Two lenses compete for your attention if you shoot Nikon Z-mount APS-C: the Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD. Both are pitched as “do-it-all” options, which makes the choice tricky. The difference between them comes down to how you balance portability with reach.
Coming to you from Adrian Alford Photography, this detailed video compares the Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD side by side and breaks down the real differences. The Nikon is much smaller and lighter, measuring 90 mm in length and weighing 315 g. The Tamron, on the other hand, stretches to 127 mm and nearly doubles the weight at 635 g. That’s not minor when you’re carrying a camera all day. Tamron does include a lens hood in the box, while Nikon sells theirs separately for about $40, which adds another consideration. Both lenses share the same aperture range, but filter threads differ slightly: 62mm on the Nikon and 67mm on the Tamron.
The video makes it clear that reach is where the Tamron pulls ahead. While both start at 18mm, the Nikon maxes out at 140mm (a 210mm full-frame equivalent). The Tamron reaches 300mm, which translates to 450mm full frame equivalent, giving you a significant boost for distant subjects. Minimum focus distances vary as well: at the wide end, Tamron lets you get closer to your subject than Nikon, but on the telephoto side, Nikon can focus closer. That balance makes the choice depend on whether you want a lens better for wide angle close-ups or for extended telephoto shots.
Price-wise, both lenses are about the same. Both lenses come with built-in stabilization, which helps steady your shots whether you’re filming video or shooting handheld in low light. Image quality is strong in both, but neither can match the sharpness of primes or pro telephotos. What they do offer is convenience: one lens that covers most situations without needing to swap glass, which is a real benefit for travel or casual outings. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alford.
“One Lens to Rule Them All?”
No. Next question?
The best lens I have ever used in this class of "do it all" lenses is the OM System 12-100 f/4 PRO. Extremely sharp across the zoom range, Sync IS gives excellent stabilization and a constant f/4 aperture. There really is nothing like it in the travel lens category.
I found Panasonic’s 14-140/3.5-5.6 excellent in this role - sharp and ultra-portable.
Once upon a time B4 the Tamron lens was available and for less $, there was the Sigma 18-300 for Nikon. Happily I still use it today as my main lens.