The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR and the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC 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-P 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 146mm. The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC with a length of 91mm, is 55mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR's 81mm 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. Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR weighs 680g, which means it is 20g (2%) lighter than the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC which has a weight of 700g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR and the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC have the same Filter thread size of 67mm.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR and the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC 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 85mm F1.8 VC is also available in Sony Alpha and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR has a focal range of 70-300mm and
4.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 450mm.
On the other hand, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 127.5mm.