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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR vs Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD

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Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR
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Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR vs Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC, two Telephoto Zoom lenses from Nikon and Tamron.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR Key Specs

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 1430g.
  • Diameter: 89mm
  • Length: 203mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1.1m
  • Max Magnification:0.21x

Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC Key Specs

  • 150-600mm Focal Range
  • F5.0 - F6.3 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Thread: 95mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 1951g.
  • Diameter: 106mm
  • Length: 258mm
  • Min Focus Distance:2.7m
  • Max Magnification:0.2x

What type of photography are the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and the Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC
Bird/WildlifeGoodExcellent
SportsGoodExcellent
PortraitAveragePoor
TravelFairPoor
StreetFairPoor
WeddingAveragePoor
Walk AroundAverageFair
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapeAverageFair
MacroFairFair

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC is the longer of the two lenses at 258mm. The Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR with a length of 203mm is 55mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC also has a larger diameter of 106mm compared to Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR's 89mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR weighs 1430g, which means it is 521g (26%) lighter than the Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC which has a weight of 1951g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G Lens Nikon 70-300mm f4-5.6G
117mm
74mm 425g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR Lens Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
171mm
91mm 1340g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Lens Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
144mm
80mm 745g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Lens Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
268mm
108mm 2300g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
544mm
157mm 5880g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Lens Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II
209mm
87mm 1540g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
290mm
121mm 2860g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro Lens Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG
122mm
77mm 550g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 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 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC is also available in Canon EF and Sony Alpha mounts.

Focal Range

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 300mm.
Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC has a focal range of 150-600mm and 4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 225 - 900mm.

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR over Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD

Focal Length - Wide 70mm vs 150mm 80mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 5 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 6.3 Wider aperture at tele end
Weight 1430g vs 1951g 521g lighter
Diameter 89mm vs 106mm 17mm smaller in diameter
Length 203mm vs 258mm 55mm shorter
Filter Thread 77mm vs 95mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 1.1m vs 2.7m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.21x vs 0.2x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR

Focal Length - Tele 600mm vs 200mm 400mm more Tele coverage
Optical Zoom 4.00x vs 2.90x More flexible focal coverage

Common Strengths of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD
Image Stabilization Yes vs Yes Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR vs Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Nikon Tamron
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 70-200mm 150-600mm
Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Colour Unknown Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) No Zoom
Power Zoom No -
Zoom Lock Yes -
Zoom Ratio 2.9X 4.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F5.0 - F6.3
Min Aperture F22 F32.0 - F40.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 22 20
Optical Groups 18 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 1.1m 2.7m
Max Magnification 0.21X 0.2X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 1430g 1951g
Diameter 89mm 106mm
Length 203mm 258mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread 77mm 95mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - -
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