Tamron 18-300mm f3.5-6.3 Lens Review: The Incredible All Around Lens For Sony a6000

[@tangsanglimbu7102]

I love how you have dedicated a lot of videos for the Sony a6000. Really appreciate it man. It's one of my favorite cameras.

[@kyletaggart]

Thanks so much! Great camera and great series of cameras by Sony.

[@sjaakhosters419]

I bought this lens a couple of days ago and I like the lens a lot. I traded in the 55-210 kitlens and got a fair price for it. For me it was the cheapest option. (Some time I was thinking of buying the 6500 body on e-bay but it is too expensive.) Of course the Tamron is heavier and bigger than the 55-210 but not too much. Like the sony 70-350 is just way too big/heavy for me. Finally the image quality is better than the 55-210 and that, together with the zoom-range, made me buy this lens. It still fitts in my small camerabag together with my Zeiss Touit 12mm/f2.8, 16-50 kitlens and my Meike macro rings, which by the way works good with the Tamron. One thing must be said is that the zoom extra 210-300 (Kitlens vs Tamron) is not that big, the real extra is on the other side of the zoom range. However because the Tamron is sharper than the Sony you can make a bigger "cut-out" of the image later on, which basically improves the zoom more.

[@chiragsrinivas3543]

Thanks for your comment! I'm looking to replace my 55-210 with this as well. Assuming you have used it for a couple of months now, could you confirm if you think it's a big upgrade vs the 55-210? How does it perform in low light vs 55-210? And has the zoom ring loosened up after a couple months of use? Thanks

[@sjaakhosters419]

@@chiragsrinivas3543 I am still pleased with the lens. I still change lenses but not so often anymore. In lesser light conditions you need to upscale the ISO to 800/1600. This gives still good pictures and the auto-focus is faster. The zoom ring is not as tight as in the beginning, but not too loose, so no lens-creeping. I don't film that much so for me it works just fine.

[@carloolabre9052]

do you like it when filming too?

[@ALFIEEATS]

Hello! What is the best or not expensive Vnd filter for tamron 18-300mm sony for video. I bought a k&f concept nano-d but when I zoom out to 200-300 mm the video is very noisy. Thank you for your response.

[@jimpalazzolo1177]

Hi Kyle, would also love to see your review of the 11-20mm Tamron lens. I have it and use it on occasion. Just sold my 17-70mm Tamron (too heavy and long) replaced it with the Sigma 18-50mm lens and really enjoying it. Just the right size for walking around and easy to carry too.

[@trevor9934]

First, thank your review of the lens. I am not videographer, nor a Sony MILC shooter (I DO have the RX-10MkIV), and I recently branched out from my usual brands to Fujifilm, getting (but not yet delivered, thanks to logistics delays) the X-T4, along with their 18-80 lens. I decided to try Fuji for its dial control interface and their IBIS that is unique in an APS-C MILC at time of writing. I wanted an all-in-one unit to compliment that and the Tamron seems to have come to market at a perfect time. I don't shoot low light, and if I have to I have other units that can easily cope with that. I shot Tamron back in the early 80's when I used their SP Adaptall units with a mix of Canon A-1 and Nikon F-3 bodies, doing travel, scenic and wildlife photography, so I have a respect for their products.

[@JustinYarborough]

I'm going to sell my sony 70-350. I have the other two tamron so now I can just leave the 17-70 when I travel. I'll bring this and the 11-20 and this 18-300. I think that'll work out well. Great review.

[@danielkalvito]

Excellent video!!! I bought this Tamron lens to use it with my Sony ZV-E10 but I noticed that the battery drains too quickly, let's say half of the time compared with the Sigma 16mm and Sony 55-210mm, anyone knows the reason why that happens? Thanks!!

[@jaywiay]

I actually noticed this as well, I'm just going to guess that the focusing system needs more power to operate maybe due to more and heavier lens pieces?

[@anthonyd9984]

I noticed this too. Loved the lens but definitely drains the battery a lot quicker than any other lens I use.

[@georgewilliams6733]

Great video! Bought this lens before a recent trip to Iceland and it did it all

[@georgewilliams6733]

also the stickiness has definitely eased up, I just use it for photography so can't say how good it would be for video but its smooth enough for my uses

[@kyletaggart]

Nice! And I bet it worked wonders in Iceland!

