Editor's Choice 2007: Imaging Essentials

EDITOR'S CHOICE SLR Lenses

Best Buy: Tamron AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II LD ASPH (IF) Macro

A 14X focal length range makes this all-purpose zoom the equivalent, when mounted on a D-SLR with an APS-C-sized sensor, of about 28-390mm in 35mm. That's almost 100mm more magnifying power than 35mm's popular 28-300mm, and no other SLR lens can match it. More on the order of what you get from Superzoom EVF cameras, its range bests most of them. Put the 18-250mm on a small D-SLR like the Nikon D40 and you get something approaching the compactness of a top EVF model, but with better optics (likely) and a greater degree of photographic control (certainly). In fact, the new lens is virtually the same physical length and diameter as Tamron's existing 18-200mm Di digital zoom, and focuses to less than 18 inches throughout its range, for a 1:3.5 reproduction ratio at 250mm. About $500.

Read more on the Tamron AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II LD ASPH (IF) Macro. Next product: Sony Zeiss 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Vario-Sonnar.