Lens Reviews

The Tamron 18-300mm zoom has already made its bones in the Sony E (APS-C) mount. But how about the Fujifilm X version? Is it truly "Everything in one?" Here we test it on a Fujifilm X-T5.

Overview & First Impressions
Tamron calls it the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD, but we call it what it is: a 27-450mm ultra-telephoto macro zoom lens that focuses as close as 1:2 (half life-size).

I reviewed the TAMRON 18-300 zoom in Sony APS-C mount a couple years back. When I personally purchased this zoom in Fujifilm X mount I decided to conduct a similar review. Same lens, different cameras. How do the reviews compare? You can read our review of the Sony E-mount version here.

If you’re not clear why some lenses are designated APS-C and others Full-Frame, take a look at this Shutterbug story that offers a concise explanation of the differences.

A quick check of mechanical features assured me that I'd made a sensible purchase. Zoom and focus rings are smooth and secure with just the right amount of friction, and the exterior has a finish that makes the lens easy to grip. Spec for spec, it's the same beast as the Sony iteration, but of course, there are some unavoidable firmware differences. The overall length is a scant 5 inches. A 12-ounce soda can is 4.83 inches, so you get the idea—it's compact.

Key Features
•  APS-C format (Fujifilm X and Sony E)
•  27mm-450mm (35mm equivalent)
•  Aperture range f/3.5 to f/22 (at 27mm)
•  Aperture range f/6.3 to f/40 (at 450mm)
•  Circular aperture (7 blades)
•  Maximum magnification: 1:2 (half life-size)
•  Tamron's proprietary VXD linear AF motor
•  Tamron's proprietary VC image stabilization
•  BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) coating
•  Moisture-resistant construction
•  Fluorine coating (oleophobic front element)
•  Zoom lock switch
•  Dimensions: see illustration above

Specifications

Exterior Construction, Fit & finish
Tamron is well known for high-quality design and construction, and the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD supports this reputation. Outside lens body simultaneously provides elegant tactile feedback and easy-to-grip surfaces.

The focus ring and zoom ring are nicely sized and rotate smoothly without drag or slippage.

The metal lens mount snaps securely and feels firm.

The front element is protected from fingerprints and dust collection by a  coating of oleophobic fluorine. Cleaning is easier, but more importantly, less necessary.

Although you cannot see them, there are weather seals at all points of ingress. Although Tamron's implementation is robust and effective, I always discourage folks from using delicate camera gear in severe environments, no matter what brand, the only exception being cameras designed for full-submersion, underwater use.

Optical Construction
The optical design consists of 19 elements in 15 groups and includes four LD (Low Dispersion) and three hybrid aspherical lens elements.

Unified 67mm Filter Size
The Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 macro zoom has a front thread for 67mm filters, same as nearly every other Tamron lens for mirrorless cameras. This may seem like a minor design choice, but there are two major benefits. First, it's easier to swap lens caps when changing lenses. Moreover, you can use the same filter on several different models, saving you more than a little money—polarizers and neutral density filters can be pretty expensive.

Performance Summary
Although I'd gotten exceptionally good results when I evaluated the Tamron 18-300mm zoom in Sony E mount, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Frankly speaking, some consumers lower their expectations when using an all-in-one type zoom. Not necessary! This Tamron macro-focusing ultra-zoom literally sparkled. Colors are captured in all their spectacular saturation and rich tones, edge-to-edge sharpness is superb and the highly effective VC image stabilization makes it easy to get perfect results handheld, even at 450mm.

The zoom reach (a whopping 16.7X) is mind blowing (an expression I feel compelled to use here despite how much I dislike it in general). Combined with the superb 1:2 macro, this zoom range delivers the flexibility to cover nearly any photographic situation. Looking for a small, flexible travel zoom? Here it is.

I found the Tamron 18-300mm (27-450) perfect for portraits, as you can see in the image above. The extensive zoom range made it unnecessary to change the distance between me and the subject, except when I wanted to fine-tune compression phenomena. The macro power allows users to focus narrowly on details when desired, adding another dimension to creative expression, and the beautiful bokeh is outstanding for people-pictures.

Having always had the tendency to overuse the close-focus capabilities when reviewing macro zoom lenses, I was delighted to be able to get as close as 5.9 inches at wideangle (39 inches at 450mm).

Although I personally feel this characteristic is overhyped, the Tamron 18-300mm produces consistently pleasant bokeh, thanks to the circular diaphragm. By the way, "bokeh" is properly pronounced "bow" as in "bowtie" and "kay" as in the girl's name. The syllables have equal emphasis, as with many Japanese words. Yes, I am a grammar jerk.

Conclusion
I can name five reasons why you should buy a Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3.
• Outstanding optical performance
• Exceptionally useful 27mm wideangle to 450mm ultra-telephoto zoom range
• Macro focusing to 1:2 reproduction (half life-size)
• Extremely portable, easily packable 5.9 inch overall length
• Excellent construction backed by 6-year warranty

Price & Availability
The Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is widely available for $699 and sometimes lower during promotional periods. It comes with a 6-year USA Limited Warranty when purchased from an Authorized Tamron dealer. To find a dealer in your area, click here. Support your local camera shop! Additionally, this zoom can be ordered from Amazon (click to check price). Visit the TAMRON Store at amazon.com.

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