Nikon 200-500 Vs Tamron 150-600 G2: The Ultimate Telephoto Showdown
What To Know
- The Nikon lens has a slightly shorter minimum focal length of 200mm, while the Tamron lens has a longer maximum focal length of 600mm.
- The Nikon lens is generally considered to have better sharpness and contrast, while the Tamron lens is known for its good color reproduction and bokeh.
- It is made of a more durable magnesium alloy, while the Tamron lens is made of a combination of magnesium alloy and plastic.
In the world of super-telephoto zoom lenses, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR and the Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 stand out as two of the most popular options for wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers. Both lenses offer impressive reach, image quality, and features, but there are also some key differences between them. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2 head-to-head to help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs.
Focal Length Range
The first and most obvious difference between the Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2 is their focal length range. The Nikon lens has a slightly shorter minimum focal length of 200mm, while the Tamron lens has a longer maximum focal length of 600mm. This means that the Tamron lens offers a bit more reach, which can be useful for subjects that are very far away. However, the Nikon lens is still plenty long for most wildlife and sports photography applications.
Aperture
Both the Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2 have a variable aperture that ranges from f/5.6 to f/8. This means that they both have the same maximum aperture, which is good for low-light photography. However, the Tamron lens has a slightly slower minimum aperture of f/8, which means that it will be a bit less effective in very low-light conditions.
Image Quality
Both the Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2 are capable of producing excellent image quality. However, there are some slight differences between them. The Nikon lens is generally considered to have better sharpness and contrast, while the Tamron lens is known for its good color reproduction and bokeh. Ultimately, the best way to decide which lens is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer.
Autofocus
The Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2 both have fast and accurate autofocus systems. However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in this area. It uses a more advanced autofocus motor that is able to lock onto subjects more quickly and accurately. This can be a big advantage for wildlife and sports photographers who need to be able to track moving subjects.
Build Quality
The Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2 are both well-built lenses. However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in this area as well. It is made of a more durable magnesium alloy, while the Tamron lens is made of a combination of magnesium alloy and plastic. This makes the Nikon lens a bit more resistant to wear and tear, which is important for photographers who use their lenses in harsh conditions.
Price
The Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2 are both relatively expensive lenses. However, the Nikon lens is significantly more expensive than the Tamron lens. This is due to a combination of factors, including the Nikon lens’s longer focal length range, better image quality, and more durable build quality.
Which Lens is Right for You?
The Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2 are both excellent super-telephoto zoom lenses. However, there are some key differences between them that may make one lens a better choice for you than the other. If you need the longest possible reach, the Tamron lens is the way to go. If you’re looking for the best possible image quality and autofocus performance, the Nikon lens is the better choice. And if you’re on a budget, the Tamron lens is the more affordable option.
Alternatives to Consider
In addition to the Nikon 200-500mm and Tamron 150-600mm G2, there are a few other super-telephoto zoom lenses that you may want to consider. These include the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports, the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, and the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which lens is sharper, the Nikon 200-500mm or the Tamron 150-600mm G2?
A: The Nikon 200-500mm is generally considered to be sharper than the Tamron 150-600mm G2, especially at longer focal lengths.
Q: Which lens has better autofocus, the Nikon 200-500mm or the Tamron 150-600mm G2?
A: The Nikon 200-500mm has a slightly better autofocus system than the Tamron 150-600mm G2. It uses a more advanced autofocus motor that is able to lock onto subjects more quickly and accurately.
Q: Which lens is better built, the Nikon 200-500mm or the Tamron 150-600mm G2?
A: The Nikon 200-500mm is better built than the Tamron 150-600mm G2. It is made of a more durable magnesium alloy, while the Tamron lens is made of a combination of magnesium alloy and plastic.
