Originally posted by ChristianRock
Dewman, I'll be interested in seeing how your new Tamron 18-200 compares with the 28-200 that you have and love to use. I'm thinking the 28-200, being a full frame lens, and having a shorter range, will be optically better. But the 18-200 is newer and might have better coatings.
We'll see I guess

Ah.... I guess I've touted my beloved "garage sale" Tamron 28-200mm lens so much that it's well know by now!

You know, maybe it's just me, but I truly think that mine is an exception to the rule, as far as the reviews go. Mine is a very early production run.... ser. # 000404.... and it is EXTREMELY sharp compared to many other lenses I have. I've compared it to others identical to it and it is far and away superior to them. Recently, I ended up with another one in a CL deal... and it too is an early production run. Ser. # 000794. It too is extremely sharp! So, my contention is that the manufacturing tolerances were more closely adhered to during the early days. The second one I acquired is now in a camera case along with a white "Storm Trooper" K-x kit I keep in my car at all times. A nice little set-up with little money invested.
So, back to your main reason for the post.... comparing the "new-to-me" 18-200mm against my 28-200mm. It should be fun. In the next week, I've got a lot of stuff coming and it's going to keep my busy just putting them through their paces!
I've got coming, 1) a K-x with 18-55mm & 50-200mm lenses.... 2) a DA 35mm f:2.8 Macro Limited....3) a NIB DA 18-55mm WR... 4) a K-50 with a DA 18-250mm lens.... 5) a DA 16-45mm .... and 6) the Tamron 18-200mm lens.