[@yellit1975]

I bought the Sony 18-200 with my A6000 5 years ago and it’s still my day time walkabout lens. All of the things you say about the Tamron lens apply to this one, I don’t think I’ll be upgrading as I’m not sure that I need to extra 100mm. As I’m photographing lots of interiors and exteriors of buildings, I invested in both the Tamron 70-180 f2.8 and the Tamron 11-20 f28 both are great lenses. Would be interested in your take on both of these lenses.

[@kyletaggart]

thanks for checking this out, I am trying to get the 11-20 f2.8 for sure. That lens is right up my alley.

[@buggersofoz]

I almost bought the second hand Sony 18-200mm, but then this Tamron came out and I exchanged some ideas with Kyle. His recommendation was slightly in favourite of sticking to the Sony, but I managed to negotiate the price and got a Tamron 18-400mm with Canon M50 and EFS-EFM adapter (barely used) for just 200 AUD more than JUST the lens reviewed here (which is still new so no special deals). So far I'm very happy with the performance compare to A6000+55-210 kit lens. The AF is a tad słowem but much more accurate. I was able to get a very sharp handheld picture of a darter Bird in flight, close to sunset within the first half an hour of purchase. For the wildlife shots that I do most plus some street/travel/portrait it seems to be an awesome combo. But I'm hunting for a good deal on a Canon 7D mkii body to keep both for some time and decide. I'm selling my Sony for sure.

[@kyletaggart]

It’s all about what works for you! I love my M50 too.

[@schnubbel76]

Needs a comparison to the Sony 70-350

[@omnigreen876]

Agree.. im looking for that video comparison but still no one make it

[@tanmaysakpalofficial]

Same here!

[@gigicostlow4414]

Sounds like a decent lens for the price. Have been looking for a zoom for my a6000. Gonna check it out. Thanks Kyle!

[@kyletaggart]

The price is incredible. 18-300 and stabilization? Very reasonable

[@621add]

Yes! Would love to see a review of the Tamron 11-20 or the 17-70. Also, dug the Canada road trip shout-out. 😎🍁

[@kyletaggart]

haha I can't wait to get back to Canada!

[@kuolema]

Yeah, i have the 17-70mm, and i like it really much. Feels like it made many of my older lenses totally useless. But i'd love to hear what he has to say about it.....

[@SufiyanSamnani]

Hey Kyle, super helpful review, thank you so much! How would you say this Tamron 18-300 lens performs in the 18-135 focal length range compared to the Sony 18-135? It seems like the aperture curve through the focal range is fairly similar? Although the Sony lens seems considerably more compact & lighter, the Tamron would definitely be worth the extra weight & price if it offers the same sharpness, aperture & image quality as the Sony lens in the 18-135 range. Would appreciate any help with this!

[@kyletaggart]

I think the tamron performs just as well. I don’t remember having focusing issues with the Sony. Typically, Sony lenses have a bit snappier auto focus than third party lenses, but if it’s the range your after, and the price diff isn’t too great, I’d suggest the tamron. The Sony is lighter/smaller, if that’s important, go for that. But I was impressed with this tamron throughout its range.

[@SufiyanSamnani]

@@kyletaggart Fantastic, thanks a lot!

[@luetti4.0]

Hi, thank you for this amazing video. I‘m looking forward to buy the Tamron 18-300 for Sony mount but am a little worried about the zoom ring. Would like to use it in is wide range to film skateboarding handheld. Therefore I‘m not sure if the zoom ring would slide out when pointing down on the board. You‘re help would be much appreciated 🙏🏼

[@kyletaggart]

Handheld and skateboarding, interesting! Typically skateboarding video use very wide angle, even fisheye type lenses. This lens would cover a lot of different use cases, but if you’re using one hand it is possible the zoom could slip slightly. I don’t have the lens anymore, otherwise I’d try what you’re talking about lol. You’re usually trying to be still when filming others, so I think it would be ok. You could also get a prime lens, like sigma 16mm or Viltrox 13mm, which are smaller overall. They’re wider in focal length. They are a shorter but may weigh close to the same as the Tamron, unsure. With those lenses you could still zoom in by using clear image zoom, and assigning that to a button you’re able to access easy. I use the c1 button on my a6100. Then you use the wheel around the center button to “zoom” in or out. I use this when streaming. It’s nice to have a wide angle and then I can punch in a bit when needed with clear image zoom.

