Tamron's popular APS-C superzoom — the 18-200mm Di II covering 27-300mm equivalent.
The Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF Macro is one of the most widely sold superzooms ever made. Covering a 27-300mm equivalent range on APS-C, it was the default recommendation for budget-conscious travel photographers throughout the DSLR era. Available in virtually every DSLR mount, it provided genuine one-lens convenience.
Optical performance involves the expected superzoom compromises. Centre sharpness is acceptable at moderate focal lengths but degrades at extremes. The XR (Extra Refractive) and LD (Low Dispersion) elements help control aberrations within the constraints of the 11x zoom ratio. The IF (Internal Focusing) design prevents the front element from rotating during focus.
Available in Canon EF-S, Nikon F, Sony A, and Pentax K mounts. Filter thread is 62mm. Weight is approximately 398 grams — impressively light for the range. Build quality is functional plastic. No image stabilisation in the base version — the VC version adds stabilisation. Several generations exist with incremental improvements.
Extremely common and cheap on the used market. Check for zoom creep and smooth AF operation. Not recommended for critical work but unmatched for travel convenience. The VC version with stabilisation is worth seeking out. The Tamron 18-270mm extends the range further, while the 16-300mm Di II VC PZD is the most modern iteration of this concept.