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Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£230Lens mount:Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony AMaximum focal length:300 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):6.3Optical image stabilization:yesMaximum angle of view:82.2 °

Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

8.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 59% of camera-lenses
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

3.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

8.3

Build & Handling

20%

6.9

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

8.2

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 65% of camera-lenses
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 4,079 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 72% of camera-lenses
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

3.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

8.3

Build & Handling

20%

6.9

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

8.2

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.1
User score
User score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 4,079 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 91.6% of camera lenses.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.7

Overall score

40%

9.3

Price

7.5
Lens type
macro
Lens mount
Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A
Sensor format coverage
APS-C
Filter thread size
67 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
16 mm
Maximum focal length
300 mm
Optical zoom
18.8xx
Maximum angle of view
82.2 °
Minimum angle of view
5.3 °
Show more
Focus motor
ultrasonic motor, PZD
Minimum focus distance
0.39 m
Minimum focus distance
0.39 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.39 m, which is farther than 59.6% of camera lenses and equal to 0.8% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.345xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.345x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.345x, which is higher than 87.3% of camera lenses and equal to 1.1% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends only during zooming.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
yes
Optical image stabilization
yes
This camera lens supports optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4 stops
This camera lens offers 4 stops of stabilization, which is stronger than 21.3% of camera lenses and equal to 44.5% of camera lenses.
Weight
540 g
Weight
540 g
This camera lens weighs 540 g, which is heavier than 53.6% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.6% of camera lenses.
Lens length
99.5 mm
Lens length
99.5 mm
This camera lens is 99.5 mm long, which is longer than 58.4% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.5% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
75 mm
Lens diameter
75 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 75 mm, which is slimmer than 55% of camera lenses and equal to that of 1.6% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
This camera lens supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 2 more aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    4
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    4 vs 2
  • Has zoom lock switch
    Zoom lock switch
    yes
    This camera lens has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
    Zoom lock switch present.
  • 0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.345 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.345 x vs 0.192 x
  • 37.3% more popular
    Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro is more popular than the average camera lens (10 vs 7.3).
    10 vs 7.29
  • 2.3x cheaper
    Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro is cheaper than the average camera lens (£230 vs £530).
    £230 vs £530
  • 37.3% more popular
    Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro is more popular than the average camera lens (10 vs 7.3).
    10 vs 7.29
  • 2.3x cheaper
    Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro is cheaper than the average camera lens (£230 vs £530).
    £230 vs £530
  • 2 more aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    4
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    4 vs 2
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has zoom lock switch
    Zoom lock switch
    yes
    This camera lens has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
    Zoom lock switch present.
  • 0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.345 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.345 x vs 0.192 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    6.3
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    6.3 vs 2.8
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • 7.25 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    99.5 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (99.5 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    99.5 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2014
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    April 2014
    2014 vs 2016
  • 0.09 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.39 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.39 m vs 0.3 m
  • 30 g heavier
    Weight
    540 g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (540 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    540 g vs 510 g
  • 3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    6.3
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    6.3 vs 2.8
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • 0.09 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.39 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.39 m vs 0.3 m
  • 7.25 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    99.5 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (99.5 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    99.5 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2014
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    April 2014
    2014 vs 2016
  • 30 g heavier
    Weight
    540 g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (540 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    540 g vs 510 g

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
ephotozine.com
10/06/2014
Summary of the review
A
amateurphotographer.com
18/06/2014
Summary of the review
L
lensvid.com
11/08/2014
Summary of the review
D
dustinabbott.net
27/08/2014
Summary of the review
D
digital-photography-school.com
15/10/2014
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.com
26/01/2015
Summary of the review
D
dpreview.com
15/09/2015
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.com
12/10/2015
Summary of the review
R
radojuva.com
19/10/2016
Summary of the review
E
ephotozine.com
07/06/2014
Summary of the review
V
vivecakohphotography.co.uk
06/03/2015
Summary of the review
P
photoreview.com.au
01/04/2014
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
10/05/2026
Summary of the review
2
22places.de
26/02/2026
Summary of the review
F
fotowissen.eu
18/07/2016
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
03/06/2014
Summary of the review
E
erkunde-die-welt.de
18/06/2015
Summary of the review
F
fotoloco.fr
11/02/2015
Summary of the review
D
digitalcamaralens.com
03/07/2014
Summary of the review
R
reflex-mania.com
06/01/2021
Summary of the review
D
digifotostarter.nl
07/01/2017
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 4,079 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro

  • Incredible 18.8x zoom versatility covering wide-angle to extreme telephoto focal lengths
  • Goes wider than most competing superzooms by starting at 16mm rather than 18mm
  • Highly effective Vibration Compensation (VC) optical image stabilization system
  • Fast, smooth, and nearly silent Piezo Drive (PZD) autofocus performance
  • Compact and lightweight form factor ideal for travel and all-in-one day use
  • Solid build quality featuring weather-resistant gasket sealing at the lens mount
  • Good close-up performance with a useful 1:2.9 maximum magnification ratio
  • No noticeable lens creep when carrying and includes a practical zoom lock switch

What we don't like about Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro

  • Noticeable drop in sharpness and micro-contrast at the longer 300mm telephoto end
  • Pronounced chromatic aberration and color fringing, especially in high-contrast areas
  • Slow variable aperture (f/3.5-6.3) requires bright sunlight or high ISO in low light
  • Autofocus can hunt or slow down when shooting in dark or poorly-lit conditions
  • Visible barrel distortion at the wide end and pincushion distortion at the telephoto end
  • Edges and corners can be quite soft unless the aperture is significantly stopped down

Verdict

The Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro is a versatile 18.8x all-in-one superzoom lens designed for APS-C DSLR cameras, featuring a complex optical design of 16 elements in 12 groups with three aspherical and two low-dispersion elements. Its main characteristics include a broad 24.8–465mm equivalent focal range, a high-speed Piezo Drive (PZD) ultrasonic motor for quiet autofocus, and built-in Vibration Compensation (VC) for effective image stabilisation. Pros include its compact, moisture-resistant build, an impressive minimum focusing distance of 0.39m for 1:2.9 macro magnification, and a unique 16mm wide-angle starting point. Cons typically involve noticeable optical compromises such as barrel distortion at the wide end, softening of image quality at the 300mm telephoto extreme, and a relatively dim maximum aperture of f/6.3 at longer focal lengths.

Compare Tamron 16 300mm F 3 5 6 3 Di II VC PZD Macro with other products in the Camera lenses category

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