[@luetti4.0]

@@kyletaggart Thank you so much for your quick response. I’m aiming for a more Surfmovie cinematic look for skateboarding. The sigma 16mm actually is the other lenses I’m planning to buy for following or potential low light scenes. The tip with the clean image zoom is amazing. Thank you so much 🙏🏼 The idea with the 18-300 would be to be able to use it for mostly tripod. Being able to shoot surfers from the beach but also get close to skateboarders all within one lense just is tempting.

[@kyletaggart]

@luetti4.0 ah gotcha! Well if you need that long zoom then the Tamron is a great start and great all around lens. You can also use clear image zoom to go past 300mm 🤪

[@V1PERB3ATZ]

I’ve got Sony a6400 what are the best beginner lenses with around 200mm? My budget is not very big though. I’m also planning on trying to be shooting football/“soccer” games which will mostly have good light. Thanks.

[@JasonTheZoologist]

Interesting. For eye autofocus, does the Tamron lens perform worse or the same as a Sony native lens? Assuming all the other settings are the same.

[@shakirinrosly7493]

Keep going man! Good video 👍

[@kyletaggart]

Thanks! 🙌🏻

[@guest21984]

Anyone tried the flash with the A6000 and Tamron 18-300mm? It's too long for the flash and therefore casts a shadow on all photos :D - Is this normal?

[@Dinosawrex]

How is the quality compares to the sigma 56mm? Mostly just taking pictures for Instagram but cant decide if the tamron is good enough in quality for the wide FLs?

[@kyletaggart]

I think it’s great all around. The sigma 56mm is sharper. But having a wide zoom range opens up a lot of possibilities. At 18mm it does have barrel distortion - something I should have mentioned. Overall if you’re looking for a great all around lens, huge zoom range, well under $1,000. This is hard to beat

[@mytube2013]

you need both.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

Another practical review. Very handy ,versatile lens- excellent for travel. Some will pixel peep its shortcomings, however what would the size and weight be if was 2.8? Great price and versatility. What is Sigma doing with longer zooms?

[@kyletaggart]

No longer zooms that’s I’ve seen yet for APSC. Maybe someone will come out with a 100-400mm.

[@tanmaysakpalofficial]

Need something like a 100-450 compact zoom lens just for APSC (kinda like sony 70-350 size) which would cover like all needs for wildlife stuff@@kyletaggart

[@jasondotj]

Thank you for the video. Will this lens be a good lens for taking pictures of a high school band member on a football field? I have a Sony a6100 and would like to get away from the kit lenses. I'm not happy with the 55-210 that came with the camera.

[@kyletaggart]

It’s a better range than the 55-210, and a step up. The Sony 70-200 f4 would be a big step up.

[@jasondotj]

@@kyletaggart thank you! I’m actually looking at the Sigma 30mm now and will save up for a better zoom lens such as the Sony.

[@kyletaggart]

@jasondotj sigma 30mm f1.4 is a good prime. I usually suggest it as a first time prime lens purchase. Have fun!

[@jasondotj]

@@kyletaggart awesome! I also have the Sony 50mm f1.8 but wanted to get a different focal length. So the Sigma will be the second lens to add to my arsenal besides the two kit lenses.

[@joeoconnell5706]

Is the low light performance so low that it wouldn't perform well shooting cityscapes at night? For example, zooming in from afar to get compression onto a building that is lit up at night.

[@金名-e8k]

Teacher, may I ask, I currently use x-t4, the lenses are xf16, xf56, xf70-300, I am sure to buy tamron 150-500mm, but I also like tamron 17-70 and tamron 18-300, if it is you , tamron 17-70, tamron 18-300, xf70-300, these three lenses, choose two or one, how would you choose, can you give me a reference??? Thank you

[@kyletaggart]

For me personally, I like the 18-300. However if your someone who doesn’t mind switching lenses, maybe you prefer a lens that is more specific to your preferred range. I loved the Tamron 18-300 when I had it, with ample light it provides a lot of flexibility.

[@glennvanderbusse4137]

Hi, thanks for posting. I still use my old Sony NEX 6 and am seriously looking at the Tamrom 18-300mm,the new cost here in NZ is $1250 and I have just spotted a second hand one for $950 with only 3 months warranty, just wondering if I should be concerned at buying 2nd hand so I would like to know if you have had any issues with the lens to this date. Cheers Glenn from NZ

[@kyletaggart]

2nd hand is always rolling the dice, so that’s up to you. I bought my a6100 from Amazon used and it was spotless. I’d personally go for it, but obviously buy from a reputable place.

[@glennvanderbusse4137]

I did the 2nd hand option and saved some $$$ it's in mint con even came in the original box including booklet, yeah happy as, hope to show better pics on Instagram cheers Glenn from NZ

[@kyletaggart]

That’s awesome Glenn! Glad it worked out. 💪🏻

[@mathgurus]

Given its aperture, does it click good sunrise and sunset pics?

[@joelc9684]

Hi Kyle, Have you had the chance to have a go of the Sigma 18-300? If so what do you think of it? & how does it compare to the Tamron?

[@kyletaggart]

I have not, is that an APSC lens?

[@spector0077]

Have been looking for a zoom for my sony a6000. What type of lens do you recommend for sports photography? especially football

[@hannahmillington5781]

I wonder what alternatives there are given the huge range and VC? Does it have a true competitor?

[@kyletaggart]

Not directly no. Sony 55-220 has OSS, but not the range. There is an older Sony 18-200 with OSS but it was pre a6000. Sony has the 70-350G with OSS. Tamron definitely filled a spot that was needed.

[@StephanieGravalese]

Hey Kyle, great video as always, I get the sense that this hasn’t dropped yet on Amazon right? All I’m seeing is the international version. Either way excited to see you back in the swing of things thanks for doing all you do. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@kyletaggart]

It actually has, but it seems it’s out of stock! Same on B&H. And thanks! I have a reallllly cool lens review coming next week. Should have videos every week until Christmas! So excited

[@kyletaggart]

Just checked (first link for Sony) and on Amazon there are 4 in stock right now.

[@RonAhL]

how does this lens compare to the sony 70-350mm especially at the max focal length (300mm), i've seen reviews saying that the tamron at 300mm is not sharp

[@kyletaggart]

I think it’s decently sharp but I can’t compare them now. I had the 70-350 for a short period of time and didn’t get to use it much while I had it. If you have the budget, and need the reach, go with the Sony. However if you want the range of an 18-300, grab the tamron.

[@RonAhL]

@@kyletaggart thanks!, i'm planning to buy a third lens, i want to try doing wildlife and sports photogprahy especially bird photography. I'm thinking of saving more for the 70-350 or just buy the tamron 18-300.,my only issue were the review i've read regarding the sharpness of the tamron at 300mm, I also haven't seen a comparison video for the two lenses, but thanks anyway for the info, appreciate it

[@jonfury23]

Would love to know what would be a great zoom lens for wildlife to buy with my Sony a6000 with a Sigma 30mm. Am I overshadowing my lens with this Tamron?

[@kyletaggart]

Ni not overshadowing. Zoom lenses offer a lot of versatility, but they juicy f1.4 and sharpness will have you using the sigma 30mm for specific stuff. Also size and weight is always a choice before you head out, depending where you’re going/what you’re shooting. This is a great lens to start getting into wild life. Until you look for lenses $1,000 and up.

[@danielj1147]

Great review! 🙏

[@kyletaggart]

appreciate it!

[@bestiway]

Hey ! Do you think this lens is made for sports shooting?

[@kyletaggart]

I think so yes. ✌🏻

[@avinashnair5064]

hey is this good for Fuji film xt200 for portrait's and landscape photography

[@kyletaggart]

I didn’t text the Fuji version, but I imagine the performance is the same. I’d recommend it for both of those uses!

[@avinashnair5064]

@@kyletaggart thanks for the answer ❤️

[@suryakathiravan]

Is it better to avoid kit lens 18-135mm and buy this one? I'm planning to order a6400 and this lens looks very promising

[@kyletaggart]

Depends. The 18-135 is a great lens, and it’s light/smaller than this lens. If you want maximum reach - the tamron has way more as it goes to 300mm.

[@suryakathiravan]

@@kyletaggart thanks

[@crescol]

What about sharpness in the range of 18-135? Will lost image quality in exchange of more range? Thanks!!

[@Greyjayjay]

Is this any good for photography on the Sony A7ii?

[@HFMAZBS]

Nice video,.. Can you please compare this lens with sony 70-350mm please.. As fast as possible

[@kyletaggart]

Unfortunately I can’t. I had to send this lens back and don’t own the Sony 70-350mm. My opinion, if you don’t need an extra 50mm, I’d get the Tamron. If you need the max range, get the Sony.

