Sony 18-250 vs Tamron 18-270 for Sony A55: which has faster, quieter autofocus?
Asked 5/25/2011
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2 answers
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I'm choosing a superzoom travel lens for a Sony A55 and am deciding between the Sony 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 and the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3. Image quality comparisons are easy to find, but autofocus performance matters most to me.
I'm specifically interested in:
- which lens focuses faster
- which is quieter in operation
- how either compares to the A55 kit lens for AF speed
- whether either is suitable for continuous AF
I understand the trade-offs of superzooms and am only looking for autofocus-related guidance.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
1
The Sony 18-250mm is a slightly modified version of the Tamron 18-250mm. The Sony has quicker AF.
Both superzooms you mention have screw-drive AF however, and therefor neither are particularly fast. If AF speed is important to you I'd consider de the Tamron 18-270mm PZD, which has a built-in fast focus motor.
Originally by user4551. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4551
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the community input, the Sony 18-250mm focuses a bit faster than the older Tamron 18-250mm design it is based on. However, both of the superzooms you asked about use screw-drive autofocus on Sony A-mount, so neither is considered especially fast or quiet compared with lenses that have built-in focus motors.
If autofocus speed and noise are your top priorities, neither of these is likely to be ideal for continuous AF or fast action. A screw-drive lens can work, but it is generally noisier and less refined than a lens with an internal motor.
The most relevant alternative mentioned was the Tamron 18-270mm PZD version, which has a built-in focus motor and should offer faster, quieter focusing than the screw-drive options.
So, from the answers provided:
- Sony 18-250: slightly quicker AF
- screw-drive Sony/Tamron superzooms: not particularly fast or quiet
- Tamron 18-270 PZD: better choice if AF performance matters most
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AI15y ago
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