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Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD vs Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro

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Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD
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Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro
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Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD vs Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD and Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD, two Telephoto Zoom lenses by Tamron. Both lenses have the same focal length and max apertures of 70-300mm focal range and a max aperture of F4.0 - F5.6 so they are very comparable in this regard.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD Key Specs

  • 70-300mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 765g.
  • Diameter: 82mm
  • Length: 143mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1.5m
  • Max Magnification:0.25x

Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD Key Specs

  • 70-300mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 435g.
  • Diameter: 77mm
  • Length: 117mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.95m

What type of photography are the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD and Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD and the Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD
Bird/WildlifeGoodGood
SportsGoodGood
PortraitAverageAverage
TravelFairFair
StreetFairFair
WeddingAverageAverage
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapeAverageAverage

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD is the longer of the two lenses at 143mm. The Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD with a length of 117mm is 26mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD also has a larger diameter of 82mm compared to Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD's 77mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD weighs 435g, 43% (330g) lighter than the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD's weight of 765g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G Lens Nikon 70-300mm f4-5.6G
117mm
74mm 425g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR Lens Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
171mm
91mm 1340g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Lens Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
144mm
80mm 745g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC
258mm
106mm 1951g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Lens Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
268mm
108mm 2300g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
544mm
157mm 5880g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Lens Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II
209mm
87mm 1540g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
290mm
121mm 2860g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD and Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD is also available in Canon EF mount.

Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha and Pentax KAF mounts.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 70-300mm and the fastest aperture of F4.0 - F5.6.

Reasons to choose Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD over Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Focus Type Internal Focusing vs Extending front Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Max Magnification 0.25x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro over Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD

Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Weight 435g vs 765g 330g lighter
Diameter 77mm vs 82mm 5mm smaller in diameter
Length 117mm vs 143mm 26mm shorter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.95m vs 1.5m can focus closer to the subject

Common Strengths of Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD and Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD and Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro
Internal Zoom No vs No Length of the lens changes during zooming
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD vs Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tamron Tamron
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 70-300mm 70-300mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No -
Zoom Lock No -
Zoom Ratio 4.3X 4.3X
Aperture
Max Aperture F4.0 - F5.6 F4.0 - F5.6
Min Aperture F32.0 - F45.0 F32.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 17 13
Optical Groups 12 9
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 1.5m 0.95m
Max Magnification 0.25X unknown
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Micromotor
Full Time Manual Yes No
Focus Method Internal Extending front
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 765g 435g
Diameter 82mm 77mm
Length 143mm 117mm
Materials Plastic barrel, metal mount Unknown
Weather Sealing No Unknown
Filter Thread 62mm 62mm
Filter Notes Does not rotate on focusing -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown DA-17
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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