The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM and the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 102mm. The Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD with a length of 100mm, is 2mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 79mm compared to the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD's 75mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD weighs 540g, 7% (45g) lighter than the Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM's weight of 585g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the SuperZoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM and the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58.
Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (DX), Pentax KAF3 and Sigma SA mounts.
Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM has a focal range of 18-300mm and
16.7X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD has a focal range of 16-300mm and 18.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24-450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
