The battle for a genuine 'all-in-one' lens seems to have be re-ignited with the release of the Tamron 18-400mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD.

Let us say that again...18-400mm - a 22.x optical zoom lens - 28-600mm in 35mm terms*.  That's HUGE!!

*(28.8-640mm using Canon EFs Fit / 27-600mm using Nikon DX Fit)

Tamron's history within this category of ultra-zoom lenses is well established and incredibly well respected.  Since 1992 with the release of the 28-200mm f3.8-5.6, they have continued to push the boundaries further and further to encompass the needs to the consumer who don't want to carry too many lenses; a genuine travel zoom for APS-C DSLRs.

Since 1992, they have also developed versions of a 28-300mm, 18-200mm, 18-250mm, 18-270mm 16-300mm as well as the popular 150-600mm which now includes the G2 version.  These have included upgrades with the inclusion of Vibration Correction (genuinely impressive), Ultra Sonic Drive, Piezo Drize, Extra Refractive Index glass, and much more.

Photographers can now enjoy wide-angle to ultra-telephoto photography using one lens, which is ideal for travel photography and eliminates the need to carry extra lenses. The 18-400mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD lens enables a wide variety of ultra-telephoto images including everyday casual scenes.

The world’s first ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens to achieve 400mm telephoto

The Tamron 18-400mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD lens is the world’s first lens for APS-C DSLR cameras that covers a focal length range of 18-400mm and achieves a zoom ratio of 22.2x. The focal length of 400mm on the telephoto end enables the capturing of ultra-telephoto pictures with the 35mm equivalent of 620mm angle of view. Now, with just this one lens, a photographer can readily enjoy the power of the ultra-telephoto to bring distant subjects closer as well as the perspective-flattening effects that only extreme telephoto settings can achieve. This all-in-one zoom lens is ideal for travel and everyday carry. It allows a photographer to switch from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto without changing lenses, making it faster and easier to capture a much wider range of subjects including travel scenes, wildlife, action sports, landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and food.

Excellent image quality across the entire zoom range, from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto

The optical construction of the Tamron 18-400mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD consists of 16 lens elements in 11 groups. The use of specialized glass elements such as LD (Low Dispersion) and aspherical lens elements effectively minimizes wide-ranging aberrations, including chromatic aberrations and distortion, thereby assuring outstanding image quality. Optimum power distribution among the individual lens element groups achieves both the optical performance and the compact size necessary for an ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens that boasts 400mm focal length. Also, it enables tele-macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9.

Equipped with the Vibration Compensation system necessary for ultra-telephotography at 400mm

It is equipped with Tamron’s original VC (Vibration Compensation) system, which effectively curbs camera shake under low light conditions (such as a dimly lit room or at dusk) and while taking ultra-telephoto pictures. This greatly expands opportunities for casual handheld shooting. The jitter-free stability of the viewfinder image allows for easier framing and enables the photographer to compose the subject quickly and comfortably.

Available from July in both Canon EFs Fit and Nikon DX Fit.