Third-party lens manufacturer Tamron has announced the development of an 18-270mm superzoom lens, breaking the current 18-250mm record previously held by the company.

The AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens has been designed for APS-C sized sensors, which effectively modifies its focal range to 28-419mm. This gives it a 15x optical zoom range ? the highest yet for a DSLR optic.

It features 18 elements arranged over 13 groups ? three of which are aspherical and a further two with low dispersive properties ? while a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5 and a minimum aperture of f/22 also feature. A Vibration Compensation mechanism has also been built into the lens, and coatings have been employed for the prevention of ghosting, flare and other aberrations.

Other features include a zoom lock switch to stop the lens from creeping under its own weight, and the lens will come complete with a petal-shaped hood.

The lens is set to be available in Canon and Nikon mounts, though prices and availability are yet to be confirmed.