New Tamron 20-270 Zoom

[KeithB]

As Ken Rockwell pointed out, where is Canon in all of this?

Nikon has a lens comparable to this Tamron already.

Canon's 55 - 250 is really not short enough to compete in this class.

Bob, do you think Canon is working on a ~20-200+ zoom to compete here?

[Bob Atkins]

Actually the Tamron is an 18-270 (with stabilization) as I reported here:

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/tamron_18-270.html

Yes, I think Canon are working on a wide range zoom. Back on July 7th I reported a rumor (see http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/rumors.html) that Canon may bring out an EF-S 18-200/3.5-5.6 IS zoom in the fall. I don't have any further confirmation on that, but it would not surprise me at all. It would match Nikon's 18-200 VR lens.

I doubt that Canon will get into the game of making the widest possible zoom range. Typically that results in too many compromises being made. The Tamron lens is f6.3 at 270mm and Canon do not make any lenses with a maximum aperture smaller than f5.6, and I don't think they will since they state that f5.6 is required to maintain autofocus to within their design specifications. f6.3 seems to work for some 3rd party lenses, but Canon aren't going to go that route.

[Sponge1971]

I doubt that Canon will get into the game of making the widest possible zoom range. Typically that results in too many compromises being made. The Tamron lens is f6.3 at 270mm and Canon do not make any lenses with a maximum aperture smaller than f5.6, and I don't think they will since they state that f5.6 is required to maintain autofocus to within their design specifications. f6.3 seems to work for some 3rd party lenses, but Canon aren't going to go that route.

Bob, you are a genius.  I'm glad I poked around.  I'm *seriously* considering the Tamrom 18-270...but not if it's going to compromise the operabililty of my wife's XSI.  I'm waiting with bait on my breath for your professional opinion on this lens vs the Canon SuperZoom....

Eric

[Roxie2401]

Bob,

Any feelings on Canon also working on an "EF" lens in this range?  Something for a full-frame body.

Thanks

[Bob Atkins]

Well there is a 28-300/3.5-5.6L IS USM already. Since full frame is now "professional" when it comes to digital I really don't see Canon developing a new low cost "consumer" grade super wide range zoom.

At lower cost there is the EF 28-200/3.5-5.6 USM. Not a super wide range, but still enough for most of those who have a full frame camera and want one lens that will "do it all" (or at least of "it"!)