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Tamron keeps on surprising DSLR users with its ultra-zoom lenses with performance levels that once was never though to be possible. Tamron 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 since its first introduction has become one of the most versatile lens (13.8x zoom)for APS-C DSLR cameras while offering image quality that is competing with zoom lenses with less magnification ratios. Surely it has some drawbacks like being slow on the long side, chromatic aberrations in certain situations, etc. but overall I think it is a perfect all-round lens.
Now Tamron takes the ultra-zoom DSLR lenses to next level with the new AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, taking the world record once again with the 15X zoom, and adding its Vibration Compensation system (VC) in to the game, making it even more attractive for Canon and Nikon users whose bodies lack sensor based Image stabilization.
UPDATE! (10.28.2008) First lenses already started shipping and users are reporting very positive results, even better then the 18-250!

Order Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro for Nikon
Order Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro for Canon
Tamron 18-270 F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD vs. 18-250 F/3.5-6.3 AF Di-II LD Comparison:
Well we don't have any information or real life samples showing the performance of the new 18-270mm yet but I expect it to be equal or better then the previous 18-250mm, otherwise I believe Tamron engineers would rather choose to keep the range at 250mm and make do with the addition of VC. The new 18-270mm VC will be available for only Canon and Nikon mounts but it is obviously not a big loss for the other mounts cause they all have built-in image stabilization systems and 20mm on the long end is not a big deal for most. And not to mention that the 18-250mm is still 120gr lighter and more compact than the 18-270mm which makes it an easier-to-carry walk around lens (and cheaper very likely). Other difference is the filter diameters of the two lens. 18-270mm has filter size of 72mm whereas the 18-250 has 62mm filter diameter, which means you have to pay more for the filters
Below is the spec comparison of the two Tamron ultra-zooms:
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Model Name
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AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
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Tamron 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 AF Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
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Focal length
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18-270 mm
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18-250mm
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Maximum aperture
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f/3.5-6.3
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F/3.5-6.3
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Minimum aperture
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f/22
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f/22
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Lens construction
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18 elements / 13 groups
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16 elements / 13 groups
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Closest focus distance
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0.49m (19.3")
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0.45m (17.7")
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Maximum magnification
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1:3.5
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1:3.5
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Vibration Reduction
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yes
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no
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Aperture blades
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7
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7
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Filter Diameter
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72 mm
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62mm
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Dimensions
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101mm × 80mm (3.8" × 3.1")
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84.3mm x 74.4mm (3.3" x 2.9")
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Weight
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550g (19.4oz.)
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430g (15.2oz.)
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Compatible Mount
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Canon AF, Nikon AF-D
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Canon AF, Nikon AF-D, Pentax AF, and Sony/KM
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Standard Accessory
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Flower-shaped Lens Hood
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Flower-shaped Lens Hood
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