The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 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 Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR is the longer of the two lenses at 222mm. The Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD with a length of 199mm, is 23mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD's 86mm 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 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD weighs 1135g, 20% (300g) lighter than the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR's weight of 1435g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 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 Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
100-400mm but while Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the fastest aperture of
F4.5-5.6, the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD's widest aperture value is
F4.5-6.3.
