lens as well, or a combination of two zoom lenses. Read our full Tamron 16-300mm review here.

Introduction

MPB puts photo and video kit into more hands, more sustainably. Every month, visual storytellers sell more than 20,000 cameras and lenses to MPB. Choose used and get affordable access to kit that doesn’t cost the earth. Barrelling and pincushion distortion do make an appearance, though, bending lines close to the edges of the frame at almost all focal length positions. While the barrelling at the 16mm end is not as bad as it could be in distant subjects, when we focus on closer things it is an issue. A church interior, for example, will suffer only a little, but the small bedroom of your house might take on an obviously distorted look.