Tamron SP AFB005NII-700 17-50mm
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
What Buyers Say
Tamron SP AFB005NII-700 17-50mm
The Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 lens is widely praised as a sharp, versatile upgrade over kit lenses with effective vibration compensation. Users love its constant aperture for low-light and portrait work, though some report quality control issues like back focus or poor factory cleaning. A few note noise from the VC mechanism and slightly slower focusing, but overall it's considered excellent value, especially compared to pricier brand-name equivalents.
Pros
- Sharp images even wide open
- Effective vibration compensation
- Constant F/2.8 aperture
- Great value for money
- Versatile for indoor/outdoor use
Cons
- Noisy vibration compensation
- Some quality control issues
- Back focus problems reported
- No weather sealing
- Slower autofocus motor
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
This Nikon 18-55mm lens is widely praised for its sharpness, light weight, and excellent value for money, especially as a kit lens. Users highlight its vivid colors and quiet autofocus, though some note the plastic build feels fragile and the barrel can wobble at extended focal lengths. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens that outperforms its modest price point.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent value for money
- Vivid color reproduction
- Quiet autofocus
Cons
- Plastic build feels fragile
- Barrel wobbles at extended focal lengths
- No image stabilization
- Loose tolerances can affect focus
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron SP AFB005NII-700 17-50mm | Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 7 |
| Groups | 16 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Internal Surface Coatings | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.57 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Built in motor | pulse stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 270 mm | 55 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.8★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Tamron SP AFB005NII-700 17-50mm
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong optical (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong versatility (81st percentile)81st %ile
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.