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Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD vs Nikon PC-E Micro-Nikkor 85mm f2.8D

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Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC

Telephoto Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD
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Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D

Perspective Control Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon PC-E Micro-Nikkor 85mm f2.8D
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Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC vs Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is a Telephoto Prime lens with a 85mm focal range and a max aperture of F1.8 whereas Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D is a Perspective Control Prime lens with a 85mm focal range and max aperture of F2.8.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 700g.
  • Diameter: 85mm
  • Length: 91mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.8m
  • Max Magnification:0.14x

Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 650g.
  • Diameter: 83mm
  • Length: 107mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.39m

What type of photography are the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D lenses good for?

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:

Photography Type Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D
Bird/WildlifeAverageFair
SportsGoodFair
PortraitExcellentFair
TravelFairFair
StreetAveragePoor
WeddingVery GoodFair
Walk AroundFairPoor
VloggingAveragePoor
LandscapeFairFair

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor 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 Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D's 83mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D weighs 650g, 7% (50g) lighter than the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC's weight of 700g.


Lens Mounts

Both Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and 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

Reasons to choose Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD over Nikon PC-E Micro-Nikkor 85mm f2.8D

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Length 91mm vs 107mm 16mm shorter
Filter Thread 67mm vs 77mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Max Magnification 0.14x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Nikon PC-E Micro-Nikkor 85mm f2.8D over Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD

Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 650g vs 700g 50g lighter
Diameter 83mm vs 85mm 2mm smaller in diameter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.39m vs 0.8m can focus closer to the subject

Common Strengths of Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD and Nikon PC-E Micro-Nikkor 85mm f2.8D
Autofocus Yes vs Yes Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC vs Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tamron Nikon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Perspective Control Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 85mm 85mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.8 F2.8
Min Aperture F32.0
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 13 6
Optical Groups 9 5
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.8m 0.39m
Max Magnification 0.14X unknown
Autofocus Yes No
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic None
Full Time Manual Yes N/A
Focus Method Internal Unknown
Distance Scale No Unknown
DoF Scale No Unknown
Distance Scale No Unknown
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 700g 650g
Diameter 85mm 83mm
Length 91mm 107mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 67mm 77mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown HB-22
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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