Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD

Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD

Tamron
100 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR 2211 18-55mm

Nikon NIKKOR 2211 18-55mm

Nikon
79 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD

92 out of 100 medium confidence 13 reviews

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
👍 Build quality 3
🤔 Sharpness 3
👎 Aperture 2
👍 Weight and portability 3
👍 Zoom range 4
👎 Autofocus performance 1

Nikon NIKKOR 2211 18-55mm

92 out of 100 medium confidence 12 reviews

This Nikon 18-55mm VR II lens is widely praised as an excellent value kit lens replacement. Users highlight its sharpness, compact size, light weight, and improved close-focus ability over older versions. A few note minor quirks like the lock mechanism and potential shadow from the on-camera flash, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Sharp image quality
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Improved close focus ability
  • Effective vibration reduction
Cons
  • Lock mechanism can confuse new users
  • On-camera flash shadow at close focus
  • Plastic mount feels less durable
  • Slower autofocus than pro lenses
  • No weather sealing
👍 Value for money 8
👍 Image quality 6
👍 Size and weight 5
👍 Close focus ability 4
👍 Vibration reduction 3
🤔 Build quality 3

Scores

Budget
Tamron
97
Nikon
70
Macro
Tamron
92
Nikon
76
Landscape
Tamron
87
Nikon
55
Wildlife Sports
Tamron
85
Nikon
55
Professional
Tamron
85
Nikon
52
Street
Tamron
83
Nikon
66
Portrait
Tamron
82
Nikon
54
Video Cinema
Tamron
82
Nikon
58
Travel
Tamron
81
Nikon
69

Specifications

Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXDNikon NIKKOR 2211 18-55mm
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min28 mm18 mm
Focal Length Max300 mm55 mm
Elements20—
Groups13—
Aspherical Elements3★—
ED Elements22
Coatingfluorine coating—
Aperture
Max Aperturef/4f/5.6
Min Aperture4-7.1f/3.5
Constant✗✗
Diaphragm Blades9★—
Build
MountSony ENikon F
Formatfull-frame★APS-C
Weather Sealed✓★—
Weight0.59 kg0.20 kg★
Filter Thread67 mm—
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeVXD linear motor★AF-S
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops—4 stops★
Focus
Min Focus Distance190 mm55 mm★
Max Magnification1:3.8★—

Pros & Cons

Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD

  • Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong optical (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile

Nikon NIKKOR 2211 18-55mm

  • Strong macro (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile

Verdict

★ Winner: Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD

Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.

Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports