Tamron 70-300 vs Nikon 55-300mm for D3100

Zero4

Senior Member
Hey Everyone-

(I was searching the forum and didn't see a post that was dealing with a comparison/recommendations between the following, If I missed it, please let me know.)

I'm looking into getting a new lens for my D3100, and was debating between the following two lenses:

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX (Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B003ZSHNCC ) - $249
Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD (Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B0012UUP02 ) - $160

I'm not sure which would be better for me, just from a cost perspective, the Tamron seems more cost effective, however I'm not very familiar with Tamron and can't find many good comparisons between the two lenses. I'm not sure if I want to venture away from Nikon lenses or not.

I enjoy animal/nature photography and concert photography, only have the 18-55 kit lens. Also, I will be going on a few trip in the coming months.

I am trying to be budget conscious, but get the most bang for my buck. If there is anything else you'd like to know, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
The nikon for sure, unless you want to keep your camera on a tripod. The Tamron does not have vr, which stablizes the image at lower shutter speeds. The nikon will hold it's value, especially at that price.
 

Zero4

Senior Member
The nikon for sure, unless you want to keep your camera on a tripod. The Tamron does not have vr, which stablizes the image at lower shutter speeds. The nikon will hold it's value, especially at that price.


Thanks for your input. I thought I read that the Tamron has their own version of VR, I think they just called it 'Vibration Stabilization,' but it could've been regarding a different lens.

I was kind of leaning towards the Nikon lens initially, but with that price point on the Tamron, I needed to consider that.

I think the sale ends for the Nikon lens on 12-31, because some stores (Target, Wal-Mart, etc) that sell the Nikon 55-300mm lens go back to full price on 1-1-12. So I kind of need to decide on this sooner than later.

Do you either of you know any drawbacks to the Nikon 55-300mm lens? Is it basically the same as the 55-200mm lens (here) only with more magnification?

Thanks again for your input!
 

Rick M

Senior Member
At $249, it is the best in it's class at that price point. Many people have paid full price and are very happy. It is a Dx lens so the draw back is you can't use it on a full frame camera. It is similar to the 55-200, but I believe it has a metal mount which is an upgrade (nowadays anyway!). The next best nikon would be the 70-300vr at over $500. If you plan to stay with Dx and are on a budget, without a doubt, get the Nikon at $249.
 

Zero4

Senior Member
At $249, it is the best in it's class at that price point. Many people have paid full price and are very happy. It is a Dx lens so the draw back is you can't use it on a full frame camera. BTW, What are you shooting with? It is similar to the 55-200, but I believe it has a metal mount which is an upgrade (nowadays anyway!). The next best nikon would be the 70-300vr at over $500. If you plan to stay with Dx and are on a budget, without a doubt, get the Nikon at $249.
Thank's for your input. I'll have to re-crunch my numbers tonight to see if I can pull the trigger in the next day or so.

My current (and first) DSLR is a Nikon D3100, and I only have the kit lens (18-55mm), but I love it thus far. It's totally a hobbyist camera, and I don't plan on getting a full frame camera for quite a few years...if ever.

Thanks again for your input, it's greatly appreciated.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
Thank's for your input. I'll have to re-crunch my numbers tonight to see if I can pull the trigger in the next day or so.

My current (and first) DSLR is a Nikon D3100, and I only have the kit lens (18-55mm), but I love it thus far. It's totally a hobbyist camera, and I don't plan on getting a full frame camera for quite a few years...if ever.

Thanks again for your input, it's greatly appreciated.

You're welcome! I've had the D3100 for almost a year now and love it. You can do amazing work with it, I doubt I will ever go to full frame. The only option I wish it had was auto-bracketing, beyond that, it does everything I could want. The kit lens is actually a very good lens, with the 55-300 you'll have a good range covered.
 

Zero4

Senior Member
Well...I bit the bullet and ordered the Nikon 55-300mm lens from Amazon. It will arrive tomorrow (the 29th), just in time for my trip to Chicago for a wedding/new years eve and a new years day full of exploring the city.

I'm sure I won't be disappointed, and now I've got a good set of tools to build with.

Thanks for the help, I hope to use these forums a lot...you guys are a great asset.
 

Elliot87

Senior Member
I have pretty much the exact same question as the original poster but also wanted to throw in the Sigma 70-300mm into the mix.

Is there much difference between the Tamron and the Sigma? They are both currently around the £95 on Amazon, with the Nikon (a grey import) approximately £75 more, or £105 more on Ebay.
I noticed that both the cheaper lenses state they are Macro. I was wandering if they are capable of decent macro shots and does that give them an edge over the Nikon lens in one regard at least?

Thanks in advance!
 

Deezey

Senior Member
Holy Necro Batman!

Forget the sigma. Tamron is on par with Nikon. Buyers choice between those 2

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