Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
Sony G Master SEL1635GM 16-35mm
What Buyers Say
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
The Tamron 18-300mm superzoom is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one travel lens, with users highlighting its convenience, sharpness, and effective image stabilization. Many appreciate not needing to swap lenses, though some note compromises in image quality at the telephoto end and a heavier build compared to smaller zooms. A few users report issues with manual focus, stiff zoom rings, and warranty concerns, but overall sentiment is strongly positive.
Pros
- Versatile all-in-one zoom range
- Sharp images for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Convenient for travel
- Good value for money
Cons
- Soft corners at wide apertures
- Heavier than smaller zooms
- Stiff zoom ring initially
- Manual focus issues
- Not ideal for low light
Sony G Master SEL1635GM 16-35mm
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens earns strong praise for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful rendering, and versatile focal range, making it a favorite for landscape, astro, and event photography. Users consistently highlight the excellent build quality and fast autofocus, though many note the high price. A minority of owners report autofocus failures or hot pixel issues, and some feel the premium over competitors is not fully justified. Overall, it is widely regarded as a top-tier wide-angle zoom that delivers prime-like image quality.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness corner to corner
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent build quality
- Versatile 16-35mm range with f/2.8
- Beautiful rendering and bokeh
Cons
- Very expensive
- Autofocus failure issues reported
- Some hot pixel problems
- Heavy and front-heavy on camera
- Minor distortion and vignette at 16mm
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | Sony G Master SEL1635GM 16-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 300 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 19 | 15 |
| Groups | 5 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 5★ |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| Coating | Fluorine Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-6.3 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.62 kg★ | 0.68 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | VXD linear motor | XD Linear Motors |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 280 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2★ | 0.32x |
Pros & Cons
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Sony G Master SEL1635GM 16-35mm
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong versatility (75th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD offers 4.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
