Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom
This Sony 55-200mm telephoto zoom lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharp image quality, fast autofocus, and lightweight plastic build that balances well on Sony Alpha cameras. Users praise its value for money, noting excellent center and edge sharpness, minimal chromatic aberration, and smooth zoom. A few mention slight softness at 200mm and occasional autofocus hesitation, but overall it is highly recommended for portraits and outdoor photography.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Lightweight plastic build
- Great value for money
- Smooth zoom operation
Cons
- Slight softness at 200mm
- Occasional autofocus hesitation
- Plastic build may feel cheap to some
- Needs good light for handheld shots
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
The Tamron 28-300mm super-zoom wins praise for its lightweight design, versatile focal range, and solid image quality. Users appreciate the compact build and smooth zoom mechanism, but note the slow aperture and trade-offs in sharpness compared to more expensive zooms. Verified reviewers find it an ideal travel lens that pairs well with Sony bodies.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Versatile 28-300mm focal range
- Smooth zoom ring operation
- Compact build for travel
- Good integration with Sony bodies
Cons
- Small maximum aperture (f/4-7.1)
- Reduced sharpness vs. premium zooms
- Not an internal zoom lens
- Slow autofocus at high fps on some bodies
Scores
Specifications
| Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | telephoto | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 55 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 200 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 20 |
| Groups | — | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | — | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 4-5.6 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony A | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.59 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | SAM | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 950 mm | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x | 1:2.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom
- Strong versatility (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong bokeh (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average macro (30th percentile)
- Below average optical (33rd percentile)
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
- Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Pricing
Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom
No current pricing available
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.
