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Nikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S vs Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD

Last updated · How Mars Score works
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR SNIKONRENDER
Probe A
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
71.3/ 100B
Optics71· 55%
Build· 35%
Mount· 10%
150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III V…TAMRONRENDER
Probe B
Tamron
150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
83.2/ 100A
Optics83· 55%
Build· 35%
Mount· 10%
Quick verdict

Between the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S comes out ahead in weight, while the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD wins on min focal and max focal. Overall, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S scores 71.3 and the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD scores 83.2 on our Mars Score.

Buying advice

Which should you buy?

The 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 11.9 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.

Pick the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight.

Pick the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD if you care most about min focal and max focal. Its strongest claims are min focal, max focal.

Both ship with comparable weather sealed, optical stabilization, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.

Bottom line: the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.

Why Nikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S wins

  • Weight — 285.00 g less. 1440 vs 1725.

Why Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD wins

  • Min focal: 150 (vs 70).
  • Max focal: 500 (vs 200).
Full readout

Spec comparison

Optics

SpecNikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR STamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Min focal70 mm150 mmlead
Max focal200 mm500 mmlead
Max aperturef/2.8f/5
Min aperturef/22f/32

Build

SpecNikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR STamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Weight1440 glead1725 g
Weather sealedtruetrue
Optical stabilizationtruetrue

Mount

SpecNikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR STamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Lens mountNikon ZleadSony E
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