Fujifilm X – S20 paired with Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD – Initial review with sample images

There are two rules while doing research for any new camera gear. First rule is never believe what photographers say on social media. They are paid influencers. Second rule is “never lose focus from the first rule”. I recently discovered this while deciding or not deciding to buy the Tamron 18-300mm for APS-C mirrorless cameras.

So the first thing I do is to take it out for a night photography test and the results blew my mind.

About the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD

Tamron says that this is the world’s first APS-C mirrorless which can achieve this range of focal length. It is a boon to all those APS-C mirrorless camera users who were severely handicapped by lack of lens options. Tamron had released the Sony version way back in 2021 and immediately followed with the Fujifilm mount.

This lens is specifically for street photographers on a budget. With the right settings, this can also become your main lens of choice for general purpose photography too.

Model Number : B061
Di III – A : Digitally Integrated III – Compact lens designed for mirrorless APS-C cameras
VC : Vibration Compensation
VXD : Tamron’s liner motor focus mechanism called voice coil extreme torque drive

Main problem as per influencers review on social media

Leaving a couple of photographers, most of the reviewers have criticized the maximum aperture of F/6.3 which makes it good only for bright day light conditions. So straight away I went for the night photo shoot on the streets.

All pictures were clicked hand held in Aperture Priority mode.

Sample Night Pictures

Here are the results, judge for your self.

Using a slower shutter speed to capture the light trails. Foggy night in Delhi at India Gate.

Honoring a national hero. Forgotten from the history books, but today getting his rightful place.

At the telephoto end with a full frame equivalent of 450mm. See the sharpness even in low light conditions. Of course you can never compare it with prime lens but then with photoediting at your disposal, what is there to worry about.

You still get good results in fog and hazy conditions.

Architectural details in low light conditions are also good. If you try to compare the result with expensive lens, you better be able to afford the expensive lens.

Amazing image quality without the cost factor involved.

Trying to focus on the lettering through a maze of leaves and foliage.

Soft light at Kartavya Path.