The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD and the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD with a length of 82mm, is 6mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 74mm.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD weighs 430g, 4% (20g) lighter than the Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD's weight of 450g.
Filter Threads
The Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD and the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD has the same Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD is also available in Canon EF mount.
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha and Pentax KAF mounts.
Focal Range
Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD has a focal range of 18-270mm and
15.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-405mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD has a focal range of 17-50mm and 2.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.5-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.