70-300: Nikon or Tamron? Looking at a 70-300 for my D7100. Tamron is f4.0 and Nikon is f4.5. Both variable to f5.6. Is 4.0 vs. 4.5 that significant? Only other difference is filter...

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70-300: Nikon or Tamron?

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Mar 2, 2017 14:34:50 #

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Looking at a 70-300 for my D7100. Tamron is f4.0 and Nikon is f4.5. Both variable to f5.6. Is 4.0 vs. 4.5 that significant? Only other difference is filter size. Tamron is 62mm, Nikon is 67mm.

Right now there is s $30 rebate on the Nikon which makes it only $20 more than the Tamron.

Wondering which way to go. Comments, suggestions and advice welcome.

Mar 2, 2017 17:14:16 #

Mark Bski Loc: A sleepy little island not far from Seattle

Nikon has 4 different 70-300mm models. Two with VR, two without, for either a crop sensor or full frame. Even though I shoot a 7200 I opted for the full frame 70-300 with VR because I hope to one day get (afford) a full frame camera.

Typically Nikon glass is better than Tamron glass.

If money is a big concern and you can do without VR, there is a refurbished model on Amazon for $130.00. Otherwise get VR, the DX version (our cameras) is $100.00 less than the FX.

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-4-5-6G-Zoom-Lens-Refurbished/dp/B01KRMCVUW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488492359&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+70-300

Mar 2, 2017 17:44:54 #

BrettProbert Loc: Clinton, PA

Nikon. Or you'll be crying on this forum in a few years.

Mar 2, 2017 18:25:48 #

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

BrettProbert wrote:

Nikon. Or you'll be crying on this forum in a few years.

Message received! Plus, right now, the Nikon is only $20 more than the Tamron, because there is a rebate.

Mar 2, 2017 18:26:33 #

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Mark Bski wrote:

Nikon has 4 different 70-300mm models. Two with V... (show quote)

Mar 2, 2017 18:29:33 #

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I would think VR would be helpfull, especially at the far end of the range.

Camera is a D7100. I'd read that it's generally better to go with DX because you're using mostly the "Sweet Spot" of the lens.

Mar 2, 2017 19:14:22 #

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

At only $20.00 difference? I can tell you with almost 100% certainty, that the Nikon lens will far outstrip the Tammy in resale value

Mar 2, 2017 23:38:46 #

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

At only $20.00 difference? I can tell you with almost 100% certainty, that the Nikon lens will far outstrip the Tammy in resale value

Yep. Tamron at $449, Nikon at $469 (with rebate). I know it’s a no-brainer, just wanted some input. Thanks to all.

Mar 3, 2017 00:23:45 #

MtnMan Loc: ID

kb6kgx wrote:

Yep. Tamron at $449, Nikon at $469 (with rebate). I know it’s a no-brainer, just wanted some input. Thanks to all.

Or you could get a refurb 55-300 with VR for about $200. I got mine from Nikon just before Christmas on a sale for $150.

I had one previosly but mistakenly gave it to my daughter-in-law when I got my 28-300. I urged her to trade it back to me but she wouldn't. So I bit the bullet and replaced it. I wanted it for the slight weight savings and because I use my Sigma 17-50 for the low range on my D5300.

You might find this useful: https://www.dxomark.com/lenses/mounted_on-Nikon_D7100-865/launched-between-1987-and-2016/focal-from-20-to-300/aperture_max-from-0.95-to-45/launch_price-from-0-to-13000-usd/lens_zoom-zoom/sensor_brand-Nikon#hideAdvancedOptions=false&viewMode=list&yDataType=global

Mar 3, 2017 01:33:17 #

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

MtnMan wrote:

Or you could get a refurb 55-300 with VR for about... (show quote)

Thanks, I’ll check out the link.

Mar 3, 2017 06:21:28 #

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

kb6kgx wrote:

OME always, go with Nikon. Is there another choice?

Mar 3, 2017 06:31:09 #

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

Nikon has several versions of the 70-300 lens. The latest and best is the P version with VR. It has a stepper motor for faster focus and is sharper than the other versions. I have had all the different 70-300 lens at one time as well as the 55-200 and this has been the best. The only negative is the plastic mount which is less sturdy than the stainless steel mount. It is a DX lens.

Mar 3, 2017 07:03:53 #

dpfoto Loc: Cape Coral, FL

You have a NIKON camera, go with the NIKON lens. If you had a CANON camera, go with CANON lens, etc. I wouldn't THINK of going with an off-brand lens for my Nikons.

Mar 3, 2017 07:33:07 #

warrenvon Loc: Ellicott City, MD

I had and used the Tamron 70-300 Sp model on a D7100 with really great results. I;ll also mention that the Tamron VC is one stop better than the Nikon version.
The person that noted that the resale value for the Nikon wi always be better is quite correct.

Mar 3, 2017 08:06:30 #

Robert Bailey Loc: Canada

Those who believe that if you have a Nikon you must use a Nikon lens or if you have a Canon you must use a Canon lens
must have their heads buried in the sand!
All you have to do is go to a website such as www.dxomark.com to see hundreds of examples of "3rd party" lenses made by
companies such as Tamron and Sigma that score higher than lenses made by Nikon or Canon.
When I buy a lens, I'm looking for the best quality, not the name printed on it.
Nowadays, that will quite often be a 3rd party manufacturer.

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