Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
This kit lens is generally well-regarded as a versatile and affordable starter option for Canon DSLR beginners, delivering sharp images and effective image stabilization for the price. However, many users note its limitations in low light, slow and sometimes unreliable autofocus, and a plastic build that can wear out over time. While it's a great value for learning, most reviewers recommend upgrading to a faster or higher-quality lens as skills improve.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Effective image stabilization
- Versatile focal range
- Lightweight and compact
- Great value for beginners
Cons
- Slow autofocus in low light
- Plastic build quality
- Limited aperture at telephoto
- Autofocus hunting
- Noise during video recording
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
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 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 11 | 20 |
| Groups | 9 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 6 | 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 | Micro Motor | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x | 1:2.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
- 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
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.
