Tamron's stabilised 70-300mm for Nikon — the VC USD version with vibration compensation and ultrasonic AF.
The Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD was released around 2010 as Tamron's premium telephoto zoom, featuring both VC stabilisation and USD ultrasonic autofocus. It represented a significant step up from the budget non-VC Tamron 70-300mm, competing directly with the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR at a competitive price with arguable optical advantages.
Optical performance is very good for the class. Sharpness is impressive throughout the range with good consistency from 70-200mm and acceptable performance at 300mm. VC stabilisation provides approximately 4 stops of correction. USD motor is fast and quiet with full-time manual override. The SP designation confirms this as Tamron's premium tier, with notably better optics than the budget version.
Nikon F mount. Filter thread is 62mm. Weight is approximately 765 grams. Build quality is good with moisture-resistant construction at critical points. The lens includes a petal-shaped hood. No weather sealing but moisture resistance at the mount and switches. The VC and USD combination makes this significantly more versatile than Tamron's budget 70-300mm offerings.
Good availability on the used market at reasonable prices. Check VC operation and AF accuracy. One of the best mid-range telephoto zooms from the DSLR era — the combination of good optics, stabilisation, and quiet AF is hard to beat at the price. The Tamron 70-300mm Di III VCM for mirrorless is the modern successor.