Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
The Nikon AF-P 18-55mm lens receives mixed feedback. Many users praise its sharpness, silent autofocus in video mode, and lightweight design, but compatibility issues with older Nikon cameras like the D5000 and D3300 (without firmware update) are a recurring complaint. Some users report defective units where autofocus fails entirely, while others find it a significant upgrade over older AF-S lenses for video work.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Silent autofocus in video mode
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fast autofocus speed
- Good value for money
Cons
- Compatibility issues with older cameras
- Autofocus failure on some units
- Zoom noise picked up by internal mic
- No VR or manual focus button on lens
- Requires firmware update for some cameras
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-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 19 |
| Groups | — | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | — | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.74 kg | 0.62 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 52 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | pulse stepping motor | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 83 mm★ | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:2★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- Strong macro (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR offers 3.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
