Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
This lens is widely praised for its excellent optics, lightweight design, and quiet STM autofocus, making it a great everyday and travel lens. Users note it rivals Canon's L-series in image quality while being much more affordable, though some mention the plastic mount and lack of weather sealing as drawbacks. Verified buyers highlight its sharpness, effective image stabilization, and value for money, especially when purchased as a kit lens. However, a few users report limitations with autofocus points on certain camera bodies and note it is not a true macro lens.
Pros
- Excellent image quality rivaling L-series
- Lightweight and compact design
- Quiet and smooth STM autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
- Great value for money
Cons
- Plastic mount instead of metal
- No weather sealing
- Limited autofocus points on some bodies
- Not a true macro lens
- Inferior image quality to 18-135mm
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
| Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 12 | 20 |
| Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | — | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 4-5.6 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.20 kg★ | 0.59 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 66 mm★ | 190 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:4 | 1:2.8 |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th 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 (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.