Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
The Nikon AF-P 18-55mm lens receives mixed feedback. Many users praise its sharpness, silent autofocus in video mode, and lightweight design, but compatibility issues with older Nikon cameras like the D5000 and D3300 (without firmware update) are a recurring complaint. Some users report defective units where autofocus fails entirely, while others find it a significant upgrade over older AF-S lenses for video work.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Silent autofocus in video mode
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fast autofocus speed
- Good value for money
Cons
- Compatibility issues with older cameras
- Autofocus failure on some units
- Zoom noise picked up by internal mic
- No VR or manual focus button on lens
- Requires firmware update for some cameras
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
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
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 20 |
| Groups | — | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | — | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.74 kg | 0.59 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 52 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | pulse stepping motor | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 83 mm★ | 190 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:2.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- Strong macro (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
- Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.