Tamron Di III VXD 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3

Tamron Di III VXD 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3

Tamron
84 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 28mm

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 28mm

Nikon
91 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Tamron Di III VXD 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3

85 out of 100 high confidence 33 reviews

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is widely praised for its versatile zoom range, sharp image quality, and excellent value for money. Users highlight its usefulness for wildlife, sports, and travel photography, though some note it is heavier than expected and the maximum aperture limits low-light performance. A few Sony users reported issues with image stabilization when paired with certain camera bodies, but overall sentiment is very positive.

Pros
  • Versatile 50-400mm zoom range
  • Sharp image quality
  • Excellent value for money
  • Good build quality
  • Fast and quiet autofocus
Cons
  • Heavier than expected
  • Limited low-light performance due to small aperture
  • Image stabilization issues with some Sony bodies
  • Lens collar not included
  • A bit dark compared to faster lenses
👍 Zoom range versatility 12
👍 Image quality sharpness 14
👍 Value for money 10
👍 Build quality 8
🤔 Weight and portability 9
👎 Low light performance 5

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 28mm

92 out of 100 medium confidence 11 reviews

The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 lens is highly praised for its sharpness, compact size, and excellent low-light performance. Users love its versatility for travel, video, and long exposures, often pairing it with other lenses in the budget trinity. A few note it's not as premium as the S-line or Nikon 14-30mm, but most agree it offers incredible value for the price.

Pros
  • Sharp image quality
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Excellent low-light performance
  • Great value for money
  • Versatile for travel and video
Cons
  • Not as premium as S-line lenses
  • Some prefer wider 14-30mm range
  • Build not as exceptional as premium trinity
👍 Image quality 8
👍 Build quality 5
👍 Value for money 6
👍 Low light performance 4
👍 Size and weight 5
👍 Versatility 5

Scores

Macro
Tamron
91
Nikon
84
Professional
Tamron
72
Nikon
88
Budget
Tamron
88
Nikon
84
Portrait
Tamron
71
Nikon
86
Wildlife Sports
Tamron
82
Nikon
72
Landscape
Tamron
82
Nikon
81
Street
Tamron
69
Nikon
82
Video Cinema
Tamron
71
Nikon
81
Travel
Tamron
71
Nikon
70

Specifications

Tamron Di III VXD 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 28mm
Optics
Typetelephotozoom
Focal Length Min50 mm17 mm
Focal Length Max400 mm28 mm
Elements2413
Groups1811
Aspherical Elements13★
ED Elements—3★
CoatingBBAR-G2Multi-Coated
Aperture
Max Aperturef/6.3f/2.8
Min Aperture4.5-6.3f/2.8
Constant✗✓★
Diaphragm Blades99
Build
MountNikon ZNikon Z
Formatfull-framefull-frame
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight1.18 kg0.45 kg★
Filter Thread67 mm67 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeVXD linear motor★Stepping Motor
Stabilization✓★✗
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm190 mm★
Max Magnification1:21:5.26

Pros & Cons

Tamron Di III VXD 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3

  • Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong versatility (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (80th percentile)80th %ile
  • Below average build (24th percentile)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 28mm

  • Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Strong bokeh (88th percentile)88th %ile
  • Strong optical (88th percentile)88th %ile
  • Strong aperture (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Below average stabilization (35th percentile)

Pricing

Both products are similarly priced.

Verdict

★ Winner: Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 28mm

Scores 91 overall, wins 4 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.

Tamron Di III VXD 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Better at:

MacroBudgetWildlife Sports

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 28mm Better at:

StreetPortraitProfessionalVideo Cinema

Also Consider