tamron AF 17-270mm B003 Vs B008

Hi,

I am considering buyer a Tamron AF 18-270MM zoom lense for my Nikon d70.

There are 2 versions, B003 (older) and B008 (newer). which is a better lense? all opinion appreciated.

Thanks

T.K

The B008 is more compact and has a faster and nearly silent piezo-electric motor. Optical performance for both is similar with both dealing with the super-zoom compromises between convenience and image quality pretty well.

Here are links to full tests of both on SLRGear.com:

B003 - http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1217/cat/23

B008 - http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1410/cat/23

Dave

OP: just making sure you know that Nikon just last week announced a new 18-300mm DX lens (no doubt prompted by the popularity of the Tamron you are considering).

It will be bigger and heavier (and pricier!). . .and certainly not for everyone.

But another difference that has been flagged is that the max aperture on the Tamron is 6.3, whereas on the Nikon it will be 5.6.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/872407-REG/Nikon_AF_S_DX_18_300mm_f_3_5_5_6G.html

I had the older Tamron 18-270. I sold it and got the new one. The new one is smaller and lighter as mentioned. The old one had some auto focus issues particularly in low light. The new one is much better with the auto focus. It is a great all-in-one travel lens. As previously suggested, the all purpose lenses have limitations but this one works for me. My experience is I use the wide angle a lot and seldom shoot beyond 200mm. On a recent trip to Europe I also took a Nikon 50mm 1.4 and never used it. I took the Tokina 12-24mm and used it a few of times. I use a Nikon D300.