Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm
The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance, making it a favorite for street, portrait, and everyday photography. Many users highlight its lightweight build and value for money, though some note that it is not as sharp as the 50mm S lens and can suffer from vignetting and corner softness wide open. A few reviewers also mention quality control issues and a plastic feel, but overall it is considered a solid, versatile prime lens.
Pros
- Sharp images edge-to-edge
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent low-light performance
- Lightweight and compact design
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Vignetting and corner softness wide open
- Not as sharp as 50mm S lens
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Quality control issues reported
- Overpriced compared to alternatives
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
The Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one zoom for Sony APS-C cameras. Users love the incredible 16.6x range, close focusing at the wide end, and solid image quality, though some note softness beyond 70-80mm and slow autofocus. The lens is heavier than typical crop-sensor lenses but still considered portable. A few verified buyers report issues with sharpness at the telephoto end and a stiff zoom ring, but the majority find it an excellent walk-around lens that replaces multiple primes and zooms.
Pros
- Incredible 16.6x zoom range
- Close focusing at wide end (semi-macro)
- Good image quality and color rendition
- Solid build with weather sealing
- Effective vibration compensation (VC)
Cons
- Softness beyond 70-80mm
- Slow autofocus compared to smaller zooms
- Heavy and bulky for APS-C
- Stiff zoom ring when zooming out
- Moderate distortion at both ends
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm | Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 35 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 8 | 19 |
| Groups | 8 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating (SIC) | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.8 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.62 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 1:2★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average bokeh (31st percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong stabilization (81st percentile)81st %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm offers 2.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 93 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
