Tamron has an excellent range of zoom lenses. It can be difficult to find an affordable zoom lens under $1000, this is why we have done the hard work for you.
We have compiled a range of different lenses for various photography. This includes several multi-purpose all-in-one lenses and a couple of super-telephoto zoom lenses too. All are cheap and good lenses under $1000.
When choosing a zoom lens, be sure to look for features like image stabilization, maximum aperture, and autofocusing. These are important when working with this type of photography as they provide greater control and usability.
1. Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD (Overall Winner)
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD is our top choice for best Tamron zoom lenses under $1000. It is a great affordable lens and it offers good versatility for your photography. With a focal distance of 35-150mm, you can use it for anything from landscape shots to wildlife and sports photography.
This is complemented by a good maximum aperture of f/2.8 through to f/4 at 150mm. The larger maximum aperture adds to the versatility this lens has. You can use the aperture to easily control the depth of field and experiment with bokeh backgrounds.
As a great budget lens, it benefits from Tamron’s Vibration Compensation technology. This provides up to five stops of camera shake correction. It also has the Optimized Silent Drive feature for quick, accurate, and quiet autofocusing.
If you want a multi-purpose affordable lens for a Nikon or Canon DSLR, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD is a good choice.
2. Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD
Next, we have the affordable Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD lens. This is one of the best Tamron zoom lenses under $1000 and a good telephoto lens. The focal distance of 70mm to 210mm is perfect for portraits, events, and detailed photography of distant subjects.
This lens is available for both Canon and Nikon full-frame DSLR cameras and comes with a standard Tamron six-year warranty. The consistent maximum aperture of f/4 is not as large as some zoom lenses, but it still provides good flexibility and control.
The lens has vibration compensation which is an essential feature for zoom lenses. It also has the USD autofocusing technology which enables you to effectively track moving objects like wildlife. Despite its advanced lens element, it is still relatively lightweight and one of the smallest zoom lenses of its kind.
The lens element has an external coating that is resistant to moisture and dust for extra protection.
3. Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD
If you want a super telephoto zoom lens, the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is an absolute beast. It is one of the best budget zoom lenses available and a great Tamron zoom lens under $1000.
For an affordable price, you get a brilliant focal distance of 100-400mm. This allows you to capture excellent detail on mid-range to long-range zoom compositions. For sports and wildlife photography, this is a top choice that offers excellent detail.
Despite the large focal distance, this affordable lens has a decent maximum aperture. At 100mm it has a maximum aperture of f/4.5 and at 400mm a maximum aperture of f/6.3. That still gives enough control over the depth of field to create nice bokeh backgrounds and put the emphasis on your subject.
This lens has Vibration Compensation which is an absolute must when working at such large focal distances. The autofocusing technology is accurate and helps when tracking subjects.
4. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD
Going one step further than the cheap 100-400mm, we have the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD. This super-telephoto zoom lens offers a brilliant focal distance of 150-600mm. It arguably offers one of the largest focal distances for DSLR cameras without using an extender.
Although it has a huge maximum focal distance of 600mm, it is still relatively affordable. The combination of cheap price and features make it one of the best Tamron zoom lenses under $1000. If you want a budget zoom lens for wildlife photography, this is a top choice.
The maximum aperture of f/5-6.3 is not amazing, but it is sufficient to create quality photos. At this focal distance it is difficult to expect a higher maximum aperture. Aside from that, the lens has Vibration Compensation and Tamron’s USD autofocusing motor.
This lens is available for both Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras and has a tripod mount attachment for added stability.
5. Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Budget Winner)
Our choice for best budget Tamron lens under $1000 is the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC HDL. This is an affordable lens and provides great versatility due to its wide focal distance range. At 18mm, you can capture great wide-angle shots. Alternatively, at 400mm, you can capture detailed wildlife and sports photography.
This all-encompassing lens could be used as a cheap kit-lens. Using this lens, you would not even need to use any other devices as you have the whole focal range covered.
The 18-400mm also has Vibration Compensation which helps when shooting at telephoto zoom lengths. It also has an HLD motor which means a quick and effective autofocus system. Whilst the quality may not be as consistent as prime lenses, it is still a good lens under $1000.
Use Tamron Zoom Lenses Under $1000 to Improve Your Creativity and Control
We hope you have found this buying guide of the best Tamron zoom lenses under $1000 useful. As you can see, you don’t have to break the bank to purchase a zoom lens. Tamron has a great selection of budget zoom lenses for both Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras.
