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 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD 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. Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD is the longer of the two lenses at 227mm. The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR with a length of 222mm, is 5mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to the Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD's 94mm 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 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD weighs 1237g, 13% (198g) 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 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD has a 86mm 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 86mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD has the Nikon F (FX) 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 Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD is also available in Canon EF and Sony Alpha 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 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD has a focal range of 200-500mm and 2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 300 - 750mm.
