Are you a passionate photographer looking for the perfect lens to elevate your photography game? Look no further, as we bring you a detailed comparison between the Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 and Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3, two popular contenders in the world of photography.
Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes, immersive architecture, or heartwarming portraits, these versatile lenses aim to provide exceptional image quality and adaptability in various shooting scenarios.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into the features, strengths, and weaknesses of both lenses, shedding light on their performance in terms of focal range, portability, autofocus, stabilization, sharpness, and more.
By understanding the unique characteristics of each lens, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific photography needs and preferences.
So, buckle up and join us on this photographic journey as we explore the ins and outs of these two exceptional lenses, and help you unlock the full potential of your creative vision.
Who knows, you might just discover the lens that elevates your photography to new heights!
Overview
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR | Tamron 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Nikon F (DX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Aperture | F3.5-6.3 | F3.5-6.3 |
| Aperture Type | Variable | Variable |
| Focal Range (mm) | 18-300 | 16-300 |
| Mount Type | Nikon F (DX) | Nikon F (DX) |
| Zoom Ratio (X) | 16.7 | 18.8 |
Comparing the Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 and Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3, both have a maximum aperture of f/3.5-6.3 and feature a variable aperture type. The Nikon lens has a focal range of 18-300mm, while the Tamron lens covers a slightly wider focal range of 16-300mm. Both lenses are designed for Nikon F (DX) mounts. The Nikon lens offers a 16.7x zoom ratio, while the Tamron lens has a slightly higher zoom ratio of 18.8x.
In terms of low light performance and depth of field, both lenses have similar maximum apertures, which may not be ideal for low light conditions or creating a shallow depth of field. However, they can still provide decent image quality for general photography purposes. The wider focal range of the Tamron lens is an advantage for landscape or architectural photography.
In conclusion, both the Nikon and Tamron lenses are comparable in many aspects, but the Tamron lens has a slight edge with its wider focal range and higher zoom ratio. This makes it a more versatile choice for photographers seeking a single lens for various shooting situations.
Design and Ease of Use
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR | Tamron 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Nikon F (DX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter x Length (mm) | ⌀78.5×99mm | ⌀75×100mm |
| Weight (gr) | 550 | 540 |
| Filter Thread (mm) | 67 | 67 |
| Weather Sealing | No | Yes |
| Zoom Method | Rotary (extending) | Rotary (extending) |
| Distance Scale | No | Yes |
| DoF Scale | No | No |
| Hood Supplied | No | Yes |
Comparing the Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 and Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3, the Nikon lens has a diameter of 78.5mm and a length of 99mm, while the Tamron lens is slightly smaller, with a diameter of 75mm and a length of 100mm. In terms of weight, the Nikon lens is slightly heavier at 550 grams, compared to the Tamron lens at 540 grams. Both lenses use a rotary (extending) zoom method.
Considering portability, the Tamron lens has a slight advantage due to its smaller diameter and marginally lighter weight. This can make it easier to carry around, especially during extended shooting sessions or when traveling. The smaller size of the Tamron lens may also make it less conspicuous in situations like street or wildlife photography.
As for balance and handling, the slight differences in size and weight may not significantly impact the overall balance of the camera setup. However, some photographers may prefer the slightly lighter Tamron lens, particularly during longer shoots.
Regarding the zoom method, both lenses use an extending rotary zoom mechanism. This design choice tends to be simpler and potentially more affordable, but may be more difficult to weather-seal and could affect the camera’s balance while zooming.
In conclusion, both the Nikon and Tamron lenses are quite similar in size, weight, and zoom method, but the Tamron lens has a slight edge in terms of portability and discreetness due to its smaller diameter and lighter weight. This may make it a more appealing option for photographers who prioritize a compact and lightweight setup.
Lens Mount and Barrel
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 features a solid metal lens mount with a rubber gasket surrounding it, providing protection against dust and moisture ingress. The lens barrel of the Nikon lens is primarily made of plastic with metal components, making it lightweight and more portable.
It has a switch to lock the zoom at 18mm, preventing extension under its own weight. The lens remains stable and doesn’t wobble when fully extended, but it extends considerably at longer focal lengths, making it vulnerable to dust and moisture.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 has a metal lens mount with a rubber gasket around it, offering similar protection against dust and moisture. The lens barrel is made of plastic and features a rubberized zoom ring and a narrow focusing ring. The lens has a retractable body frame with two plastic section.
