Looking to purchase a decent walk-around lens.

Considering the nikon 18-200 vr II or the tamron 18-270 PZD. I have heard good reviews from both and my uncle has the tamron 18-270 (older version).

From my understanding the tamron is pretty sharp thru 170mm f5.6 but it steps up to f6.3 and its fullest zoom.

I originally wanted the nikon, but i called a local camera shop that had both in stock and they recommended the tamron because of extra reach/IQ.

I will be upgrading to faster glass later on (maybe nikon/or tamron 80-200 f2.8, the tamron 17-50 f2.8, and tokina 11-16 f2.8). For now i just need a more convenient lens than my 18-55/55-200 kit lens combo.

ps. I'm shooting with the nikon D5000

Thanks in advance

 

Forget the extra reach get the 18-200 VR2. It's the best walk around lens I've ever seen. On a cropped body it's bring you to 300mm at long end, I think the Tamron pushes that TOO much with that superzoom.

 

I've been shooting solely with a 18-200 VRI for the last 7 months and really enjoy it. I don't have any experience with the Tamron, but I'm pretty sure you will be very happy with the Nikon.

 

isn't the Tamron a really heavy lens too? I mean... it's suppose to be a "walk-around" lens and not "Lug-around" lens, right?