Andy Westlake takes a detailed look at a budget all-in-one superzoom for APS-C DSLRs

While there's certainly an element of truth to this, it overlooks one fundamental advantage – that you can cover a huge range of subjects without having to change lenses between shots. If you're out on your own, taking your time, this is no big deal.

If there's one kind of lens that tends to get a bad press, it's the all-in-one ‘superzoom'. Conventional wisdom states that zooms with a 3x range can be optically excellent, and 4x can still be very good, but extend that to 10x or more and the compromises become too great.

With the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens, Tamron has taken the opportunity to add their VC (Vibration Compensation) for Canon and Nikon users, in a package that has an impressively low price. Let's find out if this new lens is up to the mark, despite its modest cost.

With the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens, Tamron has taken the opportunity to add their VC (Vibration Compensation) for Canon and Nikon users, in a package that has an impressively low price. Let's find out if this new lens is up to the mark, despite its modest cost.

Impressive central sharpness; Effective and silent AF; Good VC system; Very low central CA; Good flare resistance; Excellent value for money

Lower edge sharpness; CA at edges

Bought this lens for general use when I am out and about saving me from having to keep changing lenses. perfect for the job without spending a fortune.

Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight