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MICRO CENTER: COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS

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One Lens To Shoot It All
by rob

Tamron 18-200mm XR Di-II Zoom lens

One of the most compelling features of a digital SLR camera is the ability to connect different lenses. You can have a wide-angle lens for the big group shots and another to zoom in on your child at second base. But why carry around two lenses when you can use one that functions as a wide-angle lens with the power to zoom? The Tamron AF014 series of lenses does just that. Made especially for digital SLRs (there are versions that fit Canon, Minolta and Nikon bodies), its range of 18-200mm gives you the flexibility of getting the shot you need when you need it. The ability to act fast when opportunity arises is often the difference between a good photo and a great one.

I took the Canon version of this lens out on a field trip outside of the lab. While in the field, I was amazed at the freedom this lens afforded. I wasn't constantly switching lenses to get the shot I wanted. From long-distance shots to close-ups of spring flowers, I could get it all with no switching. Besides the convenience factor, an added benefit to a single lens is that you won't be exposing your camera's delicate innards to dust while you switch lenses.

Closeup

Wide Angle

Zoom

At 18mm, this lens allows you to pull back and shoot subjects that would normally be too close for a shot without seeming crowded. This is especially useful for indoor shots where space is at a minimum. At the full 200mm, you can get close up to your subject.

Here are examples of the focal length range of this versatile lens:

18mm	35mm	50mm
70mm	100mm	200mm

The zoom lock at the 18mm setting is a helpful extra to keep the zoom ring from turning when stored or being carried. Something so small goes a long way toward the long life of a lens.

If you can only carry one lens, you should make it this one.

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