Comparing the lens mounts, both Nikon and Tamron lenses feature metal mounts with rubber gaskets for protection, making them equally reliable in terms of durability and resistance to environmental factors.
In terms of lens barrels, the Nikon lens has a combination of plastic and metal components, providing a balance between weight, durability, and cost. The Tamron lens, with its plastic construction and retractable body frame, might be more portable, but may not be as durable as the Nikon lens with its metal components.
In conclusion, both lenses have their merits in terms of lens mounts and barrels, offering protection against dust and moisture. The Nikon lens strikes a balance between weight and durability with its plastic and metal construction, while the Tamron lens focuses on portability with its plastic build and retractable body frame.
Weather Sealing
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 offers some degree of weather sealing, as it features a rubber gasket around the metal lens mount to help prevent dust and moisture from entering the camera body. However, it lacks internal seals at the rings and switches and does not have a fluorine coating on the front element, making it less resistant to environmental elements compared to a fully weather-sealed lens.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 has a rubber gasket around the metal lens bayonet that also helps prevent dust and moisture from entering the camera body. Additionally, this lens is described as having moisture-resistant construction, although the extent of protection beyond the sealing gasket at the lens mount is not explicitly stated.
In conclusion, while neither of the lenses is fully weather-sealed, the Tamron lens appears to offer slightly better protection against dust and moisture due to its moisture-resistant construction. This makes it a more suitable option for photographers who often shoot in challenging environments or unpredictable weather conditions. However, it is essential to note that both lenses provide some degree of weather resistance, which could be sufficient for most portrait photography scenarios.
Rings
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 features two rings: a zoom ring and a focus ring. The zoom ring is located at the front of the lens, covered in rubber for a secure grip and smooth action. It offers enough resistance to prevent zoom creep and includes a lock switch to keep the lens at its shortest 18mm setting.
The focus ring, situated closer to the camera body, is made of rubbery plastic and is easy to adjust with a smooth, well-damped action. This design allows for fine adjustments, but there is no windowed distance scale or depth-of-field indicator. The manual focusing distance is longer than most competitors due to its geared focusing system, offering more accurate manual override of autofocus. The zoom ring takes over half a turn to go from 18 to 300mm, allowing quick zooming to a subject.
In contrast, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 also has two rings: a focus ring and a zoom ring. The focus ring is positioned near the base of the lens, narrow but with good tolerance and feel. The rubberized zoom ring is wide, pleasant to use, and located closer to the front of the lens. There is no zoom creep, and a switch is available to lock the lens at 16mm to prevent accidental extension.
Both rings are well-designed with smooth rotation and ergonomic bevel, providing a satisfying tactile experience. The lens also features a windowed distance scale, although it lacks a depth-of-field indicator.
In conclusion, both the Nikon and Tamron lenses have well-designed rings, with the Nikon offering a longer manual focusing distance for improved accuracy and the Tamron providing a windowed distance scale. While both lenses offer a comfortable and precise experience, the Tamron lens edges ahead with its smooth rotation, ergonomic bevel, and good tactile feedback.
Switches/Buttons
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 is equipped with several switches/buttons, including an AF/MF switch, an IS switch, and a switch to lock the lens at 18mm. The AF/MF switch enables manual override of autofocus, while the IS switch activates or deactivates the second-generation optical stabilization.
The 18mm lock switch helps prevent zoom creep when carrying the camera. These switches/buttons are easy to locate and use, with the AF/MF switch situated on the left side of the lens, and the IS and lock switches found on the side of the lens barrel.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 features two switches/buttons: one for toggling between autofocus and manual focus, and another for the vibration reduction (VC) function. Both the autofocus/manual focus switch and the VC switch are easy to locate and use, showcasing a well-thought-out and user-friendly design.
In conclusion, both the Nikon and Tamron lenses offer accessible and functional switches/buttons. While the Nikon lens provides more options with the inclusion of a lock switch to prevent zoom creep, the Tamron lens maintains a simple yet effective design.
Filter Thread
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 features a 67mm filter thread made of plastic. This filter thread does not rotate when focusing, which is convenient when using graduated filters and polarizers. To protect the front element, it is recommended to use a UV or Protector filter.
