Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) vs Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is 12mm, the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) is 18-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) for wide-angle, the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) for standard zoom.
Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 18mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 12mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 620g (1.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is 12mm, Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) is 18-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.1x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 620g (1.37 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) or the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is 12mm, the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) is 18-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) for wide-angle, the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X) for standard zoom.
Who should choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X)?
Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 18mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 12mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 620g (1.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) and the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X)?
Aperture: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Fuji X)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12mm | 18-300mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 99.6° | 76° – 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 18-18mm | 27-450mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $629 | $649 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 68mm | 75mm |
| Length | 69mm | 125.6mm |
| Weight | 225g (7.9 oz) | 620g (1.37 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
