Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G 40mm
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G 40mm
The Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, excellent value for money, and versatility as both a macro and general-purpose lens. Users highlight its lightweight build, quick autofocus, and compatibility with slide digitizing adapters like the ES-1 and ES-2. However, some note the short working distance for 1:1 macro, plastic construction, and occasional autofocus hunting in low light or close-up situations.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Excellent value for money
- Lightweight and portable
- Quick and quiet autofocus
- Versatile for macro and general use
Cons
- Short working distance for 1:1 macro
- Plastic build quality feels cheap
- Autofocus hunts in low light
- Autofocus unreliable at close distances
- Lens hood falls off easily
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens is widely praised for its sharpness, versatile zoom range, constant aperture, and effective stabilization, making it an excellent all-around lens for APS-C cameras. Users appreciate its solid build quality and value for money, though many note it is noticeably heavier and larger than typical kit lenses, which can feel unbalanced on smaller camera bodies. A few reviewers mention minor issues like chromatic aberration at the longer end and noise from the aperture blades at certain settings, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- sharp image quality across zoom range
- constant f/2.8 aperture
- effective image stabilization
- fast and quiet autofocus
- versatile 17-70mm focal range
Cons
- heavy and large for APS-C body
- chromatic aberration at 50-70mm
- aperture blade noise above f/5.6
- short zoom throw initially stiff
- no aperture ring on Fuji version
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G 40mm | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 40 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 40 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 16 |
| Groups | 7 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.23 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 52 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | RXD |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 163 mm★ | 190 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:1 | 1:4.8 |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G 40mm
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong build (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong macro (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong versatility (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G 40mm offers 1.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.