In contrast, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 also has a 67mm filter thread, but it is made of metal. Like the Nikon lens, the filter thread does not rotate during focusing, making it easy to use with graduated filters and polarizers. The metal construction offers a more durable option, and the standard size allows for compatibility with a variety of filters on the market.
In conclusion, while both lenses have a 67mm filter thread that does not rotate during focusing, the Tamron lens offers a superior filter thread due to its metal construction. The metal filter thread is more durable and long-lasting than the plastic filter thread found on the Nikon lens.
Lens Hood
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 comes with a petal-shaped lens hood, but it’s sold separately as an optional extra. This plastic hood features a decent bevel for ergonomic handling and does a good job of shielding the front element from extraneous light that may cause flare or loss of contrast. The hood can be smoothly rotated, providing flexibility during use.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 includes a petal-shaped lens hood in the package. It attaches to the front of the lens via a bayonet fitting, providing a secure connection. The plastic hood is small but still useful, and can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation, though this can make accessing the zoom ring a bit difficult. As the focal length changes, the lens hood moves with the front of the lens, and the hood does not rotate, making it ideal for use with graduated filters and polarizers.
In conclusion, the Tamron lens has a superior lens hood as it is included in the package and features a secure bayonet attachment. The non-rotating design is advantageous when using filters, whereas the Nikon lens requires purchasing the hood separately and does not offer the same level of convenience and protection.
Focusing and Optical Stabilization
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR | Tamron 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Nikon F (DX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| AF Motor | Silent Wave Motor | Piezo Drive (PZD) |
| Rotating Front Element | Does not rotate on focusing | Does not rotate on focusing |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.48m | 0.39m |
| Max Magnification (X) | 0.32 | 0.34 |
| Full-Time Manual Focus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Method | Internal | Internal |
Focusing Performance
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 features an AF-S Silent Wave Motor, providing quiet and accurate autofocus performance at short focal lengths. However, as you zoom in, autofocus accuracy becomes inconsistent, particularly above 105mm, and worsens at 200mm and 300mm. The autofocus speed is relatively quick, though not as fast as pro-level lenses, and it tends to hunt and slow down in low-light situations.
This lens also offers a manual focus override via a well-damped, narrow focusing ring, allowing smooth fine adjustments. However, the lens exhibits focus breathing, with the image getting smaller when focused more closely.
In contrast, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 uses a Piezo Drive motor for autofocus, delivering fairly quick focusing, especially for a super-zoom lens. While not completely silent, the noise is minimal and unobtrusive in most situations. The focusing speed is sufficient for most tasks, but not as fast as some specialized lenses. In low-light situations, the autofocus may struggle due to the maximum aperture of 6.3, but it remains capable of acquiring focus. The initial autofocus acquisition speed is decent, though it may take longer when switching between very close and very far subjects. The lens can focus accurately, but may require slight AF micro-adjustment depending on the camera used.
This lens also features manual focus override, providing smooth and well-damped fine adjustments. Additionally, it has an internally focusing design, keeping the lens length constant regardless of focus and zoom settings. While focus breathing is present to some extent, it is not a significant concern for most users.
In conclusion, the Tamron lens offers superior focusing performance due to its quicker and more consistent autofocus across the zoom range. The internally focusing design and minimal focus breathing are additional advantages. Although the Nikon lens has a quieter autofocus motor, its inconsistent autofocus accuracy and notable focus breathing make it less desirable for demanding situations.
Optical Stabilization
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system, providing up to 4 stops of stabilization. This enables slower shutter speeds without visible camera shake. The VR mechanism operates silently, making it suitable for various shooting situations.
At wide-angle settings, the stabilization performs well, allowing sharp handheld shots even at shutter speeds as low as 1/2 second. However, at telephoto focal lengths, the VR system is less effective, with optimal shutter speed varying depending on the photographer’s technique and stability.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 boasts a Vibration Control (VC) image stabilization system, offering up to 3-4 stops of stabilization in practice. This allows for handheld shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/15sec at 300mm, which is roughly 5 stops slower than the usual rule of thumb for sharp handheld photos.
