Review
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II Review: APS-C's Best Standard Zoom
The redesigned 16-55 finally adds OIS and trims weight, making it the obvious choice for Fuji X shooters.
4.7
Head to head
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 vs Topaz Photo AI
A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.
Spec snapshot
| Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 | Topaz Photo AI | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $899 | $199 |
| Our rating | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Category | camera-lenses | software |
| Pros | 3 | 4 |
| Cons | 2 | 3 |
The case for each
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
4.6
Pros
- +Excellent sharpness
- +Half the weight of the GM equivalent
- +Great value
Cons
- −28mm wide end (not 24)
- −Plastic build
Topaz Photo AI
4.3
Pros
- +Best-in-class rescue tool for broken files
- +Three AI tools in one workflow
- +Perpetual license with optional updates
- +Plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop
Cons
- −Slower than Lightroom's built-in Denoise
- −UI can feel cluttered for first-time users
- −Annual update fee adds up over time
Winner by use case
Vlogging & videoTamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Low-light photographyTopaz Photo AI
Value for moneyTamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Pro & enterprise useTie
BeginnersTie
Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.
Common questions
Is the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 better than the Topaz Photo AI?
It depends on what you shoot. Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 scores 4.6/5 in our review, while the Topaz Photo AI scores 4.3/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.
Which is cheaper, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 or the Topaz Photo AI?
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 sells around $899, and Topaz Photo AI around $199. The Topaz Photo AI is the cheaper of the two.
Which one is better for beginners?
Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.
Should I upgrade from the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 to the Topaz Photo AI?
Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.
More in this category
Review
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM Review: The New Portrait King for Sony
A lighter, sharper, faster-focusing 50mm GM that finally gives Sony shooters the no-compromise nifty-fifty they've been waiting for.
4.8
Review
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Review: A New Benchmark
Lighter than the original by nearly 30%, faster-focusing, and visibly sharper. The new telephoto zoom to beat.
4.9