Tamron's 18.8x APS-C superzoom with VC and PZD — covers 24-450mm equivalent in one compact lens.
The Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro launched in 2014 as an extraordinarily versatile APS-C superzoom covering 24-450mm equivalent. The 18.8x zoom ratio made it one of the highest-range all-in-one lenses available.
Optical quality is acceptable at mid-focal lengths but suffers at the extremes — soft at 300mm and showing barrel distortion at 16mm. VC stabilisation is essential given the slow aperture at the long end. PZD piezoelectric motor provides quiet, smooth autofocus.
Available in Canon EF-S and Nikon F DX mounts. 67mm filter thread. Weighs 540g — reasonable for the range. No weather sealing. Minimum focus distance 39cm with a useful 1:2.9 macro magnification. Di II designation means APS-C coverage only.
Common used and affordable. Check zoom action carefully — this range puts strain on the mechanism. The Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 pushed the concept even further. Ideal for travel where carrying one lens is essential and optical perfection is secondary.