Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
What Buyers Say
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
The Tamron 18-300mm superzoom is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one travel lens, with users highlighting its convenience, sharpness, and effective image stabilization. Many appreciate not needing to swap lenses, though some note compromises in image quality at the telephoto end and a heavier build compared to smaller zooms. A few users report issues with manual focus, stiff zoom rings, and warranty concerns, but overall sentiment is strongly positive.
Pros
- Versatile all-in-one zoom range
- Sharp images for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Convenient for travel
- Good value for money
Cons
- Soft corners at wide apertures
- Heavier than smaller zooms
- Stiff zoom ring initially
- Manual focus issues
- Not ideal for low light
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its lightweight design, sharp image quality, and fast autofocus, making it a favorite for bird and wildlife photography. A few users report autofocus issues in low light or with small subjects, but most find it a significant upgrade over heavier alternatives like the 200-500mm. The lens is praised for being handholdable and well-balanced on cameras like the D500 and D850, though some note minor wear on button lettering over time.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Sharp image quality
- Fast autofocus
- Excellent VR for handheld shooting
- Well-balanced on D500 and D850
Cons
- Autofocus issues in low light
- Autofocus hunts with small subjects
- Button lettering wears off over time
- Swirly backgrounds when pointed at sun
- Expensive for non-professionals
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | super-telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 500 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 300 mm | 500 mm |
| Elements | 19 | 19 |
| Groups | 5 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| Coating | Fluorine Coating | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, Fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-6.3 | f/5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.62 kg★ | 1.46 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 95 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | VXD linear motor★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 3.00 m |
| Max Magnification | 1:2 | 1:5.55 |
Pros & Cons
Tamron Di III-A 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 (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average build (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (23rd percentile)
Pricing
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD offers 22.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
