Nikon Z 70-200mm Vs Tamron 70-200mm G2: Which One Should You Buy?

In the world of photography, telephoto zoom lenses are essential tools for capturing distant subjects with clarity and precision. Two popular options for Nikon Z-mount cameras are the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2. Both lenses offer similar focal lengths and maximum apertures, making them ideal for a variety of genres, including wildlife, sports, and portrait photography. However, there are some key differences between the two lenses that may influence your decision. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 in terms of their build quality, optical performance, autofocus capabilities, and overall value.

Build Quality

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a well-built lens with a solid metal construction. It features a weather-sealed design, making it resistant to dust and moisture, which is a crucial feature for photographers working in challenging outdoor conditions. The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 is also well-built, but it uses a combination of metal and plastic components. It is also weather-sealed, but it may not be as durable as the Nikon lens in extreme conditions.

Optical Performance

Both the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 deliver excellent optical performance. They produce sharp images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of resolution and contrast, especially at the longer focal lengths. This is likely due to its more advanced optical design, which includes extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to reduce chromatic aberration.

Autofocus

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S features a fast and accurate autofocus system that is powered by two stepping motors. It can lock onto subjects quickly and precisely, even in low-light conditions. The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 also has a fast and accurate autofocus system, but it uses a traditional ultrasonic motor (USM) instead of stepping motors. While the USM is still very capable, it may not be as fast or quiet as the stepping motors in the Nikon lens.

Image Stabilization

Both the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 feature optical image stabilization (OIS) to minimize camera shake and allow for sharper handheld shots. The Nikon lens has a 5.5-stop OIS system, while the Tamron lens has a 4-stop OIS system. In practice, this means that the Nikon lens will be able to compensate for slightly more camera shake than the Tamron lens.

Price and Value

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a more expensive lens than the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2. However, it offers a number of advantages, including better build quality, slightly better optical performance, faster and quieter autofocus, and more effective image stabilization. If you’re looking for the best possible telephoto zoom lens for your Nikon Z-mount camera, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget, the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 is a great value for the price.

Which Lens is Right for You?

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 are both excellent telephoto zoom lenses. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, build quality, and autofocus performance, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget, the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 is a great value for the price.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations

In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing between the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2. These include:

• Brand loyalty: Some photographers prefer to stick with one brand of lenses for consistency and compatibility. If you already have other Nikon Z-mount lenses, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S may be a better choice for you.
• Size and weight: The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is slightly larger and heavier than the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2. If you’re planning on carrying your lens around for long periods of time, the Tamron lens may be a better choice.
• Filter size: The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has a filter size of 77mm, while the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 has a filter size of 67mm. If you already have filters that you use with other lenses, you may want to choose the lens that has the same filter size.

Takeaways: Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the best way to decide which lens is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer. If you have the opportunity, rent both lenses and take them for a test drive. This will give you a chance to see how they perform in real-world situations and decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Questions You May Have

1. Which lens is sharper, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2?

Both lenses are very sharp, but the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of resolution and contrast, especially at the longer focal lengths.

2. Which lens has faster autofocus, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2?

The Nikon lens has faster and quieter autofocus, thanks to its dual stepping motors.

3. Which lens is better for low-light photography, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2?

Both lenses perform well in low-light conditions, but the Nikon lens has a slight advantage due to its faster autofocus and more effective image stabilization.

4. Which lens is better for video, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2?

Both lenses are good for video, but the Nikon lens has a slight edge due to its faster and quieter autofocus.

5. Which lens is a better value for the price, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2?

The Tamron lens is a better value for the price, as it offers similar performance to the Nikon lens at a lower cost.