DECEMBER 2015 33Distortion
Tamron AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC exhibited the least amount of distortion, followed by Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 and Pentax
DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR. Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM exhibited the most amount of distortion among the four lenses.
Tamron AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC
Tamron AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC performed brilliantly
in the shootout. The lens has a sturdy body with an classy
look. The images shot using the lens displayed accurate colour
reproduction and least amount of distortion. The auto focus
was fast and came in second lowest in Quick MTF (chromatic
aberration) test. Costing `17,900, the Tamron AF 18-200mm
F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC is a good lens and gives great value for money.
And for this reason it wins the shootout.Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6
The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 lens also performed well in
the shootout. With accurate colours and minimal distortion,
its images were of good quality. The chromatic aberration was
the least among the four. The lens-build quality was strong
too. Costing `12,990, the lens is the least costly among
the competitors. The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 is the
recommended lens in this shootout.Pentax DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR
Priced at `17,015, Pentax DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR
was the lightest and the smoothest lens, and the AF was fairly
quick too. However, when it came to performance, the lens
fell slightly short against the competition. The images shot
were good but slightly inaccurate in colour reproduction and
sharpness. It had the highest chromatic aberration.Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Priced highest among the four lenses at `24995, the Canon is a neat
looking lens. The AF of the lens was quick and had practically no lag. The
images, however, lacked exact accuracy of colours, showed distortion and
chromatic aberration. Its a good lens but could do a lot better.Conclusion