AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
What Buyers Say
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and low-light performance. Users highlight its suitability for both photography and video, with many noting a significant upgrade from previous lenses. A few Q&A entries address concerns about internal movement when powered off, which is confirmed as normal stabilizer behavior. Overall, it is praised as a professional-grade zoom that delivers outstanding results.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast and snappy autofocus
- Great low-light performance
- Excellent for video
- Internal zoom mechanism
Cons
- Internal movement when powered off
- Not parfocal
- Focus-by-wire system
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
Scores
Specifications
| AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 23 | 20 |
| Groups | 17 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | — | 2★ |
| Coating | — | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/28 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/8 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 1.78 kg | 0.59 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | — | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 488 mm | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 2:1★ | 1:2.8 |
Pros & Cons
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong macro (77th percentile)
- Below average build (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average aperture (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
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 (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
Pricing
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm offers 8.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 9 of 21 specs.
