Tamron Di II B016N 16-300mm

A good lens that now costs significantly more. The $680 to $799 price tag puts it in direct competition with newer, more versatile options, and user satisfaction has slipped to 78/100. Worth it only if you find a discount or specifically need its rendering style.

The competitive set has reshuffled. The Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS now offers a massive zoom range in a single walkaround package, while the Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD brings similar all-in-one convenience with snappy autofocus. On the full-frame side, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM delivers a constant fast aperture for not much more money, and the Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 provides a flexible 28-200mm reach. Even the older Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR remains a value pick for DX shooters who do not need the latest tech. Against this field, our lens still carves out a niche, but it no longer dominates the conversation the way it did when the price was lower.

At its new price range of $680 to $799, the value proposition shifts noticeably. This is roughly a 53% increase from the previous $443 to $680 window, and it lands the lens in a bracket where expectations are higher. The optical performance and build quality still hold up, but the cost now sits closer to several strong competitors that offer more range or faster apertures. If you catch it on sale near the lower end, it remains a solid buy. At full retail, you will want to weigh it carefully against the alternatives.

Budget-conscious shoppers who remember the old $443 starting price should look elsewhere. Anyone who needs a broader zoom range will be better served by the Sigma 16-300mm or Tamron 18-300mm. Full-frame users eyeing a standard zoom should test the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM first. If you already own a competent kit lens and are not chasing a specific look, the upgrade is harder to justify at this price.

This is still a capable lens with pleasing image quality and dependable autofocus, but the price hike and shifting competitive landscape make it harder to recommend without reservations. User sentiment has dipped from 85 to 78 out of 100, reflecting a growing sense that the value is not what it used to be. If you already own it, keep shooting and enjoy it. If you are buying new, compare the Sigma and Tamron superzooms or the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 before committing.