Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
Pentax HD Pentax-DA 21387 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
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
Pentax HD Pentax-DA 21387 16-85mm
The Pentax DA 16-85mm lens is widely praised for its sharpness, weather sealing, and versatile zoom range, making it a favorite walk-around lens for outdoor and travel photography. Users appreciate the solid build and consistent image quality, though some note slower autofocus in low light and a variable aperture as minor drawbacks. A few isolated reports of inconsistent quality exist, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Weather sealing
- Versatile zoom range (16-85mm)
- Solid build quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6)
- Slow autofocus in low light
- No distance scale on focus ring
- Relatively expensive
- Inconsistent quality control in some units
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm | Pentax HD Pentax-DA 21387 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 28 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 300 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 20 | 16 |
| Groups | 13 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | fluorine coating | HD Coating, SP (Super Protect) Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/4 | 22-38★ |
| Min Aperture | 4-7.1 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Pentax K |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.59 kg | 0.49 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | VXD linear motor★ | DC |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 190 mm★ | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8★ | 0.26x |
Pros & Cons
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
- Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
Pentax HD Pentax-DA 21387 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong optical (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong build (71st percentile)
- Strong social proof (68th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
Pentax HD Pentax-DA 21387 16-85mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.
