Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)

Reviewers find it sharp in the centre at 70-200mm, with softer corners throughout and a noticeable drop at 300mm wide open that improves at f/8. Contrast and colour are good for the price. The RXD motor is quiet and accurate on Z bodies, but slower than linear motors when tracking erratic subjects.

The overall verdict is that it is a strong budget option that delivers more than its price suggests, and Nikon has no native full-frame 70-300mm for Z, so it fills a real gap. The lack of stabilisation, the 7-blade aperture and the minimal controls are the expected compromises.

Nikon Z owners like the low weight and price and say it is easy to take on trips where a larger telephoto would stay home. Many use it as a first wildlife lens on a Z5 or Z6 before moving up.

Complaints focus on 300mm softness, AF hunting on small birds or against busy backgrounds, the lack of VC for handheld video at 300mm, and having no AF/MF switch or control ring. The 0.8m minimum focus at 70mm limits close-up use.