July 28th, 2008 by 
Photo-John
The Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC Lens:
Tamron’s First Image Stabilized Lens
Street Price: Approximately $600 US
Tamron’s AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens is a do-it-all superzoom lens with Tamron’s new, proprietary “Vibration Compensation” optical image stabilization system. It’s their first lens to include image stabilization. The Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC lens is compatible with 35mm and digital SLRs and is currently available with Canon and Nikon lens mounts.
Introduction
We all want a lens that can do it all. And the 28-300mm range is definitely something to covet – even if 28mm isn’t really wide for those of using APS-C digital SLRs. (See article and announcement for Tamron’s planned AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC MACRO Lens) Regardless, the Tamron 28-300mm XR Di VC lens offers a ton of reach in a very compact package. I was most interested in finding out how Tamron’s new Vibration Compensation (VC) optical image stabilization worked. But I was also curious about whether a $600 28-300mm zoom lens would make me happy. I’m always looking for ways to cut down the weight and bulk of my backpack when I’m skiing, mountain biking, or hiking.
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| Zoom Range / Angle-Of-View: | ||
 28mm |
 100mm |
 300mm |
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Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC Build & Design
There are a bunch of letters at the end of the lens name that need some explanation. They’re there for a reason and they actually mean something. Tamron’s AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens uses most of their best technology. “VC” stands for “Vibration Compensation,” “XR” indicates that the lens uses “Extra Refractive Index Glass”, “LD” stands for “Low Dispersion,” and “Di” means this is one of Tamron’s ” Digitally Integrated” lenses, designed for optimal performance with either DSLRs or 35mm film cameras. And although it’s not a true macro (it doesn’t have 1:1 focusing), the 28-300 VC lens can focus as close as 19.3 inches (0.49m) across the whole zoom range
I tested the Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC lens on a Canon EOS Rebel XSi (450D) and a Canon EOS 40D. The first thing I noticed was how light and compact it is for a 28-300mm lens – especially one that includes an optical image stabilization system. That’s not to say it’s actually small, light, or feels flimsy. In size and weight it’s a bit bigger than the Tamron AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di lens and a little smaller than the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. But it’s small compared to my Canon 300mm f/4L and miniature compared to Canon’s monster 28-300 f/3.5-5.6L IS pro lens. Mechanically, it’s very nice, with a solid feel and smooth zoom action. It has a locking switch to keep it from zooming out when it’s pointed down and internal focusing means the front element doesn’t spin, making it friendly to circular polarizers.
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| Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC lens size comparison. Left to right: Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di, Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC, Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS |
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next page – Tamron 28-300mm XR Di VC Lens Image Stabilization & Image Quality >>
next page – Tamron 28-300mm XR Di VC Lens Image Stabilization & Image Quality >>
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July 30th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
[...] heels of my review for Tamron’s very first Vibration Compensation (VC) image-stabilized lens (Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC Lens Pro Review), Tamron announces they’re working on a second VC lens. This is great news for photographers [...]
August 18th, 2008 at 11:42 am
[...] recently reviewed the Tamron AF28-300mm Di VC lens (read the review). It’s a very powerful do-it-all lens and I’m very excited about Tamron’s VC [...]
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:51 am
[...] Content: Tamron Lens User Reviews All Zoom Lens User Reviews Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC Lens Pro Review Digitial SLR Forum All Tamron Lens News Tamron Web [...]
February 9th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Well, I actually need suggestion on this lens for I am considering to have this one, plugged into my nikon d90.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:51 am
A well written review, thank you.
I have just ordered this along with my D700 – Lets see how they perform together.
Best regards,
Michael Nielsen
August 25th, 2009 at 9:24 am
i am planning to buy this lens but confused if they have a different one for Canon mount than the Nikon mount. does it make a difference? do i have to mention it specifically on my order? i have a canon rebel XS… your comments will be appreciated.
August 27th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Yes, each camera maker uses their own lens mount and you do need to specify when you order or the lens won’t fit. If you order online the order process should have you choose your lens mount. If it doesn’t, I think I’d look for a different dealer because that’s not an indication that they understand cameras.
Before you buy any camera online, make sure to check our Camera Dealer Feedback forum. There are tons of sleazy online camera dealers out there trying to make a quick buck. It’s best to shop by dealer reputation and not by price. If the price is too good to be true, it most likely is a scam.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:15 am
If you really care about very sharp photos, don’t buy this one. I have tried every setting available and even with the VC off, the mirror up on my Canon40D and using a tripod, the pictures are very soft.