The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR and the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro 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 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR is the longer of the two lenses at 316mm. The Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro with a length of 166mm, is 150mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR also has a larger diameter of 110mm compared to the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro's 85mm 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 180mm f3.5 LD Macro weighs 920g, 57% (1220g) lighter than the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR's weight of 2140g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 95mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro has the Sony Alpha 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 A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has a focal range of 180-600mm 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
270 - 900mm.
On the other hand, the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 180mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 270mm.
