When looking for an all-in-one zoom lens, you want something versatile yet compact, capable of handling everything from wide angle shots to impressive telephoto captures. Lenses like the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD are designed for exactly that, offering flexibility without the need to constantly switch gear. However, as with any super zoom, there are compromises in terms of light gathering ability and image quality. Here's what you can expect.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this thorough video explores Tamron’s latest super zoom, the 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD. This lens expands on the already popular 28-200mm version, giving you more range with the same portability. Abbott breaks down key aspects like autofocus performance, build quality, and usability in various scenarios. The main draw here is the expanded zoom range, which reaches up to 300mm, making it an appealing option for travel and general-purpose photography. However, the trade-off is a narrower maximum aperture—starting at f/4 and shrinking to f/7.1 as you zoom in—meaning it’s not ideal for low-light environments.
One of the biggest upgrades over the 28-200mm is the autofocus system. Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor allows for faster and more reliable focusing across the zoom range. Whether you’re shooting wide or at full 300mm, the autofocus remains snappy and accurate, which isn’t always the case with super zoom lenses. Abbott also points out that the lens features Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) system, which helps stabilize your shots, though he notes that it’s not as effective as top-tier stabilization systems. Still, for handheld shooting, the VC feature can make a noticeable difference, especially at longer focal lengths.
Another standout feature is the design. Tamron kept the lens relatively compact despite the broader zoom range. It’s only slightly larger than the 28-200mm, retaining the 67mm filter thread and staying lightweight enough for travel. The ergonomic improvements are subtle but welcome, with a more comfortable grip and better placement of the zoom and focus rings. Tamron also included a custom button that can be programmed via their Lens Utility software, adding more control for specific shooting situations.
As with most super zooms, image quality varies across the focal range. Abbott explains that the lens performs well in the center of the frame, but corner sharpness suffers, especially at wider apertures. Stopping down improves the overall sharpness, but diffraction becomes an issue past f/11, particularly at longer focal lengths. Abbott finds the lens to perform adequately for casual use, though it’s not as sharp as more specialized zooms like a 70-200mm f/2.8. Still, considering the versatility and price, it holds its own in most everyday situations. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
Mr. Abbott always does a very deep and technical review a plus for someone gets vs walking into a camera store and handling, and also gives pos and neg sections. Now for me I already have the FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom Lens with Optical SteadyShot and got a very bad review from Mr. Abbott and I am very grateful for it. But several notes on the pos and on a Sony for I have used on serval cameras since I got it. first yes it does not have the range in full frame but with a button set to APS-C off and on you get center of sensor action fast and 36-360mm. with Auto ISO you also get good SS's these two options are countered by the many upsizing programs today that many croppers use and the noise reduction of the many programs for the high ISO that may be on a camera but with two to three ISO steps of better clarity at you deal with less noise on a Sony and on the more newer models. the price has come down a lot since the beginning and what to look for is a new model of the 24-240mm maybe with some of the AF magnetic rails and clarity of glass.
I find the use of the APS-C button with a Sony a plus to having glass that far out. The big plus is and easy to carry in a teardrop bag vs a backpack saying camera inside the ability to have while driving to and from or walking down a street to walking a trail.
What i have learned over the many years with this lens is that software is what makes an image and todays software is leaps and bounds better than yesteryear for even my old point and shot images of the 2000's are even greater.
The 24-240mm is the non talked about like the first A7M2 camera still being sold new but now without the on camera apps that were available in the beginning years now turned off for buying that is a major bad thing for cameras are normally taken very good care of and the low cost of one on the used market is a good start for the beginner and the apps help with playing with options external items will be needed for in future newer models.
1. solar eclipse 2017
2. Egret seen driving by in park
3 setting crescent moon and comet seen while driving toward
4. Driving back to camp on Jekyll Island seeing moonrise over village
A lens that is handy in a small bag with lens with close to far range!