The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF 80-200mm f2.8D ED and the Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon AF 80-200mm f2.8D ED is the longer of the two lenses at 187mm. The Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD with a length of 175mm, is 12mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon AF 80-200mm f2.8D ED also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD's 76mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD weighs 859g, 33% (441g) lighter than the Nikon AF 80-200mm f2.8D ED's weight of 1300g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF 80-200mm f2.8D ED has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF 80-200mm f2.8D ED:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF 80-200mm f2.8D ED and the Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD is also available in Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Nikon AF 80-200mm f2.8D ED has a focal range of 80-200mm and
2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
120 - 300mm.
On the other hand, the Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD has a focal range of 70-210mm and 3.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 315mm.