Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
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 AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
The Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED is widely praised as one of the best portrait lenses available, delivering stunning sharpness, creamy bokeh, and beautiful color rendition even wide open. Many users consider it a significant upgrade over the 85mm f/1.4 and 70-200mm f/2.8, though they note it is large, heavy, and expensive. A few reviewers report autofocus speed issues, front-focus problems, or softness at minimum focus distance, but the overwhelming majority find the optical performance magical and worth the investment.
Pros
- Stunning sharpness wide open
- Creamy bokeh and background separation
- Beautiful color rendition and contrast
- Excellent low-light performance
- Solid build quality with weather sealing
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Autofocus can be slow in some situations
- Front-focus issues reported on some copies
- Softness at minimum focus distance wide open
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 105 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 300 mm | 105 mm |
| Elements | 19 | 14 |
| Groups | 5 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| Coating | Fluorine Coating | Nano Crystal Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-6.3 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.62 kg★ | 0.98 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | VXD linear motor★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 1.00 m |
| Max Magnification | 1:2 | 1:7.7 |
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 AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong optical (76th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average build (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD offers 5.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.
