Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Meike 85mm F1.4 II 85mm
What Buyers Say
Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 G2 lens is highly praised for astrophotography and landscape work, with users noting excellent sharpness, fast autofocus, and solid build quality. The infinity lock and programmable function button are standout features, though some users mention a rendering change at 30mm and the need for firmware updates on Nikon Z cameras. Overall, it is seen as a great value alternative to native lenses, especially for its lightweight design and consistent f/2.8 aperture.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Solid build quality
- Infinity lock for astrophotography
Cons
- Rendering change at 30mm f/2.8
- Requires firmware update for Nikon Z cameras
- Limited documentation included
- Distortion at 16mm for people photos
Meike 85mm F1.4 II 85mm
The Meike 55mm f/1.4 AF lens for APS-C Nikon Z cameras is a compact, fast-aperture portrait lens that delivers excellent sharpness and creamy bokeh at a very affordable price. Autofocus is quick and reliable, with good eye detection, and the lens handles well on smaller bodies like the Z30. Some users noted the minimum focus distance is a bit limiting and the build feels plasticky, but overall it offers outstanding value for money.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Creamy bokeh
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Plasticky build feel
- Limited minimum focus distance
- No image stabilization
- Some chromatic aberration wide open
- Vignetting at wide apertures
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 | Meike 85mm F1.4 II 85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | wide-angle | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 85 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 30 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 13 |
| Groups | 12 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| Coating | fluorine-coated front element | Multi-layer coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.44 kg★ | 0.91 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) | Hyper STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 190 mm | 85 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:5.4★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong aperture (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong macro (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average social proof (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Meike 85mm F1.4 II 85mm
- Strong bokeh (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 92 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.
