Nikon NIKKOR AF-S FX 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S FX 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
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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 FX 24-70mm f/2.8G ED | Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 70 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 19 |
| Groups | 11 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| Coating | Nano Crystal Coat | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.07 kg | 0.62 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | SWM | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 70 mm★ | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:3.7 | 1:2 |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S FX 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
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 (89th percentile)89th %ile
Pricing
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD offers 3.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.