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Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED vs Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD

Product Comparison: Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED vs Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD

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Best Pick

Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus

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Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD Zoom for Nikon DX DSLR Cameras

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General Specifications

Brand

Nikon

Tamron

Model

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD

Origin

China

About the Product

If you want a single lens that can cover every imaginable shooting situation, from wide-angle groups to ultra-high-power zoom shots, look no further than the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. Boasting the longest reach of any NIKKOR all-in-one zoom lens, it delivers the equivalent of 450mm—enough reach to bring the most distant action up close. Nikon's second generation VR II technology ensures every photo and HD video is razor-sharp, and Nikon's advancements in lens design deliver consistent, exceptional performance in any setting. It's also great for close-up shooting. Even more amazing, the AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR does all this in a surprisingly compact, lightweight lens.

Spanning an ultra-wide spectrum of focal lengths, the all-in-one™ zoom lens is a supremely versatile photographic tool. Now, Tamron sets a new standard with a revolutionary new 18.8x zoom lens for APS-C sized digital SLR cameras. This single lens covers 16mm to 300mm and provides macro focusing.

Key Specs

Mount Type

Nikon F-Bayonet

Maximum Aperture

3.5 /f

Minimum Focal Length

18 millimeters

16 millimeters

Maximum Focal Length

300 millimeters

Lens Type

Zoom

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus

Excellent lens! I have mounted it on a D5100, it works perfectly, I'm so glad with it, It worth the price!
Replace it with an inexpensive shoulder strap that connects to the tripod mount on the bottom and it will ride nicely on your hip, upside down.
I've had excellent results when mounted on my D7000 in a wide variety of lighting conditions including night, and the "vibration reduction" feature allows sharp handheld photos even at 300mm.
The only thing I had to deal with was since I have a D3100, this lens when mounted causes the camera body to not be flush with the surface you set the camera down on (my desk), leaving the chances to knock it off pretty high as it easily slid around.
This lens has the same aperture(3.5-5.6) but with the 300mm it was just the thing i needed.

Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD Zoom for Nikon DX DSLR Cameras

Love the 16 - 300mm feature! The capability to manual focus even when in AF was the selling deal for me as I had seen this feature on a review. Focus is fast and quiet.
The 16-300 range is very versatile, focus is fast and sure (in my experience at least, all the way out to 300 mm), not as much problem with vignetting as some of my Nikon lenses
With an aperture of 6.3 I didn't expect it to focus indoors under not so good lighting and it didn't. No big deal. That's what manual focus is for. I feel that this is a great lens for everyday use whether it's indoors with good lighting or outdoors.
It replaces to two lenses that I had and also improves the length of telephoto I have available enabling me to carry one lens instead of two all the time and switching back-and-forth between lenses.
Awesome lens, but it refuses to focus in auto on my D7000... it spends a lot of time hunting, and then when it settles in the frame is still way out of focus.

Size & Weight

Height

3.3 in.

2.95 in.

Width

3.3 in.

2.95 in.

Depth

4.7 in.

4.3 in.

Weight

29.3 oz.

19 oz.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus

Its a lil bit heavier than the 55-200mm, but its understandable: the 18-300mm is longer and the mounts are all metal.
I use a Blackwater cross body strap with my DSLR, so the extra weight is on my shoulder instead of my neck, so I don't notice the extra weight.
Excellent lens, I had quite a few reservations based on reviews regarding the weight of the lens, the resolution at high focal lengths, vignetting at low focal lengths etc. etc. .
I am a pretty big guy so the size does not bother me, but someone under six feet and a light weight, might think it is too heavy to drag around all day.
It does have a little weight to it, so it won't spend much time just hanging on to the strap, you'll want to hold it.

Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD Zoom for Nikon DX DSLR Cameras

Slightly smaller and lighter than similar competitors.
The lens is a bit heavy but I will take that over carrying two lens with me any day!
It is relatively light weight and easy to carry. I'm out photographing nature almost every day.
Its a very large lense and weight is about the same or more than my d3300.
The negative is the weight of the lens ~ it makes my camera a lot heavier than with the Nikon lenses.

Imaging

Minimum Focus Distance

17.7 in.

15.3 in.

Field Of View

76° - 5°20'

82°12' - 5°20'

Zoom Type

Manual

Focus

Auto Focus, Manual Focus

Optical Stabilization

Yes

What customers say about "Imaging"

Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus

Images are very clear and sharp. If you are looking for a lens with lots of focal length for a walk about lens, this is the one for you.
Used on recent trip to Paris and was impressed with ability to focus on far away images. VR technology helps but you still need a tripod or bi pod for the longest shots.
This lens is a great all-in-one lens for nearly every setting. Images look great, quick AF-S and image stabilization.
Images are much better on this lens. And the convenience of not having to change out different lenses makes this one a great walkaround/tourist lens.
Huge zoom range, crystal clear optics at all focal lengths, and convenient controls including Nikon's excellent vibration control feature. Well worth the money.

Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD Zoom for Nikon DX DSLR Cameras

Best-in-class range (18.8-to-1 zoom). Good auto-focus and stabilization.
Auto-focusing is fast and crisp, and the manual focus ring turns smoothly and easily.
The zoom is a tad stiff, but unlike my previous superzoom (Nikon 18-200) there is no zoom creep when carried face down, even without engaging the zoom lock.
The VC (image stabilization) appears to be excellent, enabling hand-held telephoto shots at relatively slow shutter speeds.
Noticeable optical distortion over entire range.

Features

Brand Compatibility

Nikon

Sensor Type Compatibility

DX-format

Lens Groups and Elements

19 Elements in 14 Groups

16 elements in 12 groups

Number of Aperture Blades

Filter Diameter

77 millimeters

67 millimeters

Extras

AF-S (Silent Wave Motor), Zoom Ratio 16.7 x, Vibration Reduction, Super Integrated Coating, ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass, IF Lens

Enhanced telemacro functionality helps achieve a minimum focusing distance of 0.39m, VC (Vibration Compensation), Wide-angle zoom lens for panoramic shots, PZD (Piezo drive) and high-torque USD motor for clear, precise focus, Aspherical lens elements help eliminate aberration, Moisture-resistant construction

What customers say about "Features"

Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus

Huge zoom range, crystal clear optics at all focal lengths, and convenient controls including Nikon's excellent vibration control feature. Well worth the money.
Plus, the vibration reduction really makes a difference on some of those shots where the photographer is moving more than the subject.
A handy feature is the barrel lock and you'll want to always keep it locked when carrying about.
This is a great lens. I would have loved to get the 400mm but that is 2.5x the price of this one. My previous lens is a very old 70-210mm that does not have all these nice stabilizing features that this lens has.
It has all the features of our other lenses all-in-one. The perfect solution for our photography needs! I definitely recommend this lens.

Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC PZD Zoom for Nikon DX DSLR Cameras

Good build with weather-sealed construction.
The zoom ring is nice and wide and its smooth enough for most people.
It has a Lock click switch to stop it from Zoom Creeping(When the lens is pointed downward and the zoom ring extends accidentally) but the lens doesn't Zoom Creep at all anyways but its nice to have.
Came with the lens hood which is great but would have loved for a lens pouch also.
6 year warranty on this item gives some peace of mind. Pictures are sharp and beautiful.
Half-stop slower at telephoto end than competitors.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

6 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download

MSRP

999.95 $