The blue column represents readings from the centre of the picture frame at the various apertures and the green is from the edges. Averaging them out gives the red weighted column.

Images: With the lens set at 70mm, I shot this scene across the entire aperture range. You can see how resolution increases to f/11 and then falls off beyond f/16 While the focal length is somewhat correct at the wide range, it is not even close to 300mm at the maximum telephoto setting. I was comparing it to several lenses, including Canon EF 100-300mm, Canon EF-S 55-250mm, and older manual Tamron SP 60-300mm. The maximum zoom setting (300mm) in reality corresponds to 250mm at best.That makes it a good choice for photographers who want to shoot a range of subjects, from architecture to sports, without having to continually switch lenses. The downside of such superzoom lenses, however, is that they can only offer a “slow” variable maximum aperture to ensure they are both affordable and relatively lightweight. In the DSLR sector, Tamron faces superzoom rivals in every camp, and some of the designs are notably similar. Alphabetically, the Canon EF-S 18-200mm 3.5-5.6 IS looks a little behind the curve these days, though it's a proven good performer. Nikon has a history of occasional cooperation with Tamron and matches the long-end reach with its Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G AF-S DX ED VR. The Pentax SMC DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM bears more than a passing resemblance to the superseded Tamron 18-270mm. Not to be outdone, Sigma joins the up-to-300mm superzoom club with its revamped 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM C, and Sony has the DT 18-250mm F3.5-6.3. Angle of view The Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6/3 offers a uniquely huge 18.8x zoom range, performs well, delivers good value for money and has impressive close up focus performance making this an ideal travel zoom lens.

The Tamron AF 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD has a closest focusing distance of 39cm / 15.3in and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9 at 300mm focal length, so it doubles up as quite a handy macro lens. It allows photographers to adjust focus in autofocus mode. This manual mode not only saves time but helps maintain mental focus while working.Not only have Tamron delivered a lens that offers a uniquely huge zoom range, but they've managed to make one that performs well, is well specified, and is good value too. Stabilization ensures consistent, sharp images in handheld photography while eliminating the need for faster shutter speeds. Autofocus Sharpness is not at its best here, with edges and corners particular soft and there's noticeable pincushion distortion, though field flatness is well controlled. No problem for the kind of things this feature is likely to be used for, especially when depth of field is so shallow that everything apart from the main subject will probably be out of focus anyway. Flare I could have saved myself a lot of time and money if I had simply selected this lens as my only lens for the A65. As it is, I will probably sell my prime macro lens and my Sigma 70-300mm zoom. As a walk-around lens that covers a wide variety of shooting situations, this lens is the enthusiasts' dream lens.