Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR vs Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 versus the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR gives that up to stay cheaper ($749). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $749 vs $999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 25mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.4x magnification vs 0.21x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR is 70-300mm, Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 25-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR is $749, $250 under the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR or the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 versus the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR gives that up to stay cheaper ($749). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $749 vs $999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?
Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 25mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.4x magnification vs 0.21x.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR and the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?
Aperture: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-300mm | 25-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 23° – 5° | 82° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 107-457mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 84 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.4x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $749 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 78mm | 76.6mm |
| Length | 132.5mm | 118.6mm |
| Weight | 580g (1.28 lb) | 575g (1.27 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
