The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II and the Tamron AF 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 XR 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 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II is the longer of the two lenses at 83mm. The Tamron AF 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 XR with a length of 75mm, is 8mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 71mm.
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 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II weighs 335g, which means it is 19g (5%) lighter than the Tamron AF 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 XR which has a weight of 354g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Tamron AF 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 XR has a 62mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron AF 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 XR:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Tamron AF 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 XR has the Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF Mount.
Tamron AF 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 XR is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR II has a focal range of 55-200mm and
3.6X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
82.5-300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Tamron AF 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 XR has a focal range of 28-200mm and 7.1X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 42 - 300mm.
