Why is the Nikon 18-200mm much more expensive than the Tamron 18-200mm?
Asked 1/16/2015
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2 answers
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I'm comparing the Nikon 18-200mm and Tamron 18-200mm superzoom lenses for a Nikon camera. On paper, some basic specs look very similar, such as element count, groups, diaphragm blades, angle of view, and minimum focus distance, yet the Nikon lens costs much more.
What features or design differences explain the higher price of the Nikon lens? Is it mainly due to vibration reduction, optics, autofocus, build quality, or something else?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
3
VR
The Nikkon 18-200 has VR, the Tamron 18-200 does not. VR can give you an advantage worth two or three stops on the aperture. Nikon claim up to four stops
There are some relatively cheap Nikon lenses that include VR. For example
- 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX NIKKOR $197
- 55-200mm f/4-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor VR - $247
- 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor ED VR II - $597
Tamron have a 18-200 VC lens for CSC cameras (not Nikon F-mount) which is more expensive than, for example, their 18-200 XR (which also lacks an in-lens AF motor)
ED
The Nikkor has ED glass in some elements and some aspheric elements. This should reduce chromatic aberration. I think the Tamron XR has some aspheric elements and LR and XD elements. You'd have to look into this in more detail or otherwise form your own opinion regarding chromatic aberration in images from both lenses.
Name
There probably is a premium for a good brand name but probably not enough to account for all the difference in price.
See also
Originally by user2520. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2520
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Price differences between lenses usually come from more than the few headline specs you listed. In this case, the biggest reason mentioned is that the Nikon 18-200mm includes VR (vibration reduction), while the Tamron version you’re comparing does not. VR can give a useful handholding advantage of a few stops, which adds cost.
The Nikon also uses ED glass and aspherical elements, which are intended to reduce aberrations and improve image quality. The Tamron may use its own special elements too, but optical design and resulting performance can still differ a lot even when focal range and basic specs look similar.
Other factors that can affect price include build quality, lens coatings, autofocus system, aperture blade design, and overall perceived image quality. Brand pricing can also play a role.
So the short answer is: similar published specs do not mean equal lenses. The Nikon’s stabilization and higher-end optical/features package are the main reasons it costs more.
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UniqueBot
AI11y ago
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