Product Description

Tamron's award-winning 28-300mm zoom now incorporates a state-of-the-art Vibration Compensation mechanism to insure blur-free hand-held images with 11X ultra zoom range in a remarkably compact size. Digitally Integrated design with 1:3 Macro (19.3 MOD) and a Zoom Lock for enhanced portability. Works with all Canon AF cameras.

Product Details

• Brand: Tamron
• Model: AF020C-700
• Released on: 2007-10-01

Features

• State of the Art Vibration Compensation Mechanism (VC) reduces blurred images induced by camera movement
• Remarkably Compact at less than 4" long and weighing only 19.4oz.
• Revolutionary MFD of 19.3 throughout entire zoom range yeilding a 1:3 Macro Magnification Ratio
• Unique Zoom Lock Mechanism for Enhanced Portability
• Flower-shaped Lens Hood and 6 Year Warranty are included, accepts 67mm filters.

Amazon.com Product Description
Camera shake can ruin your photos, particularly when taking telephoto shots or shooting in low light conditions. This Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 macro zoom lens, however, fights camera shake with its state-of-the-art vibration compensation (VC) mechanism, which delivers blur-free handheld images for incredible results. The proprietary VC mechanism employs a three-coil system that moves the VC lens electromagnetically based on signals originating from the movement of three steel balls. The lens element that compensates for vibration is held in place by the balls, so there is little friction and the movement is quite smooth. The end result is a technology that makes it possible to create exceptional images at slower shutter speeds under conditions where a tripod used to be necessary. You can also use subject movement to good effect with the lens, bringing out the contrast between motion and stillness, or shoot without a flash to evoke the genuine atmosphere of the scene.

The lens covers an extremely broad range of focal lengths, from a wide 28mm length to a super-telephoto 300mm length (the 35mm equivalent of 43 to 465mm). Even better, the vibration compensation works throughout the entire zoom range, giving you the freedom to create a wide variety of different images. Other details include a macro magnification ratio of 1:3, a rotational zoom, a minimum focusing distance of 19.3 inches, and a 67mm filter diameter. The lens, which measures 3.06 inches in diameter and 3.9 inches long, carries a six-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Exceptional compact walk-around lens with great range at reasonable price.
I have owned and tested the Tamron 28-300mm VC zoom lens for about 2 months now. Here is an early review from my experience so far.

Pros:
Excellent optical quality (stronger at shorter focal length)
Versatile multi-purpose walk around lens. Leave this one on your camera and no need to lug around extra lenses.
Amazing focal length range 28-300 equals to 44-480 on 1.6x crop sensor.
Compact size and light weight.
Vibration compensation works very well zoomed out and in macro shots
Solid and well built quality
Rubberize grip feels much better then most Canon lenses
Reasonable price relative to comparable lenses
Included hood
Center-pinch lens cap should be an industry standard.
Extra peace of mind with standard 6 year manufacturer warranty

Cons:
Wider angle would be nice on a 1.6x crop sensor. If you shoot a lot of landscapes 44mm may not be enough.
In low light, indoor conditions, the f3.5-6.3 aperture means I have to increase the ISO and use longer shutter speeds to shoot brighter.
Occasionally, the AF searches a bit in low light shooting
Not a big deal but, the lens creeps (extends with gravity) when lens lock is off and the lens is pointing down.

In conclusion, the Tamron AF 28-300mm VC lens is an exceptional choice if you are looking for a general walk around lens to keep on your camera. You can not beat the optical performance with such range from a relatively compact, light and well-built package, especially considering the price.

Very nice lens
I replaced two Canon lenses (18-135 and 70-300) with this single lens and I'm glad I did it. Most of my pictures are hand-held, on hikes or vacation, and I really don't want to carry a bunch of lenses or change them in the field. In the last year, I've been hiking on a glacier in Canada and crossing the Sahara on horseback. Neither is a great place to change lenses and there were too many times I missed a shot I wanted because the right lens was in the bag, not on the camera.

This one is small, light, easy to use. I see no color or shape distortion. I can get the same results handheld at slower shutter speeds using Tamron's VC as I got with Canon's IS.

I do have a few small gotcha's, though. One is that the direction of the twist to zoom in is opposite direction to the Canon lens. That took a bit of getting used to. Another is that auto focusing is a little louder. That might be a problem for places where silence is important. Third (and last), there is very little twist difference between 200mm and 300mm focal lengths. In other words, it is difficult to make precise choices at the upper ends of the range. (All zooms are more granular at their lower numbers; it is just that with a range this wide it is more pronounced than usual.)

All in all, I'm very happy with this lens and recommend it to you.

I love this lens
I love this lens -- an all-purpose carry-around lens with VC built in, and very good optics. I am surprised consistently by the IQ of the photos I am taking - not what I expected from a general walk-around lens of this type.

With my previous Nikon kit -- the 18-200 was one of my favorite lenses, but the IQ was always a bit worse than what I got with any of my dedicated lenses...

Now with my Canon kit, I can clearly state that the Tamron 28-300 VC lens consistently gives me far better shots that the Nikon 18-200 ever did in the same lighting situations. The added zoom is a blessing and basically allows you to take your Canon camera, this lens, and nothing else on most photo shoots, especially when traveling.

I highly recommend this lens as an all-purpose walk-around lens, and I think you will find that the IQ is stunning -- beyond what you would imagine with a lens of this type.

My only wish -- that it was 18-300 because you DO miss the wider angle from 18-28 at times...but at this price point and this quality, I can't recommend it more. You will not be sorry with this lens, and you might, like myself, find yourself basically using this for almost all situations. It hasn't come off my Canon 40D in the two months I have had both.