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.

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.