Best Tamron Lenses | 2025

Best Tamron Top.png

In this guide, we’re talking about the best Tamron lenses. Japanese manufacturer Tamron has been in the lens business a very long time — since the 1950s, in fact — and has established a well-earned reputation as being one of the best third-party lens manufacturers in the business. Tamron’s range is a real mixture, encompassing more affordable versions of popular lens configurations, as well as unusual focal lengths that are great for those who want something a bit different.

Tamron has also kept up with the changing landscape of photography and video over the years. If we’d been writing this guide ten years ago, it would have featured practically wall-to-wall DSLR lenses for Nikon and Canon mounts, reflecting what was popular at the time. But of course, the rise of mirrorless has changed the game, and in the guide below you’ll exclusively see lenses for mirrorless systems.

We’ve aimed to include a broad range of lenses for different systems, with options for Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and even Canon RF, as Canon has finally started to allow third-party manufacturers under the hood of its mirrorless system. We’ve recommended a range of lenses in different focal lengths, at different price points, so there should be something for shooters of all stripes.

Our top picks

Tamron 11-20mm f2.8 Di III-A RXD for Fujifilm X

£699.00 View

Pros:

  • Wide angle of view
  • Constant f2.8 aperture
  • Weather sealing

Cons:

  • Not stabilised
  • APS-C only

Aperture: f2.8 constant

Focal Length: 11-20mm (equivalent to 16.5-30mm on APS-C sensors)

Features: Compact design, versatile ultra-wide zoom, and close focusing capabilities

Autofocus: RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) motor for fast, quiet, and precise focusing

Build Quality: Sturdy construction with moisture-resistant sealing


Available mounts: Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF-S

This brilliant lens has been around in its Sony and Fujifilm configurations for a few years now, and we were thrilled to see it also making the jump to Canon’s RF mount. It’s an APS-C lens, meaning it’s designed for Sony’s APS-C cameras like the A6700 and Canon’s RF-S cameras like the EOS R50, rather than their full-frame counterparts (Fujifilm X cameras are all APS-C so no issue there). It delivers an equivalent focal range of 16.5-30mm, or 17-32mm in the case of Canon, which has a 1.6x crop rather than 1.5x.

You’d expect this lens to be great for landscapes, and it is, with terrific optical quality throughout its zoom range. It’s also fully weather sealed, which many of these systems’ native wide-angle zooms are not, and while it doesn’t include stabilisation, in truth that’s much less of a priority at wide angles than it is at telephoto focal lengths. The constant F2.8 aperture gives you real latitude in a variety of lighting conditions, and while video shooters may want something a little wider, the near-silent focusing system means it is well-equipped for this purpose.

 

Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E

£679.00 View

Pros:

  • Constant f2.8 aperture
  • Close focusing distance
  • Rapid, accurate focusing
  • Vibration Compensation mechanism 

Cons:

  • APS-C only

Aperture: f2.8 maximum

Focal Length: 17-70mm (equivalent to 25.5-105mm on APS-C sensors)

Features: Built-in VC (Vibration Compensation) for stabilised shooting and versatile zoom range

Autofocus: RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) motor for fast, quiet, and accurate focusing

Build Quality: Solid construction with moisture-resistant sealing


Mounts: Sony E, Fujifilm X

Available for APS-C Sony cameras and the Fujifilm X series, the Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a unique, clever and interesting lens that can be a great companion for travel or day-to-day photography. It covers an equivalent focal range of 25.5-105mm, and it’s extremely impressive to see that zoom range covered with a constant aperture of F2.8 on a lens at this price point. Essentially, if you like the sound of a high-quality 24-105mm lens but have always been put off by the price, this lens should be a no-brainer — filling that kind of niche has become something of a speciality for Tamron.

The lens makes use of Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism, a form of stabilisation that ensures you can still get sharp shots handheld at slower shutter speeds. The autofocus impresses too — it’s powered by an RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit, and if you’re using the Sony version, it’s also compatible with Sony’s Eye AF and Fast Hybrid autofocus. 

 

Tamron 24mm f2.8 Di III OSD Macro Lens for Sony E

£239.00 View

Pros:

  • Close focus and high magnification factor for macro
  • Very affordable
  • Dust and splash protection

Cons:

  • Autofocus isn’t silent
  • Some (correctable) distortion

Aperture: f2.8 maximum

Focal Length: 24mm (equivalent to 24mm on full-frame sensors)

Features: 1:2 macro capability for close-up shooting and lightweight design

Autofocus: OSD (Optimised Silent Drive) AF motor

Build Quality: Compact and lightweight with moisture-resistant construction


Made for Sony’s full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras, the Tamron 24mm f2.8 Di III OSD Macro is a very affordable and capable little wide-angle macro lens. It boasts an impressive 1:2 magnification factor, with a minimum focus distance of just 12cm, meaning you can really push close to your subjects and fill the frame. The wide aperture of F2.8 gives you a decent latitude for shooting wide-open and producing beautiful bokeh. The lens does exhibit some distortions, but the lens is compatible with Sony’s in-camera corrections, which can be a useful timesaver.

