Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO
What Buyers Say
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm
The Tamron 18-300mm superzoom is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one travel lens, with users highlighting its convenience, sharpness, and effective image stabilization. Many appreciate not needing to swap lenses, though some note compromises in image quality at the telephoto end and a heavier build compared to smaller zooms. A few users report issues with manual focus, stiff zoom rings, and warranty concerns, but overall sentiment is strongly positive.
Pros
- Versatile all-in-one zoom range
- Sharp images for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Convenient for travel
- Good value for money
Cons
- Soft corners at wide apertures
- Heavier than smaller zooms
- Stiff zoom ring initially
- Manual focus issues
- Not ideal for low light
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO
The OM System 50-200mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and effective image stabilization, making it a favorite among wildlife and sports photographers. Users highlight its versatility with teleconverters and solid build quality, though some note it is bulky and expensive compared to alternatives like the 40-150mm f/2.8. Overall, it is considered a high-performance lens worth the investment for dedicated Micro Four Thirds shooters.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
- Versatile with teleconverters
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Bulky compared to alternatives
- Expensive
- Short reach for small wildlife
- Loss of light with teleconverter
- Heavier than 40-150mm f/2.8
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm | OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 300 mm | 200 mm |
| Elements | 19 | 21 |
| Groups | 5 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 4 | 4 |
| Coating | Fluorine Coating | ZERO II Coating, Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-6.3 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.62 kg★ | 1.07 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | VXD linear motor★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 780 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2★ | 0.5x |
Pros & Cons
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO
- Strong stabilization (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm offers 7.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
