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 150-500mm F5-6.7 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 150-500mm F5-6.7 with a length of 210mm, is 12mm 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 150-500mm F5-6.7's 93mm diameter.
Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
Comparison image of the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Size and Weight 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 Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR weighs 1435g, which means it is 289g (16%) lighter than the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 which has a weight of 1724g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 has a 82mm 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 82mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 has the Sony E 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 Sony FX5 , Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount.
Fujifilm X and Nikon Z mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a focal range of 100-400mm and
4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
150 - 600mm .
On the other hand, the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 has a focal range of 150-500mm and 3.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 225 - 750mm .
