The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D 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 PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D is the longer of the two lenses at 107mm. The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC with a length of 91mm, is 16mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D's 83mm 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. Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D weighs 650g, 7% (50g) lighter than the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC's weight of 700g.
Filter Threads
The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D 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 85mm F1.8 VC is also available in Sony Alpha and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D's widest aperture value is
F2.8.