[@CLVlogs05]

I recently watched a review on this lense comparing it to the Sony 70-350mm what's your opinion, do you think is sharper than Sony or even ?

[@kyletaggart]

I didn’t have them at the same time, I think they’re for different use cases really. The Tamron is a more all around lens, the Sony 70-350 is for things where you really need the zoom, like wild life or outdoor sporting events.

[@JL-fh4qw]

Bought a sony a6000 for 220 dollars used excited to explore all the lens options

[@kyletaggart]

So many options! Manual lenses, Sony, Viltrox, sigma, tamron!

[@JL-fh4qw]

@@kyletaggart I bought a sigma 16 1.4. If I could have only 1 other lens what would you suggest? No price objections

[@kyletaggart]

Probably the new sigma 18-50mm f2.8 geni.us/sigma18to50mm or the Sony 16-55mm f2.8 geni.us/16-55GLens I mean there are tons of lenses to choose from but these both have fast apertures for being zoom lenses and they’re smaller lenses. If you want a lens to shoot subjects very far away though these wouldn’t be my pick.

[@mohammedsultan3055]

Is an adapter required for sony A6400?

[@kyletaggart]

Nope!

[@jbpromoprint123]

I now have the tamron lens! it's great. But, I have a question about shooting raw, jpg, or both raw and jpg. If shooting raw, why bother shooting jpg as well. I bring all my photos into lightroom cc. If I want to upload them I export to jpg.

[@ahumeniy]

There's this edge case where you might be shooting away from home and you don't have your laptop with Lightroom installed and for some reason your phone don't have the app installed to import the pictures from your camera or aren't familiarized with the app (need to connect to a wi-fi spot, etc) so you want to get the pictures from the camera SD card. fortunately it's not that common nowadays but it is there. Also remember that shooting jpeg enables the use of software filters and other "creative" features you might want to try but still want to have the raw files.

[@kevvykev7934]

Is this lens good to take moon shots and do astrophotography? Great reviews btw!!!

[@kyletaggart]

Moon shots yeah, but Astro in general, no. And thanks!

[@santsingh5189]

is it compatible with panasonic lumix g95

[@LoneJoe_hadley]

The one I just got has a very smooth operation . you must have faulty one and the company sent it to you.

[@aidanmiller1084]

What about night football games with good lights?

[@kyletaggart]

Hard to say. It’s the cheapest option (used) for sure though. Something to at least start with for longer range.

[@octanetvchannel]

Great video!

[@kyletaggart]

Thanks!!

[@ciwanski]

Good Video man.

[@kyletaggart]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@ckdesignlab]

Has the zoom smoothed out over time?

[@kyletaggart]

I didn't get to keep this lens sadly. Over my month with it, it did not feel like it did. So best I can say is...maybe. Also who knows, I wonder if my copy was just tighter. I took about 1,000 shots I'd say.

[@mhill2510]

Ordered one today.

[@kyletaggart]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy.

[@withronit]

If i had to choose between 28-200 and this (mostly looking at the telephoto option but I am okay with 200 as a limit) what would you say?

[@kyletaggart]

Haven’t used a 28-200, but if the price is close I’d go with the 18-300 all day. 👍🏻

[@renjith7284]

Nice lens

[@josephdigeronimo6121]

What in the hell did you expect for $699? REALLY!!!!

[@xx-qt3tc]

谁帮我买一支！哪里有货？

[@im_thusitha]

Nice

[@kyletaggart]

Thanks!

[@bae6395]

Thanks for the great review! I tried to click your link to purchase one of these lenses and it doesn’t seem to be working. I just take me to Amazon

[@kyletaggart]

I think it’s sold out at the moment. I will double check the link

[@christopherconkright1317]

This was 499.99 new for me

[@georgecastro181]

I regret purchasing this lens! It is not sharp at all!😢😢😢

[@Gluteus.Maximus]

Aww really? In what situations? Low light or day? Is it bad when really zooming in? I'm looking at this for the zoom and the cheap pricetag otherwise I'm very happy with my sigma 18-50

[@georgecastro181]

@@Gluteus.Maximus Maybe my lens needs to be calibrated!🤔

[@dracus2000]

1080 ? very bad quality

[@Kayttaja1524]

4k is over-rated

[@henkvrieling9586]

Unnecessary annoying music

[@peterasmussen2933]

nah definitely not a "great" portrait lens.