Tamron 16-300 vs Sigma 18-300
/Note - This review is nearly a decade old and refers to the lenses for DSLR Cameras - I have this review of the NEW Mirrorless ready Tamron 18-300 here.
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary
vs
Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO
These two APS-C lenses give you an equivalent range of 28mm to 480mm!! A huge range and this I am calling this
The battle of convenience. Two Super Zoom lenses face off!
| Feature | Tamron 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | Sigma 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3 DC DN OS Contemporary | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounts Available | Sony E (APS-C), Fujifilm X | Sony E (APS-C), L-Mount (coming soon) | Both are designed for modern mirrorless systems. |
| Zoom Range (Full-Frame Eqv.) | 27 – 450 mm (16.6× zoom) | 27 – 450 mm (16.6× zoom) | Identical coverage from wide to telephoto. |
| Aperture Range | f/3.5 – 6.3 | f/3.5 – 6.3 | Same maximum aperture on both lenses. |
| Autofocus System | VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor | Stepper motor AF | Tamron’s AF is faster and quieter, especially for tracking. |
| Image Stabilization | VC (Vibration Compensation) | OS (Optical Stabilizer) | Both are effective; Tamron’s VC works slightly better for video. |
| Minimum Focus Distance / Macro | 0.15 m (5.9 in) / 1:2 magnification | 0.39 m (15.4 in) / 1:3 magnification | Tamron wins for close-up and macro versatility. |
| Build Quality / Weather Sealing | Moisture-resistant with fluorine coating | Basic dust and splash resistance | Tamron feels more refined and durable. |
| Weight / Size | 620 g (21.9 oz) / 125.8 mm length | 615 g (21.7 oz) / 122 mm length | Nearly identical; both compact for their range. |
| Price (October 2025) | ≈ $699 new (often on sale ~ $559) | ≈ $799 new | Tamron typically runs $100–$200 less. |
| Overall Performance | Excellent sharpness, fast AF, great macro ability | Good sharpness, slower AF, less macro reach | Tamron offers a more complete package for travel and hybrid shooters. |
Summary: Both lenses deliver an impressive all-in-one zoom range for APS-C mirrorless shooters, but the Tamron 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3 Di III-A VC VXD stands out for its faster autofocus, stronger macro performance, better weather sealing, and lower price. The Sigma remains a solid choice, but the Tamron feels like the more polished and travel-ready option overall.
OLDER - DSLR LENS REVIEW BELOW
I am generally not a fan of do-it-all lenses. Lenses that cover this much range make sacrifices in quality—sharpness, distortion, chromatic aberration. But when I reviewed the newer Tamron 16-300 a few months ago, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. Yes, it still has issues, but it held up quite well. And I certainly enjoy the convenience—especially when traveling or hiking—of carrying just one lens that provides a huge range, decent macro capabilities, and image stabilization for handheld video.
Then Sigma released an 18-300, and I have been asked repeatedly to compare these two lenses.
Bottom Line on These Lenses
These lenses are for someone who is happy with the quality of the kit lens that came with their camera but wants more zoom without having to switch lenses.
These lenses are not for someone who frequently shoots in low light or wants the absolute sharpest image quality.
Personally, I suggest carrying one of these do-it-all lenses along with a small prime like a 24mm or 35mm. It’s a compromise on the carry-only-one-lens philosophy, but it gives you an excellent low-light, sharp lens option when you really need it—without adding much bulk or weight to your camera bag.
Now, Which of These Two Lenses Is Better?
I’ll give you the answer up front: 9 out of 10 times, I would pick the Tamron over the Sigma, despite the Sigma being marginally sharper at some focal lengths.
Why? The Tamron has faster focusing, full-time manual focus, weather sealing, a nicer focus indicator, and starts just a little wider.
Lets Compare Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary vs Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO Point by Point
Build Quality & Features – Both lenses have similar construction, made of tough plastic. From a distance, you might mistake the Sigma for metal, but it’s the same basic material as the Tamron. Both feel well made, feature telescoping zoom, and have internal focusing—great for using circular polarizers.
• Filter Size: Tamron uses 67mm; Sigma uses 72mm.
• Lens Hood: Both include one.
One downside of the Tamron is its small and slippery AF/MF and IS (VC) switches. Sigma’s switches are slightly taller and easier to operate. However, the Tamron offers full-time manual focus, a great feature that allows quick fine-tuning. On a lens with this much range, focusing can be slow, and the ability to assist AF or manually fine-tune focus makes for a much smoother experience.
The Tamron’s stabilization also seems slightly better—noticeable in slower shutter speed handholding and when shooting video, where it appears just a bit smoother.
Weight – Sigma: 1lb 5oz, Tamron: 1lb 4oz.
Focusing Speed – Both use ultrasonic focusing systems (HSM for Sigma, PZD for Tamron). I tested them at Longwood Gardens using a Canon 7D Mark II on a moving train display. In both One Shot and AI Servo modes, the Tamron consistently kept focus on trains moving directly toward me. With the Sigma, some shots were slightly out of focus—it was just a bit slower. The Tamron also performed slightly smoother in video focusing.
Macro Capabilities – Identical for both lenses.
• Close Focus Distance: 15” with AF, ~6” with MF.
• Magnification: Same for both.
• Sigma’s 2x Magnification Filter: A $50 screw-on filter designed to double magnification.
Image Quality
• Sharpness: The Sigma is slightly sharper, and when viewing at 100% or more, the difference is noticeable.
• Chromatic Aberration: The Sigma shows significantly more purple/magenta fringing, which may be due to its increased sharpness.
Featuring an LED video light and a compact design, the SB-500 AF Speedlight from Nikon provides users with a portable unit compatible with Nikon's i-TTL metering. The flash has a good power rating with a guide number of 79' at ISO 100, and offers coverage for a 24mm lens with full frame cameras. Also, the 100 lux LED light has three output levels- quarter, half or full power- which is beneficial for both video and close up still photography.Versatility is important in this unit with the ability to tilt upward 90° and rotate left and right 180° for excellent bounce and swivel capabilities. The flash will also function wirelessly as either a commander unit or a remote slave for full compatibility with cameras, other flash units, and wireless flash controllers in Nikon's Creative Lighting System. The SB-500 will also transmit LED and flash color information to the camera for setting an optimal white balance and runs on 2 AA batteries, which provide a recycle time of 3.5-30 seconds. Included with the camera are a soft case and stand.
Designed to offer a higher level of optical precision and contains 24 elements in 16 groups, with two FLD and three SLD elements to control aberrations and distortions. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focusing distance of 8.5', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The lens measures 4.8 x 11.4", and weighs 6.3 lb. Sigma is targeting photographers who place the utmost value on performance over weight, along with refined handling capabilities. The lens will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts.
This Contemporary version contains 20 elements in 14 groups, with one FLD element and three SLD elements. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focus distance of 9.2', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5 and shaves some dimensions off the Sports version to measure 4.1 x 10.2". Sigma has not determined the final weight yet, but it is safe to say it will be lighter than the Sports version, thanks to it is smaller dimensions and fewer optical elements. It, too, will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, and Sony A mounts.
press release
[/himage]Way up on the hill is a small rock outcrop - rollover the image to see 300mm view- No cropping, no moving[himage]
[/himage]Rollover to see the difference between 18mm(Canon 18mm with the 18-135 STM) and 16mm(Tamron 16-300)[himage]
Support my work and reviews - 
