Tamron 18-270 PZD or Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR

damianmkv

damianmkv

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I have a Nikon D3100 and 18-55 kit lens which I've had for 9 months and am now looking for another lens, mainly for motorsport ( specifically, drag racing ) but it'd also be for pictures of my children...

I was initially looking at the Tamron as it looks to be a good " man for all seasons" choice. Then I read a few reviews about it can be sticky mid-range and the AF isn't that quick.

Someone then suggested I look at the Nikon 70-300..

Now I have no idea which would be better and so would welcome thoughts / experiences etc

Thanks:)
 
Lenses with a large range in focal length ('superzooms') are inherently a compromise as the designers try to maximise image quality (IQ) across the range whilst keeping it light and affordable.

Whilst good at what they do (I have a Nikon 18-200 and love it) the IQ will never be as good as a lens with more modest range.

So, if you don't mind changing lenses, get the 70-300. It's a notoriously good-value lens. If you want to have just one lens, get a superzoom.

FWIW, I have both; a 18-10, 70-300 and 35 for when I'm feeling macho, and a 18-200 and the 35 as my travel kit. :)
That said, since I got the 18-200, it's my most used lens as I'm happy with the quality. Your mileage may differ.
 
The 18-10 should be 18-105!
 
What I want is decent quality pictures - I don't want to buy a lens, see that the IQ isn't that good and then think " wish I'd bought lens "x"
 
Buy a load of primes then and change lenses!

Superzooms are a compromise as above and so if you want perfect pictures, you wouldn't use a superzoom. The 70-300 is a great lens for the long end though and a bargain as well. I'd get a reasonable walking around lens (16-85 Nikkor for example) and the 70-300, then have a nice prime for portrait shots (like the 35mm f1.8), rather than a superzoom for all occasions.
 
I'd be surprised if you regretted buying the Nikon 70-300VR. I bought one for a specific need and project, rather than using my bigger and heavier 70-200VR, and expected to sell it again once I had finished with it. I never did sell it; it's a cracking little lens and punches above its weight in terms of cost/performance.
 
To behonest i don't use my tele zoom lens that much when going out. I do have it on my back pack but don't use it that much unless i want to bring it out to play .......

I uses the sigma 70-200 f2.8

I use my prime and a standard 18-70 lens more than anything .....
 
The 70-300 Nikon is a great lens for the money. You won't be disappointed with it.

Argos had a good deal on it last week, might still be running.
 
Thanks - will go and have a look
Is it worth having one from lensesforhire first ?
 
damianmkv said:
Thanks - will go and have a look
Is it worth having one from lensesforhire first ?
Click to expand...

Maybe but to be honest the reviews are so good, if you need a telephoto for a good price that goes to 300, you'll rent the 70-300 for £50ish (which you won't get back) then go any buy one.

My advice would be to go straight in for the kill, but that is my style with large purchases... if you can afford to rent it first to be sure you like it, go for it.
 
i personally go for the 70-300 VR if you can afford it. Is sharper and better than the Tamron in my eyes ......
 
Llamaman said:
Lenses with a large range in focal length ('superzooms') are inherently a compromise as the designers try to maximise image quality (IQ) across the range whilst keeping it light and affordable. .
Click to expand...


wheras I tend to agree with you the 18-270 is a superb lens and the best of the superzoom bunch, I had a mess around with one at a photo club model shoot and was impressed and the results the guy got were pretty darn good.

where I would be concerned about what OP wants its for is the speed, an all in one walkabout lens on a nice day, lovely, shooting motorsport, mmmmm.

I think the market for the 18-270 is the 'I want a little more quality/control than my bridge camera but don't want to be changing lenses' market.
 
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