One thing to note is that while the autofocus system on this lens is quiet, it isn’t silent, and so may not be the ideal choice as a primary video lens. With a 24mm focal length, it’s a good bet for day-to-day reportage-style photography, and its moisture-resistant construction means it’ll be fine outdoors in all weathers. And then also, there’s that price tag! Impressively affordable for such a fully featured lens, this makes for an inexpensive addition to any Sony shooter’s kit bag.

 

Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z

£849.00 View

Pros:

  • Superb optics deliver great general-purpose performance
  • 18cm close-focusing distance
  • Excellent ergonomics with grippy rings

Cons:

  • Moisture-resistant, but not fully weatherproof
  • Some may miss having 24mm

Aperture: f2.8 

Focal Length: 28-75mm (equivalent to 28-75mm on full-frame sensors)

Features: Enhanced optical performance and versatile zoom range for general-purpose shooting

Autofocus: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor for ultra-fast, precise, and quiet focusing

Build Quality: Premium construction with moisture-resistant sealing


Available mounts: Sony FE, Nikon Z

This is a tremendous general-purpose lens that undercuts the own-brand alternatives from Sony and Nikon in terms of price, making it a good way to expand your kit bag on a budget. The second version of a successful formula (hence, “G2”), it’s not quite the standard workhorse focal range of 24-70mm, but it’s close, giving you a bit more play at the tele end while sacrificing some at the wide end. That latter compromise may be an issue for some users, particularly those who shoot video, or it may not. That’s up to you!

The lens feels good to use, with textured and grippy zoom and focusing rings. It also has a super-short minimum focusing distance, which puts close-up and macro photography in play. If you don’t think you’ll be bothered about losing out on having 24mm, or would prefer a little more length at the telephoto end, the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a superb choice of standard lens for Sony FE and Nikon Z cameras.

 

Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z

£1,799.00 View

Pros:

  • Impressively versatile focal range
  • Premium build quality
  • Excellent resolving power and distortion control

Cons:

  • Weighs over a kilo
  • No optical stabilisation

Aperture: f2-2.8 maximum

Focal Length: 35-150mm (equivalent to 35-150mm on full-frame sensors)

Features: Wide-to-telephoto zoom with fast aperture range for versatile shooting in varied conditions

Autofocus: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor for fast, accurate, and silent focusing

Build Quality: Robust and durable construction with moisture-resistant sealing


Available mounts: Sony FE, Nikon Z

Now here’s something interesting. Tamron’s 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III is an almost unique zoom lens (Samyang also makes one) that essentially aims to be versatile enough to be an all-in-one option for travel, landscapes and more. It covers a broad zoom range from fairly wide to telephoto, with a wide maximum aperture throughout that range running from F2 to F2.8. It’s a fast-focuser, and its premium optical design includes specialised low dispersion and hybrid aspherical elements to suppress distortion and aberrations. 

This feels like a premium lens the instant you pick it up — its build quality is absolutely superb, and pairs beautifully with both Sony E and Nikon Z cameras. We tested this lens out in the Scottish Highlands and found it produced absolutely dazzling results time and again, with that generous zoom range giving us real compositional flexibility.

One thing worth noting is that this is not a lightweight lens. Frankly, if you were expecting a 35-150mm lens with an F2-2.8 aperture to be lightweight then you were dreaming, but even so, you will probably be a little taken aback when you first pick it up and find yourself holding more than a kilo’s worth of glass. Use this lens all day and you will feel it. Also, it doesn’t have optical stabilisation, so pairs best with cameras that do, in order to make best use of the telephoto end of the focal length. 

 

Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens for Sony E

£1,329.00 View

Pros:

  • Pretty lightweight for a pro workhorse lens
  • Constant F2.8 aperture
  • Weather-resistant

Cons:

  • Loses 20mm at the telephoto end compared to a standard 70-200mm

Aperture: f2.8 

Focal Length: 70-180mm (equivalent to 70-180mm on full-frame sensors)

Features: Lightweight telephoto zoom with improved optical performance and portability

Autofocus: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor for fast, precise, and quiet focusing

Build Quality: Durable construction with moisture-resistant sealing


If you’re looking for a versatile telephoto lens for professional work, the 70-200mm F2.8 workhorse is a stalwart choice. However, these lenses are often both expensive and heavy, making the Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 a potentially interesting alternative. It ticks a lot of the boxes you’d want ticked for a professional-grade lens — it’s weather-sealed, it focuses fast thanks to the VXD linear motor mechanism, and it renders images crisply and sharply.

