Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
The Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G is widely praised for its exceptional build quality, sharpness, and color rendition, making it a top choice for DX-format enthusiasts. Users highlight its fast and quiet autofocus, constant f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance, and overall image quality that rivals or exceeds other lenses. However, some note its heavy weight, bulky size, stiff zoom ring, and tendency to flare, along with a high price point. Despite these drawbacks, most agree it is a professional-grade lens that delivers outstanding results.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Sharp images wide open
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Excellent color rendition
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Stiff zoom ring
- Prone to flare
- Expensive for DX lens
- Blocks built-in flash
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
The Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one zoom for Sony APS-C cameras. Users love the incredible 16.6x range, close focusing at the wide end, and solid image quality, though some note softness beyond 70-80mm and slow autofocus. The lens is heavier than typical crop-sensor lenses but still considered portable. A few verified buyers report issues with sharpness at the telephoto end and a stiff zoom ring, but the majority find it an excellent walk-around lens that replaces multiple primes and zooms.
Pros
- Incredible 16.6x zoom range
- Close focusing at wide end (semi-macro)
- Good image quality and color rendition
- Solid build with weather sealing
- Effective vibration compensation (VC)
Cons
- Softness beyond 70-80mm
- Slow autofocus compared to smaller zooms
- Heavy and bulky for APS-C
- Stiff zoom ring when zooming out
- Moderate distortion at both ends
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED | Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 19 |
| Groups | — | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | — | 7★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.07 kg★ | 0.62 kg |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | — | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 55 mm★ | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.20x | 1:2★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
- Strong build (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Tamron Di III 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
Pricing
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD offers 1.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
