Sony Tamron 18-200 for NEX - totally flew under (my) radar

Armanius

Bring Jack back!
Location
Houston, Texas
Name
Jack
I must have totally missed the launch of the Tamron 18-200. So other than the two underwhelming lenses from Sigma, the NEX is getting some lens support.

Mike Kobal has a short review of the Tamron compared to the Sony 18-200. The Tamron is about the same length, but has a smaller diameter and weighs less. It also has OIS. BH already has the Tamron in stock for a little bit cheaper than the Sony version. And it comes in black or silver.

Tamron supports Sony NEX with E-mount 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC: Digital Photography Review

Sony Nex E-mount Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Di III VC AF comparison to Sony 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens « Mike Kobal

Could be a nice match for a NEX7 ... if I could get a hold of one ...
 
It's just a superzoom, but apparently also optimized for video (or not). On the other hand, it's lighter and skinnier than the Sony.

Hopefully, we'll see some fast zooms for the NEX in the future. I put in a deposit for a NEX7 at the local shop. Still don't expect to see one for another month or two though. Maybe I'll fall in love with the OMD1, whenever it comes out.

ps: I just noticed that there was already a thread here about this lens back in December. And I even posted on it!!! Oh boy ... age is catching up with me quickly!!! Mind is going ...
 
After seeing the good reviews and photos, I bought one last week from B&H using the codes here.

I use Olympus 14-150 since it was released, so I wanted to try Tamron option. Compared to Olympus it is a bigger lens, but when you put on the cameras, shorter flange distance on nex makes it not much of a difference on the overall length. So it is camera stabilization vs lens stabilization difference which makes the lens or the body thicker.

In comparison to Sony 18-200, they say Sony has a slower zoom, which might be better for video transitions. In comparison to Sony 55-210, it is shorter lens and that lens doesn't have fast aperture either at 4.5-6.3 range. So for travels Tamron makes it a very small package in comparison to Sony lenses and it is comparable to Olympus 14-150mm. Also if you have a black body, Tamron lens is black in comparison to Sony's silver lenses except Zeiss.

I found Tamron af and stabilization very good. The aperture is 4.5 around 35mm, 5.6 around 50-70mm range, and 6.3 after 70mm if I remember correctly (it is 6.3 at 100-200mm range). I have shots came good in nearly dark conditions, eg iso 6400 1/12sec at equiv 300mm f/6.3 zoomed to 5-6 feet range. In the dark, af slows down. I should have a fast prime with me but I didn't plan to stay late. I will put some samples later including the bokeh.
 
Armando - you need to take something for that "photo" gear addiction that you have ......... if you are not married maybe a wife ....... if you are married maybe a few more kids to drain your "available cash"
 
Armando - you need to take something for that "photo" gear addiction that you have ......... if you are not married maybe a wife ....... if you are married maybe a few more kids to drain your "available cash"

LOL!!! Bill, why are you bursting my bubble? :)

My girlfriend has already pointed out that my gear slush fund will disappear soon enough as we get closer to the big M. Yikes! Unlike the US government, I actually will slash the budget to make ends meet, as opposed to borrowing more!! Capital One Master Card will be disappointed though!
 
I'm actually quite interested in seeing how the Sigma 19mm does on NEX and in general.
It's not very big and it could be a (higher quality?) alternative walk around to the Sony 16mm.

Plus, we can see direct comparisons between the Sigma DP1M and the NEX7 with the same lens!
 
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