Tamron’s new 18-400mm is the world’s first ultra-telephoto all-in-one lens with optical stabilisation

I always see new photographers looking for all-in-one super zooms that they can use for everything. And I even see the occasional pro asking about them, too. Sometimes, just having a lightweight lens thgat can “do it all” is useful. When it’s more about getting the moment than it is about low light performance, or ultimate sharpness zoomed to 1600%, in steps the super zoom.

Nikon have their 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 DX VRII and Canon have a 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM for full frame, as well as a lower budget 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 for APS-C. Now, Tamron’s recently announced new 18-400mm f/3.5-5.6 super zoom is now available to pre-order.

Model	: B028
Focal Length	: 18-400mm
Maximum Aperture	: F/3.5-6.3
Angle of View (diagonal)	: 75°33′ – 4° (for APS-C format)
Optical Construction	: 16 elements in 11 groups
Minimum Object Distance	: 17.7 in (0.45m)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	: 1:2.9
Filter Size	: Ø72mm
Maximum Diameter	: Ø79mm
Length**	: for Canon 4.9 in (123.9mm)
	: for Nikon 4.8 in (121.4mm)
Weight	: for Canon 25 oz (710g)
	: for Nikon 24.9 oz (705g)
Aperture Blades	: 7 (circular diaphragm)
Minimum Aperture	: F/22-40
Image Stabilization Performance	: 2.5 stops (CIPA Standards Compliant) (For Canon : EOS-80D is used / For Nikon: D7200 is used)
Standard Accessories	: Flower-shaped lens hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts	: Canon, Nikon

The lens is available to pre-order for both Nikon and Canon for $659. Substantially lower than the Nikon 18-300mm & Canon 28-300mm alternatives, although it is a third of a stop slower at the long end.

These sorts of super zoom lenses aren’t typically designed with the highest image quality in mind. But I am still curious to see how it stacks up against the Nikon and Canon lenses once it starts getting into the hands of testers and reviewers.