Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) vs Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) is 12mm, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) for zoom.
Choose the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 322g (11.4 oz) it's lighter than the 500g (1.10 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) is 12mm, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) reaches 1x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) is 322g (11.4 oz) vs 500g (1.10 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) is 12mm, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) for zoom.
Who should choose the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 322g (11.4 oz) it's lighter than the 500g (1.10 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) and the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)?
Focal range: Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF (Nikon Z) is 12mm, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12mm | 90mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 122° | 27° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 29 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77.5mm | 74mm |
| Length | 71.8mm | 117mm |
| Weight | 322g (11.4 oz) | 500g (1.10 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
