Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
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
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and well-built walk-around lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Users love the constant f/4 aperture, effective VR, and the useful 24-120mm range, which makes it ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. While some note it is a bit heavy and pricey, and a few report softness or quality control issues, the overwhelming majority consider it an excellent value and a worthy upgrade from kit lenses.
Pros
- Versatile 24-120mm zoom range
- Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
- Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
- Sharp image quality across focal lengths
- Solid build and durable construction
Cons
- Heavier than some comparable lenses
- Relatively expensive (new)
- Some copies have softness issues
- Maximum aperture f/4 is slow for low light
- Zoom ring position can be awkward
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm | Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 28 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 300 mm | 120 mm |
| Elements | 20 | 16 |
| Groups | 13 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | fluorine coating | Nano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 4-7.1 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.59 kg★ | 0.63 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | VXD linear motor★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 190 mm★ | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8 | 1:2.56 |
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 (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm offers 2.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
