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

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.