The VC system works almost silently and has an ON/OFF switch on the lens. It has a single mode of stabilization. When tested, the VC system had a 90% success rate at 3 stops below the hand-holding limit, 65% at 4 stops below, and an impressive 40% at 5 stops below, an unusually good performance compared to other image stabilization systems.
In conclusion, the Tamron lens provides superior optical stabilization due to its impressive success rates at various stops below the hand-holding limit. While the Nikon lens offers effective stabilization at wide-angle settings, its performance decreases at telephoto focal lengths. The Tamron lens’s VC system, however, remains consistently effective across its zoom range, making it a more reliable choice for maintaining image sharpness in various shooting situations.
Image Quality
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR | Tamron 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Nikon F (DX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Special Elements | 3 ASPH | 1 Hybrid Aspherical element, 3 Molded-Glass elements, 2 Low Dispersion elements, 1 Extra Refractive Index element, and 1 Ultra-Extra Refractive Index element |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Circular Aperture | Yes | Yes |
Aberration
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 exhibits varying levels of chromatic aberration throughout its zoom range, with fringing being most prevalent towards the edges of the frame at 300mm, where it can exceed 2 pixel widths.
However, automatic in-camera corrections or post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom can effectively eliminate this issue. In terms of coma, the Nikon lens performs well, showing no apparent smearing or blobs around bright points of light in the corners of the frame at large apertures.
In contrast, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 exhibits noticeable chromatic aberration, particularly at focal lengths between 200-300mm and at the edges of the frame. This results in strong purple and green fringing along high contrast areas, which may require post-processing software for correction. At wider focal lengths and when stopped down, chromatic aberration is reduced but still visible.
The Tamron lens addresses spherical aberration through the inclusion of aspherical lens elements, which help minimize optical distortion and improve overall image quality. The lens performs best in terms of sharpness and aberration control when stopped down to f/8 or f/11 across the zoom range.
In conclusion, the Nikon lens offers better aberration control, particularly in terms of coma performance. The Tamron lens shows more noticeable chromatic aberration, especially at longer focal lengths, and requires post-processing for optimal results. Therefore, the Nikon lens has the superior aberration performance between the two lenses.
Sharpness
The sharpness of Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 varies depending on the focal length and aperture, with the weakest numbers at the largest apertures. Sharpness in the center of the frame is generally very good, even wide open, but sharpness drops off steadily at longer zoom settings.
Corner sharpness is particularly disappointing at longer focal lengths. However, stopping down produces a dramatic improvement in performance across the frame, with sharpness being outstanding in the center and excellent towards the edges of the frame between f/8 and f/11.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 exhibits varying levels of sharpness depending on focal length and aperture settings. Center sharpness is generally good to outstanding, particularly at 16mm and maximum aperture.
Corner sharpness is acceptable to fairly good, with noticeable improvement when stopping down. At wide open apertures, sharpness can be slightly soft, but stopping down often results in better sharpness across the frame. The sharpest aperture tends to be between f/8 and f/11. When using a teleconverter, expect some reduction in sharpness and increased chromatic aberration.
In conclusion, both lenses exhibit differing levels of sharpness depending on the focal length and aperture settings. While the Nikon lens struggles with corner sharpness at longer focal lengths, stopping down significantly improves its performance. The Tamron lens offers a more consistent sharpness across various focal lengths and apertures, but it’s slightly softer when wide open. Overall, the Tamron lens appears to have a slight edge in terms of overall sharpness, especially considering its more consistent performance across the zoom range.
Bokeh Quality
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 has a decent bokeh performance, especially at longer focal lengths and larger apertures. It employs a 7 rounded blade iris diaphragm, which contributes to the smoothness of the out-of-focus regions in the images.
However, the quality of bokeh is subjective and can vary depending on the zoom setting, aperture, and focus distance. Additionally, the lens is not known for producing creamy and beautiful bokeh, and other lenses may be preferred for such purposes.
In contrast, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 provides a decent bokeh quality, particularly at its 300mm focal length and closer shooting distances, which allows for good subject isolation and enhances the bokeh effect. The bokeh appears reasonably smooth, though it can be slightly smudgy in some situations.
This lens may not be the top choice for bokeh enthusiasts due to its modest maximum apertures, which often create a deeper depth-of-field. However, its performance in this aspect is still satisfactory for various types of photography.
