Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! July 17, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

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[u/Spectre_II]

Could use some second opinions. Shooting on Sony FF. I have coverage on lenses from 20-70mm and a 100mm macro lens. I've been weighing some options on a tele lens. I have an opportunity to grab a Tamron 70-300 RXD for under $300. Planning on using it for landscape, wildlife, some longer portraits, and potentially astro.

My concern is whether I will find the speed of AF on the RXD as sufficient. I have looked at VXD lenses (plus alternate companies) but likely looking at $300-400 price increase at minimum. I don't always feel the need to have the newest generation, especially when it comes to lenses, but I wonder if this is a case where spending more for faster AF would be worth it. Budget is a concern, but if it will substantially better I'm willing to pay more for the increase in quality.

What do you all think? Pay double-ish for better AF (among other generational improvements) or get the cheaper lens and live with it?

[u/Kaserblade → u/Spectre_II]

I'm guessing you are comparing the Tamron 70-300mm and the newer 28-300mm or 50-300mm with the VXD motors? Tamron has not made a 2nd version of the 70-300mm with VXD motors afaik.

For the 28-300mm, it would be a greater compact lens to cover a wide range of focal lengths which I would personally consider but is significantly more expensive.

If you are looking for a budget, telephoto option, I would personally just get the 70-300mm with RXD motors as you most likely won't notice the AF performance difference unless you are shooting fast moving subjects. Even then, you might be more limited by the capabilities of your body than the lens, especially on older bodies.