Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS vs Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X)
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 55mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.18x.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is 55-200mm, Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) is 18-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.18x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS or the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X)?
Choose the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 55mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.18x.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS and the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X)?
Focal range: Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is 55-200mm, Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) is 18-300mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 55-200mm | 18-300mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 29° – 8° | 76° – 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 84-305mm | 27-450mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 110 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.18x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $649 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 75.7mm | 75mm |
| Length | 175mm | 125.6mm |
| Weight | 580g (1.28 lb) | 620g (1.37 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
