Tamron Di III RXD 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3
A 544g build weight and weather sealing make this 70-300mm zoom a uniquely portable telephoto option for Nikon Z full-frame cameras. The RXD stepping motor provides fast, quiet autofocus for both stills and video, while the bundled UV and CPL filters add immediate shooting value. This lens is best for landscape photographers who prioritize lightweight travel kits over wide-aperture speed.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Tamron 70-300mm is the telephoto lens most Nikon Z owners have been waiting for. Light, sharp, and affordable, it's an easy recommendation as long as you understand its low-light limits.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredibly light and compact for a full-frame 300mm zoom 91st
- Optical quality is a standout at this price 69th
- Weather-sealed build gives peace of mind outdoors 69th
- Silent RXD autofocus is great for video
Cons
- No image stabilization, so keep those shutter speeds up
- f/6.3 at the long end demands good light
- 7-blade aperture makes for busy, nervous bokeh
- Macro performance is one of the worst we've seen
The proof
Performance
What surprised us most is how well the optics hold up for a lens in this price bracket. It sits at the 70th percentile in our database, which means it's punching above its weight class. Sharpness is strong through most of the range, only softening a bit at the very long end, which is totally normal. The RXD autofocus is quick and eerily silent for video work, though it's not the absolute speed demon you'd want for tracking erratic wildlife. It's a middle-of-the-pack AF performer, but more than adequate for backyard birds, kids' sports, and travel candids.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 70 |
| Focal Length Max | 300 |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 10 |
| Coating | BBAR |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/6.3 |
| Min Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Constant | No |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | RXD |
vs Competition
The obvious rival is Nikon's own Z-mount telephoto glass, but those options cost significantly more and weigh a ton. The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is in a different league for speed and sharpness, but it's also triple the price and double the weight. On the wider end, something like the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 is a better general-purpose zoom, but it can't touch this Tamron's reach. If you need 300mm on a budget, the Tamron is basically in a class of its own for Z-mount right now.
| Spec | Tamron Di III RXD 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Viltrox Pro AF 27mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70-300mm | 18-50mm | 17-28mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm | 27mm |
| Max Aperture | f/6.3 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | false | false | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 544 | 290 | 450 | 306 | 326 | 560 |
| AF Type | RXD | stepping motor | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | Linear motor | STM |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | prime |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamron Di III RXD 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 | 53.9 | 51.3 | 68.7 | 14.2 | 69.2 | 51.6 | 90.7 | 29.2 | 36.8 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.9 | 81.9 | 86.1 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 84.1 | 78.6 | 89.7 | 36.8 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 86.9 | 87.1 | 75.2 | 85.8 | 88.2 | 84.1 | 68 | 69.4 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 81.9 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 84.1 | 80.6 | 85.3 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.5 | 72.5 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.5 | 95.8 | 89.7 | 82.4 |
| Viltrox Pro AF 27mm f/1.2 Compare | 86.9 | 98.5 | 67.4 | 38.5 | 82.2 | 98.6 | 33.6 | 89.7 | 36.8 |
Price
Value & Pricing
For $569, this lens is a steal. You're getting full-frame 300mm reach, weather sealing, and genuinely good optics in a package that won't break your back or your bank account. The bundled filters and cleaning kit in this Newegg deal are just gravy. Unless you absolutely need a faster aperture or stabilization, this is the smart money choice.
Read more
Overview
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 for Nikon Z is the telephoto zoom most Z-mount shooters should actually buy. It's not the fastest or the flashiest, but it nails the basics: solid optics, genuinely useful reach, and a build so light you'll actually take it places. At 544g, it's barely heavier than a can of soda, which is wild for a full-frame lens that gets you out to 300mm. The one thing to know? This is the sensible, affordable telephoto that won't gather dust on your shelf.
Common Questions
Q: Does this lens have image stabilization?
Nope, and that's the biggest trade-off here. You'll want to rely on your Nikon Z body's in-body stabilization (IBIS) or keep your shutter speed above 1/300s at the long end to avoid blur.
Q: Is this good for wildlife photography?
For casual wildlife, absolutely. The 300mm reach on full-frame is solid for larger animals and birds that aren't too skittish. But the f/6.3 aperture means you'll struggle in early morning or late evening light, and the autofocus isn't snappy enough for fast, erratic action.
Q: Can I use this for portraits?
You can, but it's not ideal. At 135mm to 200mm you can get some decent subject separation, but the f/6.3 max aperture at the long end and the 7-blade diaphragm mean the bokeh will be a bit harsh and busy. A fast prime will serve you better.
Who Should Skip This
If you're shooting indoor sports, events in dim venues, or anything that demands a fast, constant aperture, this isn't your lens. The f/6.3 at 300mm is a real limitation when the light drops. Go grab a used 70-200mm f/2.8 instead and accept the weight penalty.
Verdict
Buy it if you want a telephoto zoom you'll actually carry. The lack of stabilization is the only real sting, but modern Nikon Z bodies have excellent IBIS to pick up the slack. For travel, landscapes, and casual wildlife, this lens is a joy to use. It's not a pro sports lens, and it's not trying to be. It's just a really good, really affordable way to get serious reach on your Nikon Z camera.
