Tamron 18-270 Lens... NEW Lens Dilemma

[retro_pony]

Alright still getting my feet wet... but following a recent trip to Hawaii - I discovered the "joy" of switching back and forth lenses. So, discover and order the "All-in-One" walkaround lens, Tamron's 18-270 lens. Sure I am giving up a little image quality for the range, but here is my dilemma....

I JUST order the current lens (18-270 Di II VC) only to find out they have released a NEW version of it (PZD). So my dilemma... Do I?

A) Keep the current 18-270 lens available now, cost of $629 (actually found it for $599 with FREE shipping) +$150 rebate (until 12/31/10) for total cost of $450.
B) Return the lens and purchase the new PZD version (smaller, lighter, faster, etc) for a total cost of $650.

Savings: $200.

I have read mixed things about the motor used in the new lens. But if at this point, and I don't need it tomorrow, would smaller, lighter, faster but $200 more be the way to go? Still includes the 6-year warranty. Hoping to hear from a few users that already have this lens.

My gut says spend the extra now for the newer technology, but it's also "unproven" technology.

[spye]

I am sort of in the same dilema. I need a good "walk around" lense and was excited about the Tamron 18 - 270 right up untill I did some research on it. It has some troubles that seem to be on all of there lenses. It most defintiely has lense creep and the auto focus from what I have read is lackluster at best.

My issue is, is how picky are the people that write these reviews. im not a pro photog and not going to be anytime soon I just want a very good lense. I dont want to save 200 dollars on a 6 or 7 hundred dollar lense to have something inferior I will just spend the additional money and get quality if indeed im getting quality and not just paying for the name Nikon.

SO I will be interested to hear what people have to say. Meanwhile I am stuck changing back and forth between my two "kit" lenses.

[retro_pony]

Spye - I hear you. I was hoping to hear from some that may have the current lens and may mention some of the good and the bad. I too will not be a "professional" anytime soon, just enjoying the hobby and think this lens will fit some of my majority use.

I talked to guys at two different photography stores today - both just receiving the new version of the 18-270. Both places raving about it so far, over the original version. Smaller, lighter, faster than before - most of what Tamron was boasting, but in a practical - take it out and test it sense as well as side by side comparison.

Looks like it is finally "In Stock" on Amazon, not on B&H or Adorama. Think I will be sending mine back and ordering the new version. Would rather pay a little extra now (actually, just miss out on the rebate) for an improved lens in the long haul.