In conclusion, both lenses offer decent bokeh quality, with the Nikon lens featuring a 7 rounded blade iris diaphragm for smooth out-of-focus areas. The Tamron lens performs well at its 300mm focal length and closer shooting distances, although it may not be the top choice for bokeh enthusiasts.
Flare/Ghosting
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 handles ghosting and flare quite well, depending on the focal length and the placement of the light source. Even when shooting directly into the noontime sun with a UV filter over the lens, there is no problem with flare or ghosts. The lens exhibits excellent performance in this regard, with no significant ghosts or flares visible even when shooting directly into the sun and placing a tree in the bottom of the shot to highlight any ghosts that might materialize.
However, as you zoom towards the telephoto range, ghosting can become an issue, especially when pointing the lens into the light with the sun outside the frame, where significant veiling and loss of contrast can occur.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 shows good resistance to flare, with minimal spreading of the bright zone and only one blue/green flare spot in a particular example. Additionally, veiling glare, colored flare spots, and ghosting are well controlled when shooting into very bright light.
The latest coating technology for suppressing reflections on lens element surfaces minimizes unwanted flare and ghosting, which assures sharp, crisp, high-contrast images.
In conclusion, both lenses perform well in terms of flare and ghosting control. The Nikon lens handles these issues exceptionally well in most situations but can struggle with ghosting when zooming towards the telephoto range. The Tamron lens demonstrates good overall resistance to flare and ghosting, thanks to its advanced coating technology. Taking into account the overall performance, the Tamron lens appears to have a slight edge over the Nikon lens in terms of flare and ghosting control, making it the superior choice in this aspect.
Vignetting
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 exhibits noticeable vignetting at wider apertures, especially at the extreme corners, but it can be easily corrected in post-processing. However, stacking filters may cause slight vignetting at the widest setting. Vignetting is only a real issue when shooting wide open, and stopping down to f/8 or beyond produces visually uniform illumination across the frame throughout the zoom range.
In contrast, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 shows some noticeable vignetting at 16mm and f/3.5, which is to be expected for a lens with such a wide-angle and large aperture. However, it is not too severe and can be easily corrected in post-processing. As you move towards longer focal lengths, the vignetting becomes less prominent, especially in the APS-C format.
Both lenses exhibit some level of vignetting, particularly at wide apertures and shorter focal lengths. The Nikon lens experiences more vignetting issues when shooting wide open, while the Tamron lens displays more vignetting at 16mm and f/3.5. However, both lenses allow for easy correction of vignetting in post-processing.
Distortion
The Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 exhibits significant distortion throughout its zoom range, with barrel distortion being most noticeable at 18mm and pincushion distortion taking over from 28mm onwards. The distortion can be corrected in post-processing using software such as Adobe Lightroom or in-camera correction for JPEG capture, although this may result in some loss of picture information at the edges of the frame.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 exhibits significant distortion at both ends of its zoom range, with a strong +3.2% barreling at 16mm and pincushion distortion at longer focal lengths, reaching around -2% at 200-300mm. However, the distortion pattern is uniform across the frame, making it relatively easy to correct in image editing software if needed.
While both lenses display noticeable distortion, the Tamron lens has a more uniform distortion pattern, making it easier to correct during post-processing. Therefore, the Tamron lens offers a superior distortion performance compared to the Nikon lens in this aspect.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, both the Nikon DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 and Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 have their strengths and weaknesses across various aspects.
The Tamron lens has an edge with its wider focal range, higher zoom ratio, better portability, superior focusing performance, more effective optical stabilization, and more consistent sharpness across the zoom range. It also offers a slight advantage in terms of flare and ghosting control and distortion performance.
The Nikon lens, on the other hand, has better aberration control, particularly in terms of coma performance, and features a 7 rounded blade iris diaphragm for smooth out-of-focus areas. Both lenses have similar vignetting issues that can be easily corrected in post-processing.
Considering the overall performance across all aspects, the Tamron lens appears to be the more versatile and reliable choice for photographers seeking a single lens for various shooting situations. Its advantages in portability, autofocus, stabilization, and consistent sharpness make it an appealing option for those prioritizing these features. However, the Nikon lens may still be a suitable option for photographers who value its aberration control and bokeh characteristics.
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