With a weight of 855g, the Tamron lens is lighter than many of its professional contemporaries. The loss of 20mm focal length at the telephoto end may bother you or may not — it depends on the type of photography (or indeed videography) that you do. It balances well on full-frame Sony cameras, and also offers built-in stabilisation. Overall it’s a really solid all-around package.

 

Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di III Macro VXD Lens for Sony E

£599.00 View

Pros:

  • Excellent optical performance from edge to edge
  • Solid construction
  • Works with full frame and APS-C (

Cons:

  • No stabilisation

Aperture: f2.8 maximum

Focal Length: 90mm (equivalent to 135mm on APS-C sensors)

Features: 1:1 true macro capability with stunning close-up performance and soft bokeh rendering

Autofocus: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor for fast, accurate, and quiet focusing

Build Quality: Premium construction with moisture-resistant sealing


Available mounts: Sony FE, Nikon Z

Tamron’s 90mm f2.8 Di III Macro VXD is much more affordable, but still delivers the kind of dependably great performance that macro shooters are looking for. In the short telephoto focal range, it also doubles up (like a lot of macro lenses) as a pretty credible portrait lens, though its bokeh quality does best with cleaner backgrounds. It works with APS-C Sony and Nikon cameras too, on which it’ll provide an equivalent focal length of 135mm, which is good for headshot portraiture.

With a 12-bladed aperture, the Tamron 90mm lens is able to produce starburst effects with points of light when stopped down, opening up additional creative possibilities. Bear in mind that it doesn’t have optical stabilisation, which can make it difficult to use handheld, especially on APS-C cameras (which tend not to have IBIS).

 

 

Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens for Fujifilm X

£1,399.00 View

Pros:

  • Great telephoto performance
  • Very effective stabilisation system
  • Hardy build quality

Cons:

  • Relatively narrow variable aperture

Aperture: f5-6.7 maximum

Focal Length: 150-500mm (equivalent to 225-750mm on Fuji X sensors)

Features: Versatile super-telephoto zoom with VC (Vibration Compensation) for stabilised shooting

Autofocus: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor for fast, precise, and quiet focusing

Build Quality: Robust construction with moisture-resistant sealing


Available mounts: Sony FE, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X

Available for three mounts, the Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is a cost-effective telezoom that’s brilliant for wildlife photography on Sony, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X cameras. Its light weight (well, relatively) combines well with its hugely effective VC (vibration compensation) stabilisation mechanism, making handheld shooting much easier even when you’re working at the outer reaches of the zoom range.

The VXD linear motor delivers ultra-fast focusing — perfect for catching hold of fast-moving animal subjects. The lens does have a relatively narrow aperture however, especially once you zoom in — so you’ll need to be mindful of light levels and plan your day accordingly. Also, remember that if you use it with an APS-C camera, you’ll get an even greater equivalent zoom range of 225mm-750mm. It’s also not a bad performer for close-ups, should the need arise.

 

Best Tamron Top.png

FAQs

Are Tamron lenses compatible with my camera?

Tamron lenses are available for various mounts, including Sony E-mount, Canon EF, Nikon F, and more. Always check the lens's mount type and your camera's compatibility before purchasing.

Do Tamron lenses have image stabilisation?

Many Tamron lenses feature VC (Vibration Compensation) technology for stabilised shooting, which is particularly helpful for handheld and low-light photography.

Are Tamron lenses weather-sealed?

Tamron offers a range of lenses with moisture-resistant construction, providing extra protection for shooting in challenging weather conditions.

How do Tamron lenses compare to first-party lenses?

Tamron lenses are known for offering excellent optical quality and innovative features at competitive prices, often making them a great alternative to first-party options.

Do Tamron lenses support autofocus?

Yes, Tamron lenses feature advanced autofocus systems like RXD and VXD motors, delivering fast, accurate, and quiet focusing for both photography and video use. 

How do we decide?


Our in-house photography experts, store staff and partners all work collaboratively to pour over our guides and tips articles. We also consider emerging trends and customer feedback to make sure our guides are always up-to-date and reflective of what people are truly looking for. By curating only the best products, our guides provide trustworthy recommendations, making it easier for customers to make informed choices with confidence.

If you would like more advice on any purchase our contact centre staff are here to help. Alternatively, you can reach us via email or social media. And don't forget. If you were to purchase anything based on our recommendations you'll be covered by our full returns policy