Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) vs Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is 70-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for macro, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) for super-telephoto.
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 65mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 545g (1.20 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 65mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 70-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 65mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is 70-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) reaches 2x magnification vs 0.32x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 335g (11.8 oz) vs 545g (1.20 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) or the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) is 65mm, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is 70-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) for macro, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 65mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 545g (1.20 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 65mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 70-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 65mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) and the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 65mm | 70-300mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 37° | 34° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 80 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.32x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 63.5mm | 74.4mm |
| Length | 99.5mm | 148.3mm |
| Weight | 335g (11.8 oz) | 545